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The Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County on Monday announced that its longtime CEO, Don Shisler, will be taking on a new role as CEO emeritus.
Don Shisler
Charles Wolford
Coinciding with that news was the announcement that Dr. Charles M. Wolford II has been appointed the agency’s new president and CEO, according to a press release.
“After much prayer and discernment, we have selected a new CEO. Dr. Wolford will lead UGM-TC through many more years of transforming the lives of hurting men, women, and children,” Shisler said in a statement. “I believe this new beginning will be a blessing for the Mission and everyone involved. I’m excited about my new role and am confident we can count on the community’s continued partnership and support in the months and years to come.”
Shisler said that in his new role he will focus on donor relations, expanding programs, and continuing with building and construction projects.
Wolford, a Fort Worth-Dallas native, joins the Mission with 33 years of experience in ministry and working with youth, adults, and families experiencing homelessness.
“The Word of God tells us to abide with one another,” Wolford said. “I want to get to know and spend time with the people here and hear their journeys, their successes, what God has been doing for them.”
Wolford as had leadership roles in other agencies, including Promise House, Mission Central, and City House. He has also served as a pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.
“We all have a story to tell, and sometimes those stories are shared sitting in the lobby or at a meal, even walking across the street with someone. I look forward to that and I treasure that.”
Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County was founded in 1888 by 10 downtown churches as the Bethel Mission by 10 downtown churches. In 1909, it was rebranded with the name we know today, along with a new motto: No creed but Christ; no law but love.
For 136 years, it has provided food, shelter, and support services to thousands of men, women and children, including a residency program for people seeking to transition out of homelessness.
It is funded entirely through charitable donations.
In 1979 it moved into its current location at 1331 East Lancaster Ave.
Shisler joined the Mission as a volunteer in 1993. He has been president and CEO since 1995. His tenure has been marked by expansive growth in services.
In the fall, the Mission celebrated the grand opening of its new $13 million Community Outreach Center, a 27,260-square-foot facility at 2400 N. Kentucky Ave., just west of the Union Gospel’s main campus.
The new facility on North Kentucky was created to help elevate the unemployed and underemployed in and around the greater Tarrant County area.
“The idea for the COC was born during the early days of the pandemic when we began asking ourselves what more we could do to help individuals and families transition out of poverty and create a pathway to long-term economic security,” said Shisler.
“We found that many individuals were working multiple jobs simply to make ends meet. Our goal is to address the gaps in vocational training and other important skills, so these individuals can qualify for better paying jobs that will sustain themselves and their families.”
In 2016, the Mission opened the Scott Walker Women and Families Service building with 28 double-occupancy rooms for single women, 12 overnight-shelter beds for women, and five rooms for families and children. Five other rooms were opened for homeless fathers with children.
In 2008, the Mission dedicated the Healing Shepherd Clinic to relieve overcrowded hospital emergency rooms and provide treatment for conditions common to the homeless, such as heart, liver and kidney disease; skin infections; pulmonary disease; diabetes; and hypertension.
“As Fort Worth gets the chance to meet Dr. Wolford,” Shisler said, “I’m sure everyone will agree God chose him to lead UGM-TC forward.”