Grace in Action Stories of Hope and Service at City Union Mission
The Living Well Podcast
In this heartfelt episode, host Brad Burrow sits down with Tim Hare, Church Relations Specialist at City Union Mission, and long-time volunteer Bill Gray, to explore how God is transforming lives in Kansas City through compassion, service, and second chances. Tim shares his journey from pastoring to helping churches engage with the homeless through faith-driven outreach, while Bill reflects on nearly 40 years of volunteering, from humble beginnings to moments that reveal the true power of grace. Together, they discuss how City Union Mission meets both physical and spiritual needs, the...
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From the Streets to a Second Chance
The Living Well Podcast
Today’s episode features Kevin Anderson, whose powerful journey from homelessness to healing will move you deeply. After losing everything—his job, his home, and his brother—Kevin spent six years living on the streets. But a prayer circle in jail and a chance encounter with City Union Mission changed his life forever. Now, Kevin is rebuilding and is strong in faith, helping others, and even preparing to buy a home. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and the power of grace. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation.
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From Brokenness to Breakthrough
The Living Well Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Living Well Podcast, guest host Brad Burrow sits down with Charity Gibbs, the first voice many hear when calling the City Union Mission hotline. But before she was helping others find hope, Charity was desperate for it herself. Charity shares her extraordinary story—from a childhood marked by addiction and chaos to surviving sex trafficking, homelessness, and addiction. In a moment of despair, she found herself on the steps of City Union Mission. That moment changed everything. Now, nearly 20 years later, Charity is on the other side of the...
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A 30,000-Foot View
The Living Well Podcast
In this episode of Living Well, guest host Brad Burrow sits down with Phillip Garvin, Clinical Director at City Union Mission, and Dinae Chichester, Health Services Coordinator and Supervisor, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to support men and women experiencing homelessness and deep trauma. Together, they offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at City Union Mission’s integrated approach to care—where clinical counseling, health services, and spiritual restoration come together to meet the full needs of the individual. Learn how the mission’s “BEST BET”...
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Hope, Called to Care
The Living Well Podcast
In this episode of The Living Well, we talk with Dinae Chichester, Health Services Coordinator at City Union Mission, about her journey from forensic nursing in a hospital setting to providing trauma-informed care within a homeless ministry. Dinae shares how her passion for serving vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, led her to the Mission. She discusses the deep connection between trauma and homelessness, the importance of faith in the healing process, and her vision for expanding health services to meet urgent needs with...
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Hope, Hospitality & Transformation
The Living Well Podcast
In this powerful episode of The Living Well podcast, host Brad Burrow sits down with Lynn Johnson, CEO of City Union Mission, for a deeply moving and inspiring conversation about transformation, hope, and purpose. Lynn shares his personal journey into a life of service, the heart behind City Union Mission's work, and how the organization continues to offer more than just shelter, it offers true redemption through the love of Christ. From emergency services to long-term recovery and prevention programs, Lynn walks us through the Mission’s life-changing efforts to help the homeless...
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Healing the Whole Person
The Living Well Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Philip Garvin, Clinical Director at City Union Mission, to explore how trauma, faith, and love intersect to bring healing and transformation to those experiencing homelessness. Philip shares what it means to lead with compassion, how trauma impacts the mind and soul, and why long-term recovery takes both clinical care and the Gospel.
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Restoring Lives: The City Union Mission Approach
The Living Well Podcast
In this episode we talk with Jenna Garvin, Vocational Development Supervisor and Stephen Chichester, Men’s Ministry Director from City Union Mission about their life-changing work with homeless men in Kansas City. They share how education, career development, trauma recovery, and faith come together to restore lives. As homeless men progress through the programs at City Union Mission, they receive vocational training and financial education designed to prepare them for lasting success. You’ll hear powerful stories, bust common myths about homelessness, and learn how personalized care and...
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When Faith Meets the Front Lines of Homelessness
The Living Well Podcast
In this inspiring episode, we talk with a longtime volunteer and board member, Diane Calhoon, about her 17-year journey serving at City Union Mission. What started as a simple “yes” to God turned into a life of teaching, mentoring, and loving people through some of their darkest seasons. She shares powerful transformation stories, the importance of addressing both physical and spiritual needs, and the growing challenges missions face today. Through it all, one thing remains clear: when Christ is at the center, lives—and generations—can be changed.
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When Community Steps In
The Living Well Podcast
In this inspiring episode of The Living Well Podcast, host Brad Burrow sits down with Danni Boatwright and Dayton Moore—two bold voices for lasting change through City Union Mission. Danni opens up about her family’s personal journey through addiction and homelessness, while Dayton shares his perspective on leading with integrity and investing in people. Together, they offer a candid, hope-filled look at how faith and compassion can transform lives and cities.
info_outlineIn this inspiring episode, Amber shares her powerful story of transformation through faith. As she turned her life over to God, Amber experienced His blessings and took on new responsibilities, becoming a leader and example to those around her. Through her unwavering faith, she discovered her own worth, found purpose in serving others, and saw doors open to new opportunities—a job, stable housing, and the love of her life. Tune in to hear how Amber’s journey is a testament to the power of faith and God's guiding hand.