Programs

Programs & Services

The Mission Outreach of Paragould provides numerous programs and services
to aid those in our community who find themselves in need.
Below are descriptions for a portion of what we offer...

Emergency Shelter
Mission Outreach's emergency shelter consists of 80 beds within three separate dorms. These are divided into categories of single men, single women or mothers, and families. The Mission averages 35 individuals per day in its emergency shelter facilities. Transient persons are allowed 48 hours. All other individuals and families are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, problems are resolved within 30 days. Anyone needing a longer stay is presented with the Transitional Living Program.

Transitional Living Program
Individuals and families who are eligible for Transitional Living Program must be willing to commit to special conditions for minimum of a twelve weeks. (For example, special conditions of undergoing rehabilitation, followed by counseling and education) Persons in this program may stay for up to two years. However, a limited number are allowed long-term stay. An array of services are provided to meet the needs of individuals committed to ending the cycle of homelessness in their life (For example: budgeting, nutrition, stress management, conflict-resolution, support groups, case management, counseling, etc.).

Educational Classes
A variety of educational classes are provided periodically through Mission Outreach. Taken along with other steps, these experiences can assist in persons fulfilling our mission of empowering people to thrive in the world. Classes include budgeting, nutrition, stress management, conflict-resolution, support groups, case management, counseling. Our facility will soon boast a small computer lab where residents may hone job skills, educate themselves, and search for employment and housing.

Clothing Closet & Warm Coat Program
Mission Outreach's Clothing Closet provides clothing for anyone in need. Also provides clothing for individuals enrolled in job preparation classes, to elementary school teachers for students noted to not have adequate clothing or to use in an emergency, to rehab centers for individuals entering treatment without adequate clothing, etc. In 2000, Mission Outreach dispersed over 100,000 articles of clothing. All excess clothing is sent to third-world countries. Mission Outreach also works with the community to collect coats for the needy. Three local dry cleaners donate their services to clean the coats which are then dispersed through the Clothing Closet.

Food Program
Mission Outreach provides food boxes for individuals and families who are unable to provide food for themselves (income eligibility/hardship must be shown). When an individual or family returns for a food box consistently for a period longer than three months, they are asked to meet with a case manager to assist in problem-solving in an effort to help and prevent dependency. Food boxes were dispersed to over 3,500 families in 2000, many of which returned several times during the year for additional food. Note that 50 percent of the food dispersed is provided by the community.

Soup Kitchen
The Mission Outreach soup kitchen provides three meals a day to anyone in need of a hot meal.
In 2000, Mission Outreach served over 17,000 meals through this program.

Home Fire Aftermath Assistance
Mission Outreach provides assistance to victims of home fires. For these individuals who have lost everything, Mission Outreach can offer support with clothing from our Clothing Closet, household items from our Warehouse Outreach, food through our Soup Kitchen and emergency shelter in our facility, if necessary.

A Child's Heart Holiday Program
During the holidays, Mission Outreach sponsors programs to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to the needy. Also, a special Christmas party is planned for children that would otherwise be without.