Wichita Falls Faith Mission, Inc.

Our Story

Every person has a story and every story matters to God.

Through its two shelters Faith Mission for men, and Faith Refuge for women and children, Wichita Falls Faith Mission, Inc. provides Christ-centered programs and services that lead the homeless and addicted toward self-sufficiency.

We offer the following services at both locations.

Chapel Services for men, women, and children who wish to attend and hear the message of the Gospel.

Homeless Shelter Services - food, beds, showers, clothing, and clinic services are offered to the homeless and people in our community who are in need.

Case Management Services - case managers work with individuals to help them set goals and acquire the necessities like securing ID's, medical services, legal aid, employment, transportation, and housing.

Addiction Recovery Programs - is a residential program to help clients seeking victory over alcohol and drug addictions (New Beginnings Addiction Recovery Program).

Job Readiness Programs  - for men and women to help them prepare for the workforce (Faith Enterprise for Men and Faith Refuge Career Academy for Women).

Transitional Supportive Housing - program graduates will reside in a house with other program graduates in order to transition from shelter living to independent living.

History

In 1951, Faith City Mission of Amarillo, TX opened a branch location in Wichita Falls.   By 1958, Faith City Mission became Wichita Falls Faith Mission.  The original shelter was located on Ohio Street above the old Hornsby Heavy Hardware.  In 1968 the former Lamar Baptist Church at 402 Lamar was purchased for the Mission's first permanent home.   As programs and services grew, it became evident a larger facility was needed and property was purchased at 1300 Travis Street.  New construction began in the spring of 1987.   Three weeks prior to completion of the new building, the old facility was destroyed by fire.   The current facility was opened on May 23, 1988.

To address the growth in the need to shelter women and children, a second shelter was added.  The Faith Refuge was opened on May 3, 2012.   This new $4.4 million facility is located at 710 E. Hatton Rd. and opened debt free with the support of local partnerships and friends across the nation.   The Chapel and classrooms were completed in July 2012.

Throughout the years, individuals, foundations, churches, and community groups have supported the ministries of Faith Mission and Faith Refuge with their donations, their gifts, and by volunteering their time.  Because of this unwavering support, Wichita Falls Faith Mission has existed without the need for any State or Federal funding.

Impact

Image CaptionTony's Story

Tony's journey to the Wichita Falls Faith Mission began with a stark choice between prison and rehabilitation.  His parole office, aware of Tony's struggle with drugs, gave him an ultimatum: either serve a prison sentence or commit fully to a 13-month drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.  Desperate for a change, Tony chose the latter despite the challenge ahead.

Upon arrival, Tony faced skepticism.  "I said, this isn't going to work," fearing the program would be like previous failed attempts.  However, the WFFM approach soon changed his mind.  Unlike other programs, Tony discovered a supportive environment centered around faith and genuine care.

A pivotal moment came when Tony faced a 25-year sentence for a parole violation.  Overwhelmed, he considered fleeing.  Yet, encouraged by his peers and the support of the staff, he chose to stay and trust in the program.  "As long as I stay around Christian people and keep doing what I'm doing now, I think I can do whatever it takes to be a free man," Tony affirmed.

Tony's faith was tested in court, where the DA, initially skeptical, eventually recognized the transformative power of the program.  Offering probation instead of prison, the DA's decision reaffirmed Tony's belief in the program and God's plan for him.  "I saw God move right there.  I saw that man change," Tony remarked, highlighting the divine intervention he felt during his legal proceedings.

Through the support of Faith Mission, Tony found the strength to overcome his past and embrace a brighter future.