How We Serve

Union Mission Ministries has nine different outreaches in three cities. From emergency shelters and substance abuse rehabilitation to a children’s summer camp, the ministry is dedicated to serving the least, the last, and the lost in our community. Click on the links below to learn more about each ministry.

Men’s Shelter
Women and Family Shelter
Hope Haven Children’s Home
Hope Haven Adult Home
Camp Hope Haven
Good News Channel 5
Project Romania
Industrial Program and Thrift Stores
Prayer Requests
New Life Center


A Brief History of the Mission

In 1892, a group of businessmen and members of Cumberland United Methodist Church had a vision to provide spiritual and physical support for the needy and homeless. From that vision, the original Union Mission Ministries was born, and the Mission opened its doors.Through the years, the purpose has remained the same.

In March of 1956, Union Mission Ministries came under the direction of Dr. Theodore A. Bashford. Upon arriving at Union Mission, Dr. Bashford found little more than a rescue shelter that was badly in debt and had lost sight of its goal. Under his guidance, Union Mission paid its debts, restored a Christian environment, and began again to provide for the needy. Over the next four decades, the mission developed eight different ministries and two additional campuses.

Rev. Bashford continued to guide the Mission until his passing in October of 2008. His daughter, Linda Bashford Vaughan, began leading the Mission and through her hard work and careful planning, the Mission has begun its transition to a new campus on Virginia Beach Boulevard. In June of 2009, the new property was opened to the public and it continues to be a place where God’s people do God’s work.