Making the News

The title to the email read "Dutch Newspaper". Immediately I thought that it must be junk mail or even a porn site, but I opened it anyway. A reporter introduced himself as working for "de Volkskrant" or the People's Daily. It is the national newspaper of Holland. He is doing a story on the impact of the world economic crisis on poverty in the United States. He had run across Union Mission's work and is traveling around visiting sites and wants to arrange a visit. So we're working that out.

I do find it impressive that the work of Union Mission is know throughout much of the world. And it is also compelling that our work is featured in national and international publications. I can recall when getting a large story in the Savannah Morning News was the only occasion for a big deal. In fact, at Union Mission we have maintained copies of all of the press of the past 21 years in notebooks and in chronological order. Seven large notebooks illustrate the history of Union Mission over that time.

In addition to the local newspaper, Union Mission's been profiled in newspapers throughout the region. The work has been covered by magazines ranging from SOUTHERN LIVING to the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, from GEORGIA TRENDS to CONGRESSIONAL ROLL-CALL. Last week, I was interviewed by a reporter from Santa Barbara, California. We've been on CNN and on the TODAY Show (twice!).

It is good that I opened the email. Yesterday I was frustrated by a good many things at Union Mission and I focused on our shortcomings. And while we certainly have many areas where we need to improve, the reporter reminds me that the work of Union Mission is still among the best anywhere.