Mansfield ISD Magazine Winter 2018/2019 | Page 8

Executive Director Carmin MacMillan holds the award that was given to the Mansfield Mission Center. MANSFIELD MISSION CENTER RECEIVES MISD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD T he Mansfield ISD Community Partnership Award recognizes the work of a local organization or business that significantly contributes back to the district. MISD recently presented the award to Mansfield Mission Center. in the district,” explained Lori Cook, student support counselor at Lake Ridge High School. “We use the food pantry, we have some parents who maybe need some financial assistance with housing, we utilize the Feed the Kids for Summer program and the thrift store for students to purchase clothes.” The goal of Mansfield Mission Center is to empower people on their journey to self- sufficiency and wholeness. The organization helps families within Mansfield ISD using a holistic approach. Regenia Crane, principal of The Phoenix Academy, said the partnership between the district and the non-profit organization works so well together because there is a shared goal of making a difference in the lives of others. “What they really do for Mansfield ISD is help empower the families so that they can bring lasting change that’s seen for generations,” said MISD Board President Karen Marcucci. “Not only do they provide food for the families, but they provide education courses and training courses to help the parents really reach their potential. And once the parents are able to reach their potential, they can help invest in their kids.” “This partnership, I believe, is a part of that village mentality,” said Crane. “It takes a village to raise a child, or in this case, a student.” Mansfield Mission Center also works closely with school counselors to ensure that MISD students and their families get the support they need. The center’s impact can be felt throughout the community because its programs continuously expand. In 2013, the Wesley Mission Center became its own separately incorporated non-profit organization. The organization underwent a name change in 2018 and is now known as Mansfield Mission Center. The concept of Mansfield Mission Center began in 1979 at the First United Methodist Church Mansfield. After holding a garage sale, there were still many items remaining. Eventually, an impromptu store was created that used the funds to serve the surrounding community. “As our society has changed in the last 14 years, the Mansfield Mission Center has changed along with it to meet those needs that we have 5 M A NSFIELD ISD.O RG