Our Mission Statement
The Union Rescue Mission (URM) has been the primary service provider to the forgotten veteran, abused housewife, afflicted neighbor, and the desperate addict for nearly 60 years. Our mission is to provide an environment where the love and compassion of Jesus Christ can help people overcome and prevent life’s adversities.
Our History
URM was founded by Reverend Guy S. Wilson and Ray Branscum in 1946. The organization was renamed the Twin City Mission in 1952. At that time, the congregation of Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church agreed to pay $100/month to rent the old Glenn Hotel in North Little Rock. In 1954, the Pulaski County Baptist Association (PCBA) took over the responsibility of sponsoring the mission and hired Purl Stocktown to be the first Superintendent.
Several months later, the owners of the old Glenn Hotel asked the mission to relocate; and a storage building owned by Mr. J.P. Faucette was leased at 115 Maples Street in North Little Rock. By October of 1956, the location was deemed unsuitable by the PCBA and the mission closed. Ruben Smith, Ed Stueart and Ray Branscum were selected to conduct a search but were unable to find a suitable and affordable location until one year later.
In October or 1957, Purl Stockton, Frank Shamburger, Mayor Pratt Remmel and Rev. Guy Wilson reopened the mission with its present name, Union Rescue Mission, at 3000 Confederate Boulevard. The organization was formally incorporated when 38 members of the community successfully petitioned the Pulaski County Circuit Court.
Today, the 3000 Confederate Boulevard facility is still in use as part of our Recovery Program. URM operates ministries in Little Rock and North Little Rock and serves clients from virtually every county in Arkansas and several surrounding states.