Mission Oak Cliff’s Story

Mission Oak Cliff was born from the compassionate heart of Virginia Goslin in 1948, a dedicated staff member at Cliff Temple Baptist Church. She began with a simple food pantry tucked away in a church closet, and from those modest beginnings, a beacon of hope emerged, evolving into a full-fledged community ministry. Over the years, this sanctuary of support introduced a multitude of services, including an adult English as a Second Language (ESL) program and a Homeless Welcome Center, alongside the original food pantry and clothing closet.

Seventy years after Virginia tenderly packed that first food bag for a neighbor in need, Mission Oak Cliff now stands as a pillar of solace, serving 2,618 families, 21,073 individuals, through our doors. As the shadows of homelessness have lengthened over the community in recent years, Mission Oak Cliff has extended its embrace, creating new ministries to support homeless adults and youth. Satellite pantries in nearby schools fight against child hunger, ensuring that emergency food is always within reach.

The unwavering dedication of Mission Oak Cliff has touched the hearts of many, garnering increasing support from the community. In 2016, the Texas Masonic Lodge bestowed upon it the Community Builder Award, and the North Texas Food Bank named it Partner Agency of the Year. Furthermore, in 2019, Mission Oak Cliff was honored to join hands with The Dallas Morning News Charities, which uplifts organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. Yet, the most cherished acknowledgment for those who pour their hearts into Mission Oak Cliff comes from the deeply moving words of those who find refuge within its walls: “This is where we belong. You don’t help us because we’re poor. You help because you love us.”