Local pro teaches homeless how to golf at Niagara Gospel Mission

Niagara Gospel Mission Press Release & Photos

Niagara Gospel Mission has been teaching members of its recovery program how to golf. Starting at the beginning of the summer, NGM had the privilege of welcoming local golf pro Frank Garcia to its facilities to coach and teach residents.

“This is a very important part of our recovery program,” Executive Director John Cooper said. “We had been lacking a recreational component in our programing. Now, residents who have never picked up a club have an opportunity to be instructed by one of the best in our area.”

Each week at the NGM recovery program, residents engage in counseling, volunteer work, kitchen assignments and life-skills classes. With the addition of the new golf program, residents have one hour a week where they can receive free lessons from an expert. Some residents have never golfed in their entire life and are quickly discovering a new potential hobby.

Garcia, one of the pro golfers at Niagara Frontier Golf Club, used to come to NGM on a regular basis when it was the YMCA. He said he is happy to be back in the building and giving back to his community in a unique way.

“The guys are great,” Garcia said. “They are quickly learning and are developing their golf game. Not only are they growing as golfers, but they are growing as men through all the other incredible work that is being done at NGM.”

Last week, the program participants put their skills to the test on the course for the first time. Along with coach Garcia, residents went to Shawnee Golf Course. For many, it was their first time playing nine holes of golf.

Cooper said, “There are so many life lessons that can be taught through the game of golf. We are so happy to get our residents out on the course for the day. Not only is it a fun time, but we can put all we are learning into practice. You hit a bad shot; how will you react? It is little moments like this in golf that can lead to big teaching opportunities.”

Niagara Gospel Mission is located at 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls. To donate or learn more about the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor – and its new golf program – call 716-205-8805, Ext. 105, or visit niagaragospelmission.org.