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Work ethic has never been Derek's problem. "I've worked since I was 12." Before he came to the Mission, he was working on the natural gas pipeline. "The hours were great, and the money was even greater, but the time spent alone was harmful for me." He worked 10-12 hours a day, six days a week. "It was work and money – work, paycheck, work, paycheck..." When several weeks of rain kept him from work, Derek found himself with a sizable amount of money and nothing to do. "The loneliness set in," and Derek started using alcohol and drugs to escape.

Through the Mission's Recovery program, Derek learned he needed more than money. "I learned that I needed to be involved in community. I needed to be involved with family. I needed to speak and have human touch. I needed that very dearly, more than I needed the money." So, even though the pipeline wanted him back, Derek decided to take a job that paid less but allowed him to stay in Spokane, put down roots, and have a life outside of work. As an added bonus, God provided an opportunity for him to be in the kitchen – a place he has loved since childhood. His family's rich tradition surrounding food is being put to use in the kitchen of the Davenport Hotel.

Honoring Lives Changed

2 min read

Honoring Lives Changed

The 2025 Life Recovery commencees have journeyed through deep valleys of struggle and hardship. Yet, with resilience and grace, they have emerged...

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Embracing Grace

4 min read

Embracing Grace

Chrystin struggled with alcoholism for sixteen years before entering UGM’s recovery program. “I felt so defeated and was lying in bed, drinking, just...

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Finding Opportunity, Finding Something Lasting

3 min read

Finding Opportunity, Finding Something Lasting

At Union Gospel Mission, we understand that meeting urgent needs—food, shelter, medical care, and job training—is just the beginning. These are the...

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Young Men on the Streets

Young Men on the Streets

"As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the...

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Trace - Homeless

Trace - Homeless

Trace spent 15 years intermittently homeless, fluctuating from employed to unemployed, living on the streets or in an RV without heat, running water...

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I Was in Denial, and You Showed Me the Truth

I Was in Denial, and You Showed Me the Truth

Recovery is impossible... if you don’t believe you have a problem if you refuse to look at the problem if you blame someone else for the problem or ...

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