6 min read
From Volunteer to Legacy Partner: Leaving a Lasting Impact on the Ministry
UGM operates 100% free from government funding. To effectively serve those in need, we rely on various types of generosity from the community—from...
Clifford Ellenwood said not much has changed since he appeared in the January 2009 issue of this newsletter, but that, in and of itself, is huge. Clifford, who graduated from the Mission’s recovery program in 2008, has been clean and sober for 6.5 years – four times as long as any other stretch in his adult life. He has worked for the same employer, Mario & Sons, Inc., as a stone cutter for 5 years, taught the 2nd through 6th graders on Wednesday nights at Zion Christian Center and volunteered at the YMCA Teen Center for 5 years. He’s met weekly with the same small group of guys at the Mission for, you guessed it, five years. Finally, Clifford has been a dad to Jordan Marie, 8, and Gabriella, 10, for five years. (Clifford first learned he had a daughter shortly before graduating in 2008. He has been actively involved in her and her sister’s life since that time.)
For Clifford, life is all about consistency, staying the course, showing that the changes he’s made in his life are permanent. He wants to be a solid father, to give his aging parents peace of mind and to be an example to his brothers and other Native Americans.
One thing, however, has changed for Clifford – he got married in February! Congratulations, Clifford and Carrie! On this front as well, Clifford is looking forward to years and years of staying the course.
6 min read
UGM operates 100% free from government funding. To effectively serve those in need, we rely on various types of generosity from the community—from...
5 min read
Providing Essential Resources UGM relies on the support of the community to offer comprehensive care to individuals in need. One of the lesser-known...
3 min read
Once basic needs are met through UGM shelter services, individuals can face the issues that have perpetuated their unwanted situation. Through case...
We wanted to give all our volunteers one giant collective hug, but we settled for a party. Here are just two of the amazing people who give so...
Roberta, Kathi, and Ginger - lovingly referred to by the Center staff as the "faithful team" - earned their nickname because of their dedication to...