
Compassion and accountability seem to be conflicting themes in Scripture. We are told to give freely to the poor, and also that work is good.... Read More >
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Help keep homeless men, women, and children warm this winter by providing warm, thick socks and hats, in all sizes... Read More >
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We see – and judge – by appearances. The problem is with the health of our heart and how that affects our sight... Read More >
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May 2016

Rather than outward conformity to a new set of behaviors, UGM LIFE Recovery is about transformation from the inside out. From building healthy relationships to dealing with unwanted thoughts and feelings to finding meaningful employment, recovery that lasts addresses the whole person.
The four men and women featured here want more than sobriety. They recognize the importance of addressing recovery in every area of their lives and plan to continue doing just that.
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I have often heard the counselors in the UGM recovery programs refer to their work as “re-parenting.” The parallels are clear... Learn More >
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For nearly two years, the men and women in UGM recovery live in an uplifting community, and then, they must re-enter society... Read More >
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For Founder George F. Whitworth’s 200th birthday, Whitworth University initiated a creative partnership with Union Gospel Mission... Read More >
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January 2016

“I was in a constant cycle of me, me, me, and that’s all it consisted of. I didn’t care who I hurt, who I stole from in order to get high.”
Tim O’Neil had two priorities – himself and his addiction.
He used drugs to deal with feelings of shame; shame from believing he was never enough and, ironically, shame from his addiction.
“I was on the streets, lost in a lot of shame and guilt, lost in my addiction and didn’t know another way to deal with it other than run and use more drugs.”
The shame from his addiction kept him from connecting with his family. Disconnecting from loved ones only resulted in more shame and in turn, “I used drugs to cover up that pain.” Tim was caught in a downward spiral.
He isolated himself, using a tough façade to mask his shame. “I used to do all kinds of horrible stuff to people. I didn’t care about anyone’s feelings.”
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For the men, women, and children staying at our shelters, the holidays can be difficult. Christmas serves as a reminder of what they lack... Read More >
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October 2015

Trace spent 15 years intermittently homeless, fluctuating from employed to unemployed, living on the streets or in an RV without heat, running water or electricity. “A box on wheels.” The thing he longed for most? A shower.
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How many times have you pulled up to a stop light and seen someone with a cardboard sign, wanting help? You want to show compassion, but how? Learn More >