Brad and Stephanie Hunter own Caramel Kitchen. As business partners with UGM, they're helping single moms get back to work to support their families.
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July 2016
Through partnerships with businesses and the community in general, UGM helps men and women find jobs, jobs that allow them to support themselves, contribute to society and, as much as possible, tap into their gifts and passions. Residents begin to see that work is less about just getting by and more about making a meaningful contribution.
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I saw this quote on a reader board near the Mission recently, “The best social program is a productive job for anyone who’s willing to work.” Read more >
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As a volunteer job coach at UGM, Randy recognizes the importance of building confidence and preparing men to re-enter the workforce... 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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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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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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April 2015
Poor work history. Felony record. Long periods of unemployment. Addiction issues. Lack of education. No transportation. No appropriate work attire. No teeth.
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There’s a good kind of tired. That kind where you’ve put in a full day of hard, physical work. You got dirty. You sweat . . . Read More >
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Omega Pacific, and Rockwood Retirement Communities are changing lives. Learn how they've partnered with UGM to make a difference >
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In our learning centers, men and women are studying for their GEDs, learning computer skills, prepping for college, searching for jobs... Learn More >
