Union Gospel Mission
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...
When asked how volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission has impacted her, Autumn Banks said, “It humbles me…When I look at the women, I see myself – one divorce away from homelessness, one beating away from being kicked out and one addiction away…so I see them as me. I truly do.
“I tell the women at the Crisis Shelter, I don’t know why you’re here, but I know the One who brought you here, and that whatever has happened to you, God has worked His way in that you have been brought to this place,” she said.
In addition to teaching Bible studies at Anna Ogden Hall and the Crisis Shelter, Autumn is Gigi’s mentor. She wanted to make it clear, however, that she doesn’t equate being a mentor with being a perfect role model. “I really think it’s a partnership more than anything. It’s just saying, I’m standing in the wake for you. You can glean from what I’ve experienced and go on your journey, knowing that God has sent someone to love you and to be with you.
“I may present like I have it all together, but I tell Gigi often, I’m broken. I’m as broken as you are. I’m just at a little different place because of my life experiences, but there’s no difference between us.”
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Kari Reese (509-532-3856 or kari.reese@uniongospelmission.org).
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...
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...
Inside the UGM Crisis Shelter: A Volunteer's Perspective
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : December 3, 2020
We asked high-impact volunteer Margene Nobles to discuss her work with guests at UGM's Crisis Shelter for Women and Children.
“What I really needed…” Former Addicts Discuss the Choice to Change.
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : September 15, 2022
We know people need love. People need a safe community, connections to housing, medical care, and jobs. They need to know they’re not alone, they’re...
Helen was Homeless
Barbara Comito, former marketing director : October 1, 2014
A little over a year ago, Helen, 57, was living on the streets of Coeur d’Alene.