4 min read
The Father I Found: Pat’s Story of Redemption
At eight years old, Pat’s mom would share a beer with him. “Instantly, I was addicted.” At thirteen, drug and alcohol abuse became a constant. “My...
Editor's Note: This is the fourth post in our series on being Ambassadors for Christ.
Gigi, featured in the July 2012 newsletter, has graduated from the UGM Women’s Recovery Program at Anna Ogden Hall but maintains an ongoing relationship with her Aftercare mentor, Autumn. Autumn is helping Gigi make wise choices in large and small matters, from shopping for a dress for her daughter’s wedding to moving into a new apartment with a better environment for recovery. With Autumn encouraging her and holding her accountable, Gigi is building a healthy lifestyle that will prevent a relapse into the destructive habits she used to practice.
This kind of day-to-day friendship is how Jesus trained his disciples, building a relationship of trust with them. He invested lots of time teaching, guiding, instructing and encouraging them. Plus, he told them to pass it along to others who received the gospel, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18).
Like Autumn, all of the mentors in UGM’s Aftercare program are serious about carrying out this commission, reaching out in Christ’s name to those who need companions and guides for difficult life journeys.
Neither Gigi nor anybody else in this world can live free of temptation, but it makes a huge difference to face these temptations with someone at your side encouraging you to do the right thing. Gigi isn’t alone because Autumn is with her as Christ’s representative here on earth.
5 min read
A Lifetime of Service and Beyond
Vern Scoggin, UGM's longest-serving board member, has overseen remarkable growth and change for over half of UGM's existence. Joining in 1985, he was...
5 min read
A Gift that Lasts
For years, UGM has been blessed to receive countless gifts from faithful partners who included the ministry in their estate plan. Today, we have 256 ...
1 min read
Aftercare: Bill and Jan Traynor
Union Gospel Mission : September 1, 2013
Bill and Jan Traynor were mentors before UGM had a mentor program. Several years ago they and other members from their church were preparing and...
Volunteer Profile: Autumn Banks
Union Gospel Mission : July 1, 2012
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 –...
Take Action: Become a Mentor
James Bishop : January 15, 2016
With your help, UGM creates a strong community where people receive grace and feel accepted and loved. However, the men and women in recovery can’t...