11 min read
UGM Gathering 2025
At this year’s Gathering, we heard real stories from real people about how they—empowered by the tools, resources, and support UGM offers—have...
The UGM Crisis Shelter for Women and Children held an essay contest. Below is the winning entry by Carla Knudsen, age 19.
What I'm Thankful for
I am so thankful for everything that I really don't know where to start, but at this point, I want to start by saying I am thankful for UGM, then my loving parents, and lastly, the friends that I have made.
UGM, I am thankful for you because you brought me in even though there are so many people here already. I honestly don't know how I would be living right now if I wasn't here. There is so much that you help with. I am thankful for the meals that are provided for us on a daily basis even if they are not 100 percent what I like. I am also thankful for being able to sleep in a warm place every night and take a shower every morning. I just want to end this by saying that I am thankful for everything that UGM has provided me so far.
I am thankful for my parents that love me and ask me once in a while how I am doing. I am thankful for everything they have done for me before I left their place. I know that they are thankful for me and pray for me each night. They always make sure that I have everything I need, and I am thankful they are still here for me when I need them.
The last thing I am thankful for is my friends that I have made here and the ones I already have. They mean the world to me. They help me every day to figure out what my daily complaints are and they consistently ask me how I am doing. I am thankful for them every day. They all pray for me and make sure they keep up with me, even if it's in person or over Facebook. They are always concerned and are always going to make sure that I have someone to talk to.
I just want to end by saying I am thankful for UGM, my loving parents and my awesome friends.
11 min read
At this year’s Gathering, we heard real stories from real people about how they—empowered by the tools, resources, and support UGM offers—have...
4 min read
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4 min read
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