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In 2026, Union Gospel Mission Inland Northwest is approaching our 75th Anniversary! This is a milestone that invites gratitude and reflection, and that includes you. Seventy-five years ago, the men and women of our community saw a need and chose to act in compassion and boldness. A simple act of service flourished into a decades-long legacy built by thousands of hands, hearts, and stories. This anniversary is not a celebration of longevity, but the quiet faithfulness that has carried this mission through changing times—the community’s steady support, UGM’s unwavering commitment to its founding principles, and the Lord’s steadfast love and provision for His people.
It's important for us to reflect back on our history and honor the founders who began this Mission, the volunteers who gave their time long before we had staff, the donors who saw potential and invested in it, and every guest who trusted us and was brave enough to walk through these doors. The courage of all of these has shaped our story. Every meal served, bed offered, and conversation held in kindness is part of a much larger story, from a humble downtown soup kitchen to a multi-faceted ministry of rescue and recovery.
Our work continues today because of you—a community that refuses to look away from need, reminding us that we are not defined by buildings or budgets, but by the shared belief and heart of service. As we step into the next chapter, we’re committed to carrying forward the same spirit that launched this mission in 1951. The needs around us continue to evolve, but God is unchanging and steadfast.
Throughout the year, we will be sharing stories from our archives, highlighting the people, prayers, and miracles that shaped us. We invite you to reflect with us and help us to continue building our legacy of compassion and Gospel-powered life change. We are celebrating our past, present, and future. Thank you for being a part of this journey and celebrating 75 years of hope, healing, and deeply rooted, faith-based, Gospel-centered history.
Keep an eye out for our first newsletter of the year, available at any of our thrift stores. Subscribe to our email list to get notified of our next blog article about the first 25 years of UGM!
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Nicki is a volunteer chaplain at UGM, discipling the residents of Women’s Recovery Spokane. She started out about twelve years ago, serving dinners...
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Written by UGM Men's Chaplain, Daniel Perry: While delivering a Bible message recently, I heard a loud voice from the back of the room say, “I don’t...
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“Jesus had been with me through it all; I just didn’t have my eyes open."
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : July 18, 2024
As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Expo ’74, I want to take a look back in time. As a high school student, I heard about how the...
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : September 6, 2023
For our neighbors caught in cycles of homelessness, abuse, and addiction, we want to share the message that there is a way out. There is hope for a...
Union Gospel Mission : June 9, 2022
By JoAnn Zajicek, Director of Women's Ministries I started my journey with UGM 10 years ago. Hard to believe. I vividly remember asking my supervisor...
