6 min read
From Volunteer to Legacy Partner: Leaving a Lasting Impact on the Ministry
UGM operates 100% free from government funding. To effectively serve those in need, we rely on various types of generosity from the community—from...
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” (Proverbs 4:13)
It’s hard to think long term. In today’s culture of instant gratification, creating a long-term plan– whether that be toward financial investments, retiring debt free, or investing spiritually in the next generation—is like swimming upstream. It takes wisdom, hard work, and sacrifice. For Caryl and myself, we were challenged early on with owning our own home before retirement. If we hadn’t made a plan and committed to it long-term, it would never have happened.
“Nearly anyone can control their behavior
for a set time, but unless there is healing at the
heart level, old behaviors will resurface.”
This principle holds true on the journey to recovery. It’s easy to say you’ll quit drinking or using, but without a solid plan, the chances of long-term success are slim. This is evidenced in short-term treatment programs that focus on the symptoms of addiction rather than healing the underlying causes. Nearly anyone can control their behavior for a set time, but unless there is healing at the heart level, old behaviors will resurface. For many, that means relapse.
What you’re doing when you partner with Union Gospel Mission is giving people the vision, tools, and resources necessary to create a long-term plan for themselves and their children. That’s our goal, and that’s what I see happening every day. Through faith-based guidance, wise instruction, and the opportunity to practice new behaviors within a safe, healing community, our residents are able to set a new course…for life.
The Mission is more than emergency food and shelter. We’re addressing issues of the soul, issues of the heart, and offering hope for a new life. As you read the stories in this newsletter, I want you to see how your partnership is an investment in the future. The healing that the Lord is working in hearts and minds every day will have a life-long impact on our guests, their children, and their children’s children.
5 min read
Physical Therapy Partnership: Caring for the whole person
Providing Essential Resources UGM relies on the support of the community to offer comprehensive care to individuals in need. One of the lesser-known...
3 min read
UGM Shelters: Havens of truth and honor
Once basic needs are met through UGM shelter services, individuals can face the issues that have perpetuated their unwanted situation. Through case...
1 min read
Heart to Heart: The Heart has Eyes
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : September 16, 2016
Sometimes we are blind. The problem (for most of us) isn’t with the function of our actual eyeballs, the cornea or the retina or the optical nerve....
Heart to Heart: Compassion and Accountability
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : October 19, 2016
After 30 years in homeless ministry, you'd think I would have it all figured out, that I could coast along to retirement. I'm chuckling at the...
Recovery: a story of brokenness and healing
Barbara Comito, former marketing director : December 19, 2014
Editor's note: This is the third post in a special Advent devotional series, focusing on Isaiah 61:1-3. You may also want to read the introduction, "...