A Warm Haven: Stephanie's Story

This winter season, nothing means more to those without a home than a warm meal, safety and shelter, and the promise of a brighter future. Your donations and efforts not only provide a safe, clean, and sober environment, but access to education, trauma-informed counseling, medical clinics, skilled case managers, and the relational care that our staff and volunteers offer. Throughout the icy winter months, so many people are seeking safety from the cold, and because of your compassion and generosity, they can find healing through the holistic care that we provide. Stephanie is a great example of how individuals find a haven through the warmth and care of UGM.

With four boys, Stephanie knew she needed to leave her toxic relationship but found it difficult. “I stayed as long as I could because of the kids, and I left because of the kids.” One day she called the YWCA, attempting to make a plan to leave. One of the options they suggested was the UGM Women and Children’s Shelter in Spokane. “[UGM] immediately took care of us. They were super warm and welcoming, walked us through gently and gracefully. Everybody I had interactions with were so amazing, so wonderful.” Though she only spent a week and a half at the UGM shelter with her sons, she says she has never felt so supported.

“[UGM] immediately took care of us. They were super warm and welcoming, walked us through gently and gracefully.”

“I felt a huge sense of peace walking through everything we’ve been through. Peace that makes no sense…An outsider looking in would ask, ‘How are you so at peace with all the turmoil?’…I was safe in [God’s] arms.” Stephanie grew up believing that there was someone or something spiritual out there, but this experience completely changed her perspective. “Walking through this journey, my relationship with God has grown immensely…God is here, He’s walking with you, He’s holding you.”

It has been two years since she left, and Stephanie and her sons are now housed and starting to feel settled. “It feels light on the other side… I loved having the heart posture of ‘you’ve walked through some stuff, and it’s okay if you’re not exactly where you want to be.’” This experience has helped her discover her passion for helping others, and she is returning to school to become a mental health counselor to help women struggling with similar challenges.

“Even with all the rules, UGM is the first place I’ve felt free.”

Stories like Stephanie’s are lived out every day, and your donations provide a meaningful step on the pathway toward healing for them. As we see in Stephanie’s life, just a week and a half made a huge difference— UGM was there during a pivotal moment of her life, offering her safety and security when she needed it most. The difference is made in the compassion and grace of staff, community members, and financial partners. “Even with all the rules, UGM is the first place I’ve felt free.” The difference is you. You can provide warmth in the bitter cold.