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 ...
2 min read
Carol Tevenan, UGM Volunteer Content Creator : November 30, 2023
In the last few years, we’ve served a growing number of immigrants and refugees from Venezuela in our shelters at UGM. The country suffers from a socioeconomic and political crisis spanning more than a decade. Though our local guests experience various forms of instability and lack relational connections, people like Belkis and her son face unique barriers such as language and cultural differences.
Belkis and her adult son left her beloved Venezuela to find employment, shelter, and safety in the United States. The country which had previously had so much to offer them had become unlivable. “There was not enough food, medicine, or jobs. We were afraid for our lives. The insecurity we felt was unbearable!” Belkis had been a licensed administrator, and her son had been a lawyer, but those professions were lost. They had to leave.
“There was not enough food, medicine, or jobs. We were afraid for our lives.”
They arrived in Spokane six months ago. Belkis’ son had been offered a job here, but when they called, there was no answer. They were forced to live in their car for about a month, waiting to see if another job would turn up. But when no jobs turned up, they decided to come to UGM. He went to the Men’s Shelter and Belkis came to the UGM’s Crisis Shelter for Women and Children.
A huge concern for refugees is the daunting task of learning English to gain employment. Here at UGM, Belkis was pleased to be working in the kitchen, where they taught her words for food and cooking. “I also teach them Spanish words for what they want to know! Being with Americans all the time is so helpful.”
Belkis found the community at UGM to be highly supportive. The staff located classes for her at the Adult Education Center, and the guests helped her with pronunciation and homework. She said she found everyone to be friendly. “They all know my name and say, ‘Hello!’”
“People have said to me, ‘At your age, it’s impossible to learn another language!’ I believe that it can be done.”
She grew and learned at an incredible rate and the shelter staff can’t say enough about her positive attitude. “I received 100% on my level one exam! English is so important for me to learn. People have said to me, ‘At your age, it’s impossible to learn another language!’ I believe that it can be done. I repeat in my mind, ‘I can do it. I can do it!’ Attitude is so important.”
Belkis expressed she's thankful to be alive and to have recently been able to see the first real snowfall of her life. She says, “God is most important in my life because He provides everything!” Soon after making this faithful remark, Belkis was able to move into an apartment her son was able to obtain, offering a sense of stability—and a sense of home—for them once again.
We pray blessings over Belkis as she continues her English education and prepares a way forward. Without gifts and care from local community members like yourself, this story of renewed hope would only be a dream to this mother and son.
5 min read
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 ...
3 min read
Beverly Bergstrom is a front desk volunteer for our Spokane administrative office. She and her husband had donated to UGM for years, and one day,...
6 min read
As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate another year of change. You partnered with us as we navigated challenges, embraced new opportunities, and made...
Every day, we get glimpses into people's stories, and often we get to walk alongside men and women for a season... but only occasionally do we get...
The cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction is not halted simply with the provision of a roof and four walls. Although food and housing are...
Anita and her son’s family were victims of the formidable Oregon Fire in Elk this past August. On her journey from upheaval back to stability, Anita...