Another Year of Change

As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate another year of change. You partnered with us as we navigated challenges, embraced new opportunities, and made strides toward our mission to reach the poor with the love and power of the gospel. Join us as we recap the people, moments, and milestones that defined our journey this past year and set the stage for an even brighter future:

 

“When you put it in perspective, a year isn’t a long time. Yet, when someone has spent countless years struggling with addiction, I stand amazed at the incredible transformations we witness in their lives over just one year. The transformation is amazing and it happens because of Christ.”

– Phil Altmeyer, CEO

A New Home

We opened another transitional home at Women’s Recovery Spokane across the street. Because of UGM Legacy Partners, we’ve taken another step toward offering affordable, clean-and-sober Aftercare Housing for those finishing the Life Recovery program.

Presence, Comfort, and Commitment

We welcomed 123 new, dedicated volunteers to our team this year. The commitment of time and energy to our ministry from each volunteer—even amidst their own life challenges—makes a meaningful difference.

One of our faithful volunteers is Karen Rice. Karen has been a dedicated food prep volunteer at the Men's Shelter for two years, and the trust and affection for Karen by staff and residents is so evident. “They are getting to know me really well…The residents, when they found out I had lost my husband, they would kind of counsel me.” Karen expresses her joy and fulfillment by bringing in baked goods for everyone in addition to her work in the kitchen. “It’s a very worthwhile and satisfying situation…I look forward to it, and then, of course, I think, ‘What am I going to make for goodies this week?’” Her contributions bring comfort and happiness to those she serves.

A Community that Serves

We have also had various groups come to serve with us throughout the year. Spokane Valley Firefighters Local 876 participates in Operation Warm, a program in which the firefighters collect donations and distribute coats throughout our community, providing warm winter coats to children in need. At the start of this year, they blessed UGM with over 40 new coats for residents. 

Anonymous donors make and donate warm items for us to give out on World Homeless Day, and this year Leadership of the Pacific Northwest Key Club helped make 300 care packages that we used for World Homeless Day. As the seasons change and temperatures drop, we are grateful to the local church group who made much-needed cold supply bags for our residents.

Holistic, Medical Care

Did you know that UGM has medical services?  UGM relies on the support of the community to offer comprehensive care to individuals in need, and we are so grateful to our volunteers for their partnership in offering restoration to those in need. This year we had 102 volunteers in the medical clinics and an additional 14 in the eye clinic. One example of our incredible medical volunteers is the Doctor of Physical Therapy students from local universities, EWU and Whitworth, who have partnered with UGM. This collaboration addresses not only physical ailments but also the emotional and spiritual needs of clients, fostering holistic healing.

By offering free physical therapy services, the Mission aims to improve overall well-being and support individuals on their journey to recovery. This initiative exemplifies the community's commitment to caring for the whole person, empowering them to achieve healthier lives.

The Gift of Work

This year, there were 326 opportunities for men from the homeless shelter to serve as valuable support to local businesses and individuals. Through this collaboration, we were able to connect residents from our Men’s Shelter with hands-on labor, fostering a sense of purpose and community. Their hard work and dedication played an essential role in accomplishing our mission of partnering with the Inland Northwest to develop God-dependent, contributing members of society.

Pure Restore is a disaster restoration company here in Spokane and our biggest contributor in temporary work opportunities. During the warmer months, as there are less frozen pipes and flooding, it is challenging to guarantee consistency and stability for full-time employees. The solution: they hire day laborers from our Men’s Shelter. Auston Flippen, the Mitigation Manager already had a personal connection to UGM and recognized the opportunity to hire men from the Men’s Shelter. He says the arrangement has exceeded expectations. “It’s been amazing… We love hearing their testimonies.”

Sustaining the Ministry

This year has seen remarkable financial support, with our donations keeping pace with inflation thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors. Your kindness has been a vital lifeline for our organization. It has also been a tremendous year of support for our enterprises. As people graciously donate or shop, they are supporting our shelters and offering job training opportunities to residents.

This winter, there are several meaningful ways to partner with UGM and make a difference in our community. We invite you to pray for those we serve, lifting them up in hope and healing. Volunteering your time can also have a profound impact as you support our efforts at our shelters and enterprises. Additionally, your financial gifts help sustain our efforts and expand our reach. Every contribution, whether in prayer, time, or resources, plays a vital role in transforming lives this season and all year long.