11 min read
UGM Gathering 2025
At this year’s Gathering, we heard real stories from real people about how they—empowered by the tools, resources, and support UGM offers—have...
Work ethic has never been Derek's problem. "I've worked since I was 12." Before he came to the Mission, he was working on the natural gas pipeline. "The hours were great, and the money was even greater, but the time spent alone was harmful for me." He worked 10-12 hours a day, six days a week. "It was work and money – work, paycheck, work, paycheck..." When several weeks of rain kept him from work, Derek found himself with a sizable amount of money and nothing to do. "The loneliness set in," and Derek started using alcohol and drugs to escape.
Through the Mission's Recovery program, Derek learned he needed more than money. "I learned that I needed to be involved in community. I needed to be involved with family. I needed to speak and have human touch. I needed that very dearly, more than I needed the money." So, even though the pipeline wanted him back, Derek decided to take a job that paid less but allowed him to stay in Spokane, put down roots, and have a life outside of work. As an added bonus, God provided an opportunity for him to be in the kitchen – a place he has loved since childhood. His family's rich tradition surrounding food is being put to use in the kitchen of the Davenport Hotel.
11 min read
At this year’s Gathering, we heard real stories from real people about how they—empowered by the tools, resources, and support UGM offers—have...
4 min read
As we approach the Easter season, I feel gratitude for the Christian heritage that brings a deeper meaning to the season than Easter egg hunts,...
4 min read
Currently, a safe, clean-and-sober shelter does not exist in the LC Valley area, but UGM’s new shelter will provide a pathway out of homelessness for...
Robert Lewis turned to drugs and alcohol partly in response to frustrations in the work place. “My addiction came from always trying to be a...
David, 31, spent half his life homeless. At the age of 14, he was taken from his family home due to a domestic violence incident. After that, he...
As part of her recovery, Dionne Varney needed to find a new career. Before coming to Anna Ogden Hall, she spent 14 years in the adult entertainment...