Exploring Something New

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, when she was working as a librarian, someone offered her a tour of UGM’s facilities. “I was just blown away…I decided that when I retired, I wanted to volunteer at UGM. Since retiring, I have the time to explore different things—this being one of them.”

 

“I decided that when I retired, I wanted to volunteer at UGM.”

A particular highlight in her eight years in the organization is when people come in to give back because they were once helped by UGM. “They each have their story, and some are quiet about it. Many will come in and ask for certain staff who made an impression on them. It’s kind of like a family reunion when they come. But then there are others that slip in quietly and want to make a donation, saying, ‘I used to be here. It’s anonymous.’”

With no prior connection to homelessness or addiction, Beverly wondered if she would be a good fit, but ultimately decided: “I have so many good things. I need to give back.” She initially volunteered in the children’s program at Women’s Recovery in Spokane, given her background in working with kids. She later transitioned to a position at the front desk. “I wanted a challenging job, knowing I’ve never been a receptionist and it would challenge me while still using my skills—to see how God would grow me into the new possibilities. And He has. It’s been really, really good.”

“The staff here at UGM are incredible. I love working with Christians. It’s a faith-run organization and I guess it’s like being on a mission trip every week I come.”

“The staff here at UGM are incredible. I love working with Christians. It’s a faith-run organization and I guess it’s like being on a mission trip every week I come…Every day is different. You see people with needs and watch those needs be met. It’s just fun being a part of all that… [UGM is] impressive—your dedication to serving God and your commitment to doing it well, the community here… Things are handled well.”

Beverly wants to encourage people to volunteer and be confident that there is a place for every skill and every personality type. “I am impressed by how adaptable the staff is toward each volunteer and how accepting into the family they are.”

“You have a responsibility here and you’re respected for it. I think that’s rare.”

“You have a responsibility here and you’re respected for it. I think that’s rare.”

Interested in exploring volunteer opportunities?
Visit our volunteer page or sign up now to attend a Volunteer Overview!