Skip to the main content.
Donate Need help?
Donate Need help?

1 min read

Giving Women Hope

Following the death of their daughter, caring for women became a top priority for Blondies Salon Owners Marie and Rene’ Lacroix.

“After she passed away, many women came to my husband and me in person or over the phone or by letter telling us how much she had helped them when they needed some sort of help. And so, we wanted to do something in her honor.”

marie-webEach year, in her daughter’s memory, Blondie’s Salon holds a fundraiser. Partnering with the Coeur d’Alene community, they raffle off tickets from their “Tree of Hope.” Proceeds turn into living, breathing hope for women and children in crisis through UGM in Coeur d’Alene.

“When we first started this [fundraiser], we would ask women who had gone into the shelter or who had been abused or whatever, ‘What’s the one thing you hang on to?’ And they all said, ‘Hope.’

“Everybody wins when men, women, children are helped. The people in need, when they know there's support behind them, it's the wind at their back. It gives them strength, gives them hope.”

Marie added that by caring for those at the Center, Coeur d’Alene as a whole becomes better.

“The women can get out into society and contribute back.”

It’s because of Marie and others like her that the men, women, and children coming to UGM feel supported and loved as they travel along the path of recovery, and the support they experience gives them real hope.

The Father I Found: Pat’s Story of Redemption

4 min read

The Father I Found: Pat’s Story of Redemption

At eight years old, Pat’s mom would share a beer with him. “Instantly, I was addicted.” At thirteen, drug and alcohol abuse became a constant. “My...

Read More
A Lifetime of Service and Beyond

5 min read

A Lifetime of Service and Beyond

Vern Scoggin, UGM's longest-serving board member, has overseen remarkable growth and change for over half of UGM's existence. Joining in 1985, he was...

Read More
A Gift that Lasts

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 ...

Read More
UGM Women's Auxiliary

UGM Women's Auxiliary

Are you looking for a way to connect with UGM, make a difference and have fun fellowshipping with like-minded women? UGM Women’s Auxiliary may be the...

Read More
A Heart for Children

A Heart for Children

Lois used to be a kindergarten teacher. That probably says it all. Lois loves kids. Her husband, Everett, loved children, too. The couple lived life...

Read More
The Outcome of Change

The Outcome of Change

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV).

Read More