3 min read
Longing for Community
Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier—decorations go up and purchases are made in preparation for Christmas long before December....
Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
I’ve always marveled that one of the things God wills for our life is for us to be thankful in everything. Thankfulness plays a key role in what God desires for us, and it transforms our lives. So let me start out by saying how grateful I am for you and what you do for the individuals that walk through our doors.
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord. (Proverbs 19:17)
In light of our economy, it’s harder and harder to give a little extra. The need and demand all around is challenging. I recognize the sacrifice you make at every level when you help individuals in need at UGM. Your giving is more than helping UGM; it’s a gift to God.
Gratitude is taught through what we do at the Mission. We have residents use their talents within our shelters to build capacity in their lives and help them become contributing members of society. Because of that, we see hearts of thankfulness from the people we serve.
When we give, give, give and there isn’t appreciation or acknowledgment from the recipient, it can lead to expectations, demands, or enablement. Continual giving can often diminish someone’s dignity.
Through chores and job opportunities, our guests are giving back what you’ve given them and it restores their dignity and purpose. As you’ll read in this newsletter, Kristen gives back at the UGM Thrift Stores, offering grace and healthy boundaries to program residents, much like people did for her as a resident.
Teaching and practicing thankfulness displays the very heart of God and is critical to those walking out their recovery. The people we serve frequently express immense gratitude for the services that you, as partners, provide. And all of us at UGM are filled with gratitude for your faithfulness in caring for the men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and addiction in our community. Thank you.
Together, we can offer eternal hope and restoration with grateful hearts.
5 min read
Holiday Ways To Give
The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread some cheer than by helping those in need? Homeless and low-income individuals...
5 min read
Gratitude in Recovery
One of UGM’s core values is Thankfulness, and this month we reflect on the pursuit of gratitude in our day-to-day lives and in the work of healing...
1 min read
Heart to Heart: The Heart has Eyes
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : September 16, 2016
Sometimes we are blind. The problem (for most of us) isn’t with the function of our actual eyeballs, the cornea or the retina or the optical nerve....
In His Likeness: A heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : March 27, 2024
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Ephesians 2:10 Friends, I don’t know if your garage or shop looks like mine,...
Heart to Heart: Compassion and Accountability
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : October 19, 2016
After 30 years in homeless ministry, you'd think I would have it all figured out, that I could coast along to retirement. I'm chuckling at the...