3 min read
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,...
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."
-1 Corinthians 13:1, 2
Having someone to love. We take it for granted.
We have a gal at the Crisis Shelter....maybe in her late 30's. She is mentally disabled, a little slow, and she's one of those people who have fallen through our society's cracks. We've known her for several years, and she has been asked to leave before because she often goes to a place of extreme anger and frustration where her language gets very vulgar, loud and unacceptable.
This time in, there's a beautiful difference. Someone, possibly a mental health counselor, has given her a baby doll to take care of. She believes this baby is real, and she takes very good care of it - shows it off, asks us for fresh diapers, clothes it. To her, this is a real baby that is her responsibility.
She is now peaceful, content, calm, and she is giving her love to this "baby" and that matters to her.
Love is a beautiful thing.
-Anne Simmons, House Manager, Crisis Shelter for Women and Children
Love is powerful, and it impacts lives. Send someone a reminder that they are loved.
6 min read
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...
3 min read
A Warm Haven: Stephanie's Story
This winter season, nothing means more to those without a home than a warm meal, safety and shelter, and the promise of a brighter future. Your...
Three of God's Children
Union Gospel Mission : October 1, 2012
CHRIS family breakdown, substance abuse Chris’ mom went to prison when he was three for selling cocaine. His dad hung himself when Chris was eight....
UGM Camp: a Girl Named Mina
Union Gospel Mission : July 22, 2015
By Clare Pursch, UGM Camp Photographer/Blogger Mina. Mina is the name of the little girl that came into my life this last week at UGM Camp and left a...
1 min read
The Paralyzing Nature of Anxiety
Barbara Comito, former marketing director : March 2, 2017
Editor’s note: Recently we’ve been talking about mental struggles on the Impact Blog. From insomnia to trauma and addiction, there are many struggles...