Honoring Mothers in Recovery

The 18 to 24-month-long UGM Life Recovery program requires vulnerability, persistence, and commitment from the men and women who participate. Additionally, it requires loved ones to make sacrifices, give of themselves, and for kids, even live at UGM and be an active member of the program community. In this blog, hear from some of the mothers and children of UGM Women’s Recovery.

Celebrating Each Phase

At UGM, there is a celebration each time individuals move to the next phase of the 5-Phase Life Recovery program. Participants share their testimonies and are prayed for by their loved ones and the community. This May, a ten-year-old child bravely walked onto the stage during the UGM Women’s Recovery Spokane celebration.

Her name is Amariah, and her mother, Allison, just moved to Phase Three of the program. Amariah is preparing to move in full-time with her mother at UGM. When Allison began her journey of recovery at UGM, Amariah began a journey of her own. Together, they’ve been offered a place to grow and heal in a safe, loving community.

On her own, Amariah decided to share a poem that she found and used to create a drawing. She surprised her mom by sharing it at the Phase Celebration.

“I asked God for water and He gave me the ocean.

I asked God for light and He gave me the sun.

But when I asked God for love, he didn’t give me anything

Until I realized that love was with me all this time

And it was from my mother.”

After Amariah finished reading these words, the room was filled with tear-filled eyes and touched hearts. As Esther Sellers, the Director of UGM Women’s Recovery Spokane, said, “The women [in UGM Recovery] represent more than just one life.”

Many lives are changed when individuals pursue lifelong recovery at Union Gospel Mission.

 

“Parenting is so hard, but [my son] told me the other day, ‘You’re the best mom ever’.”

– Courtney

Whole-person Commitment

Mothers who participate in the Life Recovery program commit to attending classes, counseling sessions, and business practicums. In addition, they learn to balance these commitments with the responsibilities of being a parent. Within the UGM environment, they are provided with time to heal and grow personally, which equips them with valuable tools that they can apply in their everyday lives.

Many of the women being honored at the Phase Celebration are mothers. During the event, some of their quotes about motherhood were shared.

• “Parenting is so hard, but [my son] told me the other day, ‘You’re the best mom ever.”
  – Courtney
  
  
• “I have been given my kids because I am the right mom for them.” – Ashlee
  
  
• “I am a proud mom, I am worthy, I am hopeful, I am joyful, I am a child of God.” – Tiffany

These sentiments reflect the challenges that come along with being a mother, while also highlighting the vital role of safe, compassionate, and resilient mothers. Even those without children of their own are deeply affected by the presence of mothers and children at UGM. At the Phase Celebration, Life Recovery participant Tracey shared, “The children keep me there more than anything…my recovery, my future, is the children.”

“I am a proud mom, I am worthy, I am hopeful, I am joyful, I am a child of God.”

– Tiffany

Celebrating & Honoring Mothers

Mother’s Day takes place each May, but we celebrate the love and sacrifices of mothers all year long. To the mothers in Recovery, we acknowledge your lifelong commitment to your children and to sobriety.

To the mothers who are part of the UGM community, including volunteers, donors, and staff, we thank you for your part in supporting generational life change for residents and your own families.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:25-28)