Life Recovery Commencement: Freedom from addiction

Freedom From Addiction

Every June, we invite the community to Commencement, a celebration of the incredible successes of the individuals who’ve completed the 18 to 24-month-long UGM Life Recovery program. This event marks a time for these men and women to pause and reflect on all that they’ve overcome throughout the 5-phase program, while looking ahead as they embark on a lifelong recovery journey.

“I was able to identify the past traumas in my life that had kept me stuck.”

– Megan

 

“I found out who I wanted to be. I wanted to know myself without addictions.”

– Doug 

 

“It was the most impactful thing that I’ve done in life. I’m a completely different person.”

– Racheal 

The commencing individuals have persevered through many trials and are determined to build new, healthy lives. Today, they are committed to being clean-and-sober, working as contributing members of society, and engaging with the community of support they’ve cultivated during their time at UGM. All these successes were made possible through your continued support and prayer.

Freedom Is Costly 

Tomorrow, our nation will celebrate Independence Day. Alyssa, 2024 Life Recovery graduate, has a personal connection to the holiday. “July 4 will be my anniversary for three years of being sober. I love the fact that it’s that day because it’s not just celebrating Independence Day, but my independence from a very deadly situation and somewhere I don’t want to be anymore,” she shared. “I feel like I can breathe again. I feel like I can actually live again.” 

“July 4 will be my anniversary for three years of being sober...It’s not just celebrating Independence Day, but my independence from a very deadly situation.”

– Alyssa 

Where there is freedom, there is sacrifice. The meaning of freedom runs deep for believers and those in recovery. Freedom from death and darkness is given in the sacrifice of God’s one and only Son, Jesus. Freedom from addiction is given in the sacrifice of our old self. And even after we find freedom, we have to work to keep living in it. We must protect what we allow into our lives. 

These individuals made a commitment to doing the heart work that allows for long-term life change. And it doesn’t stop now. They’ve acquired tools at UGM that will propel them toward a future of prioritizing spiritual, mental, and physical health. The strength and endurance offered by Jesus is sufficient for them to take part in continued growth and healing.  

Freedom In Community

These men and women have lived in community for the last 18 to 24 months, and sometimes even longer, in our shelters. They’ve learned what it means to do their part, pursue recovery alongside each other, and develop healthy communication skills. This is what it looks like to pave a pathway out of homelessness at UGM. And it can’t be done alone. 

“I love being part of a community that is safe for me.”

– Joelene 

 

“I learned patience for myself and others. More importantly, I learned love for myself and others.”

– Nicole 

 

“I learned that I could trust others and make long-lasting friendships.”

– Cindy 

“I got to become part of a community…I thank God for these people and this place.”

– Joseph 

Freedom Offered By Friends Like You 

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of our community, these individuals are walking in the light. They’ve committed to pursuing lifelong recovery through newfound confidence, strength, and freedom. 

“It’s amazing how many people donate to UGM to help us who have always been so broken…We’re just showered with love.”

– Heather 

 

“Our recovery is fueled by your generosity. We greatly appreciate you.”

– Steve 

 

“Thank you so much for this opportunity to change mine and my kids’ lives. You don’t know what your donations did for our lives. I can’t thank you enough.”

– Ivory 

At UGM, we believe in the power of restoring dignity and offering everlasting hope. Support from volunteers, donors, churches, mentors, and friends like you make lasting life change possible. Thank you. 

Hear all the testimonies from the 2024 Life Recovery Commencement here: