3 min read
Union Gospel Mission: March 15, 2016
Throughout her life, LeAnna Vargas was repeatedly treated as though she had no value, and eventually, she began to believe she didn’t. Feeling increasingly unlovable, her heart began to harden toward love. Child abuse, sexual assault, and her own...
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2 min read
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director: March 15, 2016
For the majority of people coming through the doors of the Union Gospel Mission, the most pressing issues are shelter from the cold, a warm meal, the...
1 min read
James Bishop: March 15, 2016
Following the death of their daughter, caring for women became a top priority for Blondies Salon Owners Marie and Rene’ Lacroix.
2 min read
Union Gospel Mission: March 11, 2016
An Easter season reflection by former UGM staff writer, Merrily Brast.
2 min read
Merrily Roe, former staff writer: March 8, 2016
By Merrily Brast, UGM Staff Writer There was a time when Chris Turner had his life together. He kept out of trouble and was confident in his career....
6 min read
Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer: March 3, 2016
The counselor cannot say to the maintenance worker, “I have no need of you,” nor again the meal server to the case manager, “I have no need of you.”...
2 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 26, 2016
Prior to entering into recovery at UGM, men and women undergo “pre-phase,” an evaluation time and trial period to discover whether LIFE Recovery is a...
3 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 24, 2016
By Cherise Stutzman, UGM Volunteer Two weeks ago, a friend of mine moved from Idaho to Europe. Today, I asked her to define the word “home.”
2 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 19, 2016
By Ryan Brown, Youth Outreach Director Every Wednesday and Sunday there’s a particular group of young people who gather to hear and discuss the word...
4 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 17, 2016
In the first half of this interview with Mike and Jina Doggett, we discussed how they came to work at the Union Gospel Mission and their personal...
5 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 11, 2016
Meet Mike & Jina Doggett By Lynn Yount, UGM volunteer Mike and Jina Doggett are both on staff at UGM, but this couple’s passion for helping the...
3 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 9, 2016
By Dave Edwards, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Fantasy: The word conjures up all kinds of thoughts, feelings and images in one’s mind....
2 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 5, 2016
The following is a firsthand account of addiction and recovery written by a former resident of Women's Recovery at Anna Ogden Hall. Jessaca finished...
3 min read
Union Gospel Mission: February 2, 2016
“In the beginning, I thought I was free,” Rowan said, “and in the beginning, I thought he was going to be everything I ever wanted—he had a Mohawk,...
3 min read
Merrily Roe, former staff writer: January 29, 2016
Always Numbing JR Mills first started drinking at 14 with her mom who was an alcoholic. In high school, a friend offered her meth. “I was addicted...
5 min read
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: January 26, 2016
By Barbara Comito, Director of Marketing and Communications 2015 was a rough year for me and my family. My husband lost his job of 16 years due to a...
2 min read
Union Gospel Mission: January 22, 2016
By Lynn Swanbom Yount, UGM Volunteer “It was hard for me to stay here because I didn't really like staying indoors … What made me really stay here...
2 min read
Merrily Roe, former staff writer: January 16, 2016
“Addict” is like a bright red, sticky label that obscures the person behind it. It’s as though nothing else about the person matters. She’s an...
2 min read
James Bishop: January 15, 2016
“I was in a constant cycle of me, me, me, and that’s all it consisted of. I didn’t care who I hurt, who I stole from in order to get high.” Tim...
2 min read
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director: January 15, 2016
“Addiction” is a strong word. Most of us probably wouldn’t use it in reference to ourselves or we’d use it in a joking manner like, “Yeah, my...
James Bishop: January 15, 2016
With your help, UGM creates a strong community where people receive grace and feel accepted and loved. However, the men and women in recovery can’t...
1 min read
James Bishop: January 15, 2016
Russ Henderson isn’t letting his age get in the way of helping those in need. At 91, he’s an avid supporter of the women and children at Anna Ogden...
1 min read
Union Gospel Mission: January 15, 2016
Raydeane Owens, lead pastor at Heart of the City Church in Coeur d’Alene, recently described why the church believes it’s important to welcome those...
2 min read
Union Gospel Mission: January 13, 2016
By Merrily Brast, former staff writer I have always wanted to be tall. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wished for the long legs and arms that...
1 min read
Merrily Roe, former staff writer: January 7, 2016
Jack Kendrick has a huge heart for helping those in need. Following his wife’s death and a cancer diagnosis, he experienced hopelessness in life. A...
