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LIFE
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Inside stories of hope,
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Jim and Ken

1 min read

Barber to the Homeless

Who is My Brother? By Barbara Comito Ron, UGM's Day Room Manager, has been getting his hair cut at Dan's Barber Shop by Jody for about eight years. People are always commenting on Ron's perfect flat top. In fact, men in UGM's LIFE Recovery gave him...

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3 min read

Once an Alcoholic...

Feeding the Hungry Series Meet Tod Randall, UGM Warehouse Manager Tod Randall is a logistics guy. He’s all about moving information or product from...

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Derek in the UGM Kitchen

2 min read

Feeding the Poor Vs. Feeding the Rich

Feeding the Hungry Series Meet Derek Mobley Derek Mobley could be working with lobster and filet mignon on a daily basis as a cook at the Spokane...

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1 min read

Tod and Derek

Tod Randall, UGM Warehouse Supervisor, oversees the receipt and dispersal of food donations (an almost $2 million annual value). He sees the...

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5 min read

Relapse as Part of Recovery

Falling Down and Getting Back Up By Darlene Willis, recovery resident at the UGM Center for Women & Children “Life is not about how many times you...

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3 min read

How to Pick a Charity

5 tips on how to be a discriminating giver Not many of us have piles of money lying around just waiting for the next good cause. And our time is as...

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2 min read

UGM Core Values: A Balanced Life

Bootcamp, Veggies and a Balanced Life By Jessica Morgan, UGM Lead Graphic Designer As a mother of three small children who works outside the home 40...

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1 min read

Changed by Volunteering

Jerry Coatney was literally ecstatic when he got an email from Greg Barclay saying that UGM was looking for a driver. Jerry had wanted to volunteer...

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3 min read

On the Edge of Homelessness

Precariously Housed* By Barbara Comito While working on the October issue of Mission News, I visited Fresh Start, a drop-in center for the homeless...

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4 min read

Addicted to Men

Amanda’s struggle to overcome relationship addiction Editor’s Note: We interviewed Amanda, 23, one year ago when she lived at the UGM Crisis Shelter...

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2 min read

Domestic Violence and Homelessness

We must not stand idly by

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3 min read

UGM Employment Ready Program helps ex-inmates get back on their feet.

Battling recidivism By Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer The Idaho Department of Correction says 35% of criminals released from prison between 2008 and 2011...

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3 min read

UGM Camp: the final week

Editor's Note: UGM Camp ended a couple weeks ago. We don't know about you, but we're sorry to see it go. Every Monday for us was energized by the...

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UGM staff worshipping together

3 min read

Recovery: in it together

Editor's Note: Last week the entire Union Gospel Mission staff met at UGM Camp for a time of bonding, renewal and training. The focus of the two-day...

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4 min read

I Was Angry

“I was a negative, angry, violent, depressed individual.” Dean Lynch, 45, came to the UGM Men’s Shelter on December 27, 2011 after losing his job,...

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1 min read

Fall Food Drive 2014

It’s that time again. Help us fill our pantry for the coming year. The drive, which runs from October 1 through November 30, will focus on a few...

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1 min read

Pastor to the Homeless

Shortly after moving to the Spokane Valley a year ago, Ken Carpenter, a retired pastor, visited the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store. Noting the...

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2 min read

UGM Campers: "Tell me you're my friend"

What campers really need By Jenny Weddle, UGM Camp Director

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3 min read

UGM Motors: Reselling Cars, Rebuilding Lives

Get to know Curt Woodard: Salesman at UGM Motors If you browse the sales lot at Union Gospel Mission Motors, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted...

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2 min read

Panhandling: to give or not to give?

“Give Real Change” Photo credit: daytondailynews.com It is hard not to be moved by a thin, weathered-looking man standing on the corner in crusty...

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6 min read

Rescue: Meeting people in the messiest of messes

Editor's note, March 2017: Since this was posted in 2014, the Crisis Shelter has moved to a beautiful, larger facility at 1515 E Illinois. Anne is...

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Ryan-Brown_FINAL

3 min read

I was empty

This article was first published before Ryan Brown started as the Youth Outreach Director. He's been on the job for almost four years now, and...

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8-2014-Phil

2 min read

The Outcome of Change

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV).

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3 min read

UGM Camp: one new experience after another

City kids learn to fish By Jenny Weddle, UGM Camp Director Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, the waterfront at Union Gospel Mission Camp echoes...

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