Skip to the main content.
Donate Need help?
Donate Need help?

1 min read

Staying the Course

CoverClifford Ellenwood said not much has changed since he appeared in the January 2009 issue of this newsletter, but that, in and of itself, is huge. Clifford, who graduated from the Mission’s recovery program in 2008, has been clean and sober for 6.5 years – four times as long as any other stretch in his adult life. He has worked for the same employer, Mario & Sons, Inc., as a stone cutter for 5 years, taught the 2nd through 6th graders on Wednesday nights at Zion Christian Center and volunteered at the YMCA Teen Center for 5 years. He’s met weekly with the same small group of guys at the Mission for, you guessed it, five years. Finally, Clifford has been a dad to Jordan Marie, 8, and Gabriella, 10, for five years. (Clifford first learned he had a daughter shortly before graduating in 2008. He has been actively involved in her and her sister’s life since that time.)

For Clifford, life is all about consistency, staying the course, showing that the changes he’s made in his life are permanent. He wants to be a solid father, to give his aging parents peace of mind and to be an example to his brothers and other Native Americans.

One thing, however, has changed for Clifford – he got married in February! Congratulations, Clifford and Carrie! On this front as well, Clifford is looking forward to years and years of staying the course.


Help break the cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction. Give monthly. >>

A Summer That Lasts a Lifetime

4 min read

A Summer That Lasts a Lifetime

The 2025 UGM Camp season is almost here, and we are excited to welcome children into an environment where they can find relationship with God and...

Read More
UGM Gathering 2025

11 min read

UGM Gathering 2025

At this year’s Gathering, we heard real stories from real people about how they—empowered by the tools, resources, and support UGM offers—have...

Read More
The Community's Role in Resurrection

4 min read

The Community's Role in Resurrection

As we approach the Easter season, I feel gratitude for the Christian heritage that brings a deeper meaning to the season than Easter egg hunts,...

Read More
The Faithful Team

The Faithful Team

Roberta, Kathi, and Ginger - lovingly referred to by the Center staff as the "faithful team" - earned their nickname because of their dedication to...

Read More
UGM Volunteers Rock!

UGM Volunteers Rock!

We wanted to give all our volunteers one giant collective hug, but we settled for a party. Here are just two of the amazing people who give so...

Read More