Union Gospel Mission
6 min read
From Volunteer to Legacy Partner: Leaving a Lasting Impact on the Ministry
UGM operates 100% free from government funding. To effectively serve those in need, we rely on various types of generosity from the community—from...
By Shatara Flowers, Student Impact Center resident intern
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A year ago I would have never imagined I’d be in such a place, experiencing life in such unexpected and extraordinary ways with a team of people all running after the same thing. These same people today feel more like a family.
Before joining the Student Impact Center I wasn't sure if I'd be returning to Spokane. Finances were one of my biggest concerns: Paying for school and housing on my own became more and more difficult. Returning to Moody Bible Institute became a slim chance, but I knew the Lord brought me to Spokane, sustained me while here, brought me home for the holidays, and if it was in his will he'd bring me back to Spokane in his perfect timing.
I remember the exact moment when Ryan Brown reached out to me about the Student Impact Center; at that moment everything made sense. The months before, the uncertainty, the struggle - everything. Still I was skeptical (this is too good to be true), but surely it was exactly what Ryan said. And so January 28 I moved in, excited and curious, ready to partake in the ministry.
In the beginning, the UGM Student Impact Center felt like a place to live and just do ministry, but now it feels like home, which is why it is easy for me to spend my entire summer break at the UGM summer camp this year.
My favorite part about living at the Student Impact Center is the people: the ones that live here and the ones that choose to visit. I can't count on my fingers how many times the kids in the neighborhood have come to visit us in our backyard. It's been fun getting to know them, fun to play games with them and feed them; they've almost become family.
School is good, but ministry here is better. This in many ways is the kingdom of heaven on earth. I know this is where I belong, this is where I need to be: completely present and available to the homeless teens in Spokane.
Like Shatara, you can get involved in UGM Youth Outreach and impact young lives in many different ways. Click here to learn more!
5 min read
Physical Therapy Partnership: Caring for the whole person
Providing Essential Resources UGM relies on the support of the community to offer comprehensive care to individuals in need. One of the lesser-known...
3 min read
UGM Shelters: Havens of truth and honor
Once basic needs are met through UGM shelter services, individuals can face the issues that have perpetuated their unwanted situation. Through case...
UGM Camp: Kids Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, Abuse, and Addiction
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : August 31, 2022
Every summer, UGM partners with local churches to invite at-risk children from Spokane's low-income neighborhoods to enjoy a week at UGM's riverside...
“What I loved about UGM Camp”: Hear from the kids you sponsored
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : August 23, 2023
The 2023 UGM Camp season has just wrapped up, and we have loads of messages from this summer's campers to share with you. Each week, on the fourth...
Introducing at-risk kids to awe, trust-building and unconditional love
Barbara Comito, former marketing director : May 20, 2014
Dennis Roach: 40 years of working with young people Youth Outreach Director Dennis Roach is retiring at the end of June after 13 years with the Union...