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LIFE
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Jim and Ken

featured

4 min read

“There is always a way out”: Words of hope from Debra, Bennie, and Sabra

For our neighbors caught in cycles of homelessness, abuse, and addiction, we want to share the message that there is a way out. There is hope for a...

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4 min read

The Path to Lifelong Recovery

When UGM Spokane expanded to Coeur d’Alene in 2012, there were no other long-term recovery programs available for women and children in North Idaho....

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3 min read

“The Lord has made a path for me”: Ken's journey to recovery

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Although providing meals, shelter, medical care, and job...

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3 min read

A Pathway to a Better Life: How Brianna and Daisy found hope together

“I took the path that would get me to her as soon as possible.” - Brianna, UGM Women's Recovery This season is one that turns our thoughts toward...

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What I really needed

4 min read

“What I really needed…” Former Addicts Discuss the Choice to Change.

We know people need love. People need a safe community, connections to housing, medical care, and jobs. They need to know they’re not alone, they’re...

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4 min read

Moving Forward

Meet Terry, Jordan and Teri, walking different pathways toward recovery.

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4 min read

Loved by a Good God

We are all so broken. Sin breaks us, not just our relationship with God, but our relationships with each other and with ourselves. Sin even fights...

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21 ways

1 min read

21 Ways You Made Real Change Possible in 2021

1. You opened doors to gospel conversations which resulted in 35 baptisms, including Christina's.

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4 min read

Together for the Holidays

JUST TWO YEARS AGO THIS CHRISTMAS, Sarah was in a dark place. She had sent her six-year-old daughter, Lylee, to live with her mom in Texas, and CPS...

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3 min read

A Safe, Healing Community

UGM is more than a shelter. Deep at the root of everything we do—from creating a warm welcome to helping people heal, thrive and get back to...

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4 min read

5 Key Elements of Real Change

What does it take to change? How do you break a twenty-year addiction? How do you stop being angry and resentful for all the ways you feel like life...

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3 min read

The Power of a Generous Community

The Union Gospel Mission exists because of an extensive community of people like you. People who recognize that they have been blessed and want to...

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Christi and kids-cover

3 min read

Lifelong Recovery

Five years. It takes five years actively pursuing recovery for an addict to have a strong chance (about 85%) of lifelong recovery. Five years minus...

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Mike worked hard for decades in manual labor. His body can no longer do the only kind of work he's ever known, and he ended up homeless.

3 min read

Homelessness: A Case Study

“All my needs were met when I got here. The food, the shelter, and the fellowship. … I tried to do it on my own, and I couldn’t do it.” - Mike Mike...

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Jolene and Shiloh-featured

4 min read

Wonderfully Made

Jolene is beautiful. Her cheerful countenance overflows with love, especially for her two children. Two years ago, she was sleeping in abandoned...

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1 min read

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...

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3 min read

Surviving vs. Thriving

Through partnerships with businesses and the community in general, UGM helps men and women find jobs, jobs that allow them to support themselves,...

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3 min read

LeAnna - Lost

Throughout her life, LeAnna Vargas was repeatedly treated as though she had no value, and eventually, she began to believe she didn’t. Feeling...

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tim-5

2 min read

Tim - Not a Meth Head

“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...

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Rachel-inside-txt

2 min read

Rachel - Not a Party Girl

IN HER PURSUIT OF PLEASURE, Rachel lost her joy. Disillusioned with the church, she ran away from God and became disconnected from family. “In the...

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Trace-Rockwood

2 min read

Trace - Homeless

Trace spent 15 years intermittently homeless, fluctuating from employed to unemployed, living on the streets or in an RV without heat, running water...

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2 min read

Beyond Labels

Prisoner. Addict. Homeless. Drunk. When we use labels, we miss out on seeing people for who they really are. We confuse peoples’ actions with their...

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Dean-Lynch

3 min read

I Didn't Have a Job

Poor work history. Felony record. Long periods of unemployment. Addiction issues. Lack of education. No transportation. No appropriate work attire....

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3 min read

We Were Alone

You came alongside us. People with strong support systems don’t usually end up in homeless shelters.

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