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LIFE
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Inside stories of hope,
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Jim and Ken

holistic recovery

There is Hope

3 min read

Where There Is Breath, There Is Hope: Hear From UGM Shelter Guests

If you’ve never experienced homelessness or a debilitating addiction, chances are you’ve struggled knowing what to say to someone in the midst of...

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5 min read

Young Fatherhood, Pain and Recovery: Eric’s Story

Eric Blackman was trying to live the party life. Alcohol, drugs and carefree days shaped his mid-twenties through early-thirties.

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4 min read

The Gospel: Where life transformation begins

You’ve probably heard us say it before, but we don’t want there to be any mistake: UGM cannot change a person’s heart. Only God can do that. True...

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5 min read

The Negative Split: Run for Recovery

UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, the Negative Split has been postponed until September 27. “Start strong. Finish stronger.” That’s the tagline for the...

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4 min read

The 'Whole Person' Approach to Recovery

Dr. John Wolfe’s family has partnered with UGM in one way or another for decades. His father was an advocate for getting medical clinics at UGM...

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5 min read

Generosity at UGM Thrift Stores

Laurie Johnson, “L.J.,” as she’s called at the UGM Thrift Store, is as dedicated a volunteer as they come. Over the years, she has volunteered with a...

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Aeriell Heather Kelly Amy running

3 min read

Running on the Road to Recovery

What in the world do running and homelessness have to do with each other? You might be surprised.

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Phillip Reese-1

3 min read

God changed me through UGM.

The following testimony was given by Phil Reese, UGM Recovery resident, on Easter Sunday. In January of 2017, I was nearing the end of a four-month...

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The Bible gives us the truth that is able to transform from the inside out.

4 min read

Beyond Sobriety to Life Transformation

By Kirste Richards,  LIFE Recovery Intake Counselor, UGM Center for Women and Children  -  One of the first things a woman hears when she comes to a...

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linda with resident

4 min read

Recovery Changes People.

...and not always just the people you think.  “In the interviewing process for potential staff, I always communicate that if they choose to accept...

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fall 2018 collage 3

2 min read

Real people. Real change.

On the surface, Mike, Debra, Justin and Samantha have seemingly nothing in common. Justin was born in Chicago with alcohol and meth in his system....

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mike-on-bench

6 min read

I am no one's Savior.

UGM Aftercare Manager Mike Doggett walks with residents as they transition out of our programs and back into society. He knows that if they can...

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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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1 min read

Partner Profile: The Beldens

Serving meals at a California rescue mission several years ago made a lasting impression on Jerry and Stephanie Belden. So much so that, when they...

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1 min read

Take Action: Celebrate with Us

On June 21, 2016, men and women in UGM LIFE Recovery will graduate – the culmination of nearly two years of hard work.

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Bilbo chooses adventure over comfort

2 min read

Recovery: a story of brokenness and healing

Editor's note: This is the third post in a special Advent devotional series, focusing on Isaiah 61:1-3. You may also want to read the introduction, "...

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3 min read

How my dad’s recovery changed my life

Editor’s Note: Ashley and her dad, Chris Kent, were featured on the cover of the February 2014 Mission News. Chris was absent from Ashley’s life for...

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1 min read

Bearing one another’s burdens

Wil and Jean Gassman have been praying with people at UGM’s Monday night Celebrate Recovery service since the summer of 2006. They listen. They pray....

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