2 min read
A God-Sent Place: Purpose and Community for Victor
Despite the chill of winter, Union Gospel Mission remains a warm haven for those seeking refuge. As the year comes to a close, UGM seeks to provide...
LIFE
at the
Mission
Inside stories of hope,
courage, and recovery
Sign Up Today
job training
4 min read
Reselling Goods, Rebuilding Lives: UGM Thrift Stores offer life change
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: August 17, 2023
Whether you’re outfitting a new college dorm or stocking up on cozy sweaters, if you’re shopping at a thrift store, chances are you’re after a good...
3 min read
What is a UGM Business Practicum?
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: August 9, 2023
At Union Gospel Mission, we want more for our neighbors experiencing homelessness than just a job, free meals, or temporary respite from extreme...
2 min read
Partnering to Get People Back to Work
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: January 6, 2023
Work is a key ingredient in the effort to break the cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction. And while you’ll find current and former residents...
4 min read
Employment Training in a Culture of Recovery
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: August 11, 2022
Helping our guests put an end to their homelessness is never as simple as just finding them employment. Before being able to land a job, many require...
4 min read
How UGM Business Partners Change Lives
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: January 28, 2021
"I'm sold on it. I tell you I'm sold." Mitchell Long, Chief Executive Officer at Northwest Ob-Gyn, took time out of his busy schedule to sit down...
6 min read
Working For Eternal Rewards
Lynn Yount, UGM Volunteer: September 10, 2020
Feeding the hungry, sheltering the vulnerable and restoring people into the community through the gospel sounds like very admirable, spiritual work....
2 min read
How UGM Does On-the-Job Training
Union Gospel Mission: August 7, 2019
Work is a huge piece of recovery. Just participating in constructive activities in a team is a valuable growth opportunity, especially for people who...
5 min read
Union Gospel Mission: Our Doors Are Open
Union Gospel Mission: April 22, 2019
“Partnering with the Inland Northwest to reach the poor with the love and power of the gospel so they may become God-dependent, contributing members...
3 min read
Business Partners Get People Back to Work
Union Gospel Mission: February 15, 2018
Work is a key ingredient of the process of ending homelessness one person, one family at a time. And while you’ll find current and former residents...
6 min read
Lessons from 10 Years Working With Homeless Men
Union Gospel Mission: November 2, 2017
The inimitable Dean Whisler just marked 10 years working at the UGM Men’s Shelter, where he’s now the Social Services Manager. We asked him a few...
3 min read
Charity that works
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director: May 26, 2017
The recent tension between the City of Spokane and Blessings Under the Bridge actually points to a positive bottom line: Spokane is an extremely...
1 min read
Imparting Skills and Confidence
James Bishop: July 5, 2016
As a volunteer job coach at the Men’s Shelter, Randy Crews recognizes the importance of building confidence and preparing men to re-enter the...
2 min read
Spokane Barista Academy
Merrily Roe, former staff writer: May 10, 2016
Turns out, coffee may just empower youth to avoid the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and addiction. UGM is teaming up with Project Hope and Indaba...
2 min read
A Lasting Legacy of Vocational Education
Union Gospel Mission: October 23, 2015
On Tuesday, October 20, UGM held an open house and dedication for the new DeRuwe Center, an annex to the Men’s Shelter and administration building....
3 min read
I Didn't Have a Job
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: April 1, 2015
Poor work history. Felony record. Long periods of unemployment. Addiction issues. Lack of education. No transportation. No appropriate work attire....
2 min read
Business Partnerships
James Bishop: April 1, 2015
Omega Pacific Omega Pacific, a local manufacturer of climbing gear, has hired two men from UGM’s Employment Ready Program. Here, Director of...
1 min read
Take Action: Give a Hand Up
James Bishop: April 1, 2015
Here are a few of the ways your gifts to UGM are helping people get back to work: Vocational Education: In our learning centers, men and women are...
4 min read
5 Reasons to Donate Your Vehicle to the Union Gospel Mission
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: March 14, 2014
Reason #1: Shari Griffin Shari, 50, just finished the first four phases of the LIFE Recovery program at the UGM Center for Women & Children in Coeur...
3 min read
I Was in Denial, and You Showed Me the Truth
Union Gospel Mission: January 1, 2014
Recovery is impossible... if you don’t believe you have a problem if you refuse to look at the problem if you blame someone else for the problem or...
3 min read
Contributing Members of Society
Union Gospel Mission: August 1, 2012
Since the implementation of the new grace-based recovery model at the Union Gospel Mission, 74% of graduates remain actively engaged in ongoing...
1 min read
Taking Risks
Union Gospel Mission: March 28, 2012
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
1 min read
John Goes to Work
Union Gospel Mission: January 1, 2012
John Willoughby was surprised when Vocational Director Tiffany Riddle suggested an office job for his practicum experience. “I’ve never been an...
1 min read
Trish at Work
Union Gospel Mission: January 1, 2012
Trish's Direct Supervisor, Angela, guides her through tasks on the computer.