3 min read
The Father I Found: Pat’s Story of Redemption
At eight years old, Pat’s mom would share a beer with him. “Instantly, I was addicted.” At thirteen, drug and alcohol abuse became a constant. “My...
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Men's Shelter
2 min read
Life Recovery Commencement: Freedom from addiction
Freedom From Addiction Every June, we invite the community to Commencement, a celebration of the incredible successes of the individuals who’ve...
3 min read
UGM Connect: Renewing the Mind, Rewiring the Brain
As Mental Awareness month comes to an end this May, we'd like to share about the recent UGM Connect in Coeur d’Alene. We're grateful for the...
5 min read
Pursuing Lifelong Recovery: Generations changed by a UGM family
The UGM Life Recovery program prepares individuals to break cycles, create healthy relationships, and balance responsibilities. Rachel commenced in...
3 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
Copenhaver Construction’s Servant Leadership: Making a lasting impact on UGM
The genuine compassion and abundant generosity in our community helps make life change possible throughout UGM. Copenhaver Construction recently...
2 min read
New Beginnings: Treasures from the heart
Jarrod’s life in Spokane has been a series of ups and downs. He battled with addictions for more than 10 years. Yet on March 11, 2024, he will...
7 min read
From Isolation to Community: Feeling alive again
Joseph is a welcoming presence at the UGM Men’s Shelter, cherished by staff, residents, and volunteers alike. However, beneath Joseph’s kind exterior...
6 min read
2023: A year of kindness
Jessica Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications: January 4, 2024
When we think back on the last year, there’s an overwhelming sense of goodwill and support from the Inland Northwest community that seems to only...
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...
3 min read
Provision and Purpose: the gift of a meal
Jessica Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications: November 16, 2023
Offering someone a warm meal can bring about the unexpected. There’s something healing about the gift of food that kindles human connection and...
4 min read
Safe Shelter and Opportunity: Meet Tyler, UGM Lead Resident Assistant
Jessica Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications: October 25, 2023
With the turn of the season, our attention shifts towards staying warm and preparing for the onset of frigid weather. Simmering soups in the kitchen,...
8 min read
Tristan’s Pathway to Recovery, Phase by Phase
Tristan was living on a front porch. Over the course of eight years, his life had progressed from one devastation to another. “It started back when I...
3 min read
A Place to Move on From
Jessica Morgan, Director of Marketing and Communications: July 13, 2023
Sometimes Joe stops by my office to check in on me with a routine, “Hey, sister, how’s the family?” He’s not fazed by anything thrown at him—whether...
1 min read
The Gift of Song: How a UGM chapel provider offers more than a church service
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: November 30, 2022
“We tell people we’re not here to perform; we’re here to worship,” says His Song president Joel DeVries. His Song is a men’s gospel singing group...
5 min read
We Asked Homeless Men to Talk About Sin
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: April 27, 2022
Sin. What is it and why would a homeless shelter insist on talking about it? Sin is the divergence from the rules and order designed by God....
5 min read
How the Gospel Brings Us Home
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: April 20, 2022
Guest post by UGM Aftercare Coordinator Dennis Roach A mythical story contains elements of fantasy and reality, a blend that sometimes pushes us to a...
6 min read
The End of Striving: How the Gospel Brings Rest to the Weary
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: March 23, 2022
Since its foundation, Union Gospel Mission has existed to offer rest and nourishment to people coming in off the streets. A hot meal, a warm shower,...
4 min read
Labels and Life Change: A Business Partner Feature
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: February 24, 2022
Art and Kaleen Coffey are members of the community who have made the most of their position as leaders in business and faith. Through their...
5 min read
The Best Sermon I Ever Preached: One Homeless Man's Impact on a Local Pastor
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: February 10, 2022
Guest post by pastor Eric Blauer of Jacob's Well Church. My name is Eric Blauer and I met a man named James at Union Gospel Mission.
3 min read
It’s Always Somebody’s Family Member: An Impact Partner Feature
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: January 6, 2022
Matt and Nicole Hendrickson are Impact Partners (UGM monthly giving program) who’ve been quietly investing in the lives of homeless men and women for...
5 min read
Young Fatherhood, Pain and Recovery: Eric’s Story
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: December 9, 2021
Eric Blackman was trying to live the party life. Alcohol, drugs and carefree days shaped his mid-twenties through early-thirties.
3 min read
One Man’s Impact: A Tribute to Ken Richter
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: November 24, 2021
Executive Director Phil Altmeyer frequently tells our partners that only in eternity will they know the extent of their influence in people’s lives....
6 min read
Robert’s Recovery: Phase by Phase
Barbara Comito, former marketing director: October 28, 2021
Author’s Note: From my earliest days at UGM, I have wanted to follow someone all the way through the LIFE Recovery Program, interviewing him or her...
3 min read
From Mere Survival to Chasing Dreams: Tyler’s Story
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager: September 23, 2021
“Meth makes you really fidgety, hyper-focused on the smallest things. So, I picked at my face when I was using...and I gave myself sepsis.” Tyler was...