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Inside stories of hope,
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Jim and Ken

Recovery

4 min read

Reselling Goods, Rebuilding Lives: UGM Thrift Stores offer life change

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...

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2 min read

“In my first hit, my soul was celled”: A poem by Alora

UGM's 18-month-long residential recovery program, LIFE Recovery, is designed to help residents find freedom from addiction and other destructive...

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7 min read

Safety, a Solid Plan, and Time: Joel’s path to recovery

Union Gospel Mission’s LIFE Recovery program is more than a treatment program; it’s an in-depth approach to whole-person healing. It acknowledges...

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3 min read

“He directs my steps”: Glenda’s path to restoration

Glenda is currently staying at the Crisis Shelter for Women and Children as a Resident Volunteer.Last winter, her life went quickly from bad to...

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4 min read

Kallie's Testimony: Running the race with Christ

Kallie is a writer, photographer, and a dedicated mother. Raised in a church environment and given a good education, she is probably not who you’d...

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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

Dear Monster: A UGM resident’s letter to addiction

Written by Chrystin and read at the fall 2022 LIFE Recovery phase promotion at UGM's Center for Women and Children. Dear Monster,

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2 min read

Healing from Addiction: Shanena's written testimony

Shanena (pronounced Shane-na) completed UGM Women's LIFE Recovery at the Center for Women and Children in Spring 2022 and recently reached out to...

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4 min read

Employment Training in a Culture of Recovery

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...

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5 min read

What Does It Take to Walk out of Homelessness and Addiction?

Summer is a time of celebration at UGM. At the annual LIFE Recovery Commencement, we honor the most recent participants who have reached the end of...

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3 min read

Rose: Rising to the Challenge of Recovery

“Drugs all day long. Meth.” Rose fell into addiction in her late twenties, and for the next 32 years, her life was defined by loss, loneliness and...

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7 min read

Rachelle: Choosing Recovery with Kids

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. And it was the most changing thing.” Rachelle Miller is one of very few people to have completed

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4 min read

Recovery: We Are All Broken

Conversations about “the poor and homeless” can quickly go off track. Our vocabulary and our frames of reference can lead us to the wrong assumptions...

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4 min read

Moving Forward

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

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2 min read

Volunteer Features

Connected for LifeA Mentor Feature Whole-person recovery isn’t a single decision, a season of sobriety or even completion of a 16-month program; it’s...

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6 min read

The End of Striving: How the Gospel Brings Rest to the Weary

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,...

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6 min read

The Great Pain Escape

Pain: physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury. No healthy person enjoys pain. Its whole purpose is to signal that something is...

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4 min read

Labels and Life Change: A Business Partner Feature

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...

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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 Drug Crisis: What’s it got to do with you and me?

Opioids. Meth. Marijuana. Cocaine. Cartels. Addiction. Synthetics. Big money. Big pharma. Overdoses.

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4 min read

Family of Origin and the Family of God

I wanted this article to tell a story about somebody else. That’s what I like to do.

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6 min read

Robert’s Recovery: Phase by Phase

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...

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3 min read

From Mere Survival to Chasing Dreams: Tyler’s Story

“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...

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3 min read

Meet Alexis: “I am Making Choices That Uplift Me”

Spoken by UGM resident Alexis at a phase celebration event, August 2021 “I spent the better part of ten years living for myself: existing in...

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Steve Ellisen

4 min read

On Assignment for the Kingdom

Last summer, UGM was actively seeking a Development Director. Today, we’re introducing the unique man whom God called to the position.

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