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LIFE
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Mission

Inside stories of hope,
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Jim and Ken

UGM Thrift Stores

5 min read

Embracing Life’s Twists & Turns: A Path of Hope in Recovery

Completing the 5-phase Life Recovery program marks the beginning of a life of recovery outside the walls of UGM. Individuals embark on a lifelong...

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5 min read

Redeemed and Renewed: A testimony of God's grace

This winter, UGM resident Alethea shared her testimony at a staff meeting. With tremendous vulnerability and newfound confidence, she recounted how...

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2 min read

Recovery and Retail: Hope comes from UGM Thrift Stores

Three women from the UGM Recovery program achieved well-deserved positions at the Coeur d’Alene Thrift Store. Megan, Debra, and Starla serve as...

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2 min read

7 Reasons to Donate, Shop, and Save at UGM Thrift Stores

Who doesn't love a good deal? And when you can get a good deal and impact lives at the same time...it’s that much better, right? At Union Gospel...

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6 min read

2023: A year of kindness

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...

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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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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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3 min read

Ministry in a Thrift Store

Meet Jaclyn, Manager at the UGM Downtown Thrift Store By Christy Zapata, UGM Volunteer - Although she couldn't see it at the time, God had been...

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5 min read

Dusty's Second Chance

By Lynn Yount, UGM volunteer - At the UGM Thrift Store in Spokane Valley, you'll find more than bargains on high-quality clothing and housewares....

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3 min read

A Brief History of UGM, Part 2: 1987 to Present

Part 1 of the history of UGM covered our founding in 1951 through the retirement of Executive Director Harry Altmeyer in 1987. We pick up as his son...

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Lacey and Tiffany put out clothing for sale at the UGM Thrift Store

4 min read

Cleaning Out Your Closet, Changing Someone's Life

Of course, thrift stores are cool. Napoleon Dynamite and Macklemore told (and rapped) us that. Thrift is also a smart and environmentally friendly...

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3 min read

Following His Lead: Kristen

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4b As assistant manager at the downtown UGM Thrift Store, Kristen Nitschke works...

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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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1 min read

Shop for Everyone on Your List at UGM Thrift Stores

Meet Senior Elf Jackie, pictured here with one of her junior associates. Jackie loves to give gifts and knows how to do it on a budget. She's a...

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2 min read

Recovery and Regaining Confidence

By Merrily Brast, Staff Writer Sewing gave Glenda Gray confidence. One year ago, Glenda was forming her own business sewing and selling tote bags. “I...

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2 min read

Christmas Shopping that Helps the Homeless

By Merrily Brast, former Staff Writer “Try it on! Try it on!” As each of 20 cousins, aunts, and uncles from Tiffany Riddle’s family opened their...

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Lee Brown

2 min read

Lee Brown: Servant and all-around cool guy

By Merrily Brast, former Staff Writer Looking at Lee Brown, you may not be shocked to discover he once played football professionally (although,...

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Robert Lindstrom in front of Thrift Store

4 min read

No Job, No Home

Talented, Hard-Working and Homeless Editor's Note: While this blog post was written in 2014, we're happy to report that Robert is still employed at...

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1 min read

UGM Motors: Brittany and Brooklyn get new wheels

Reliable transportation critical for single moms Brittany Branch had a car when she started Women’s Recovery at Anna Ogden Hall – a 1988 Dodge...

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1 min read

Good-bye, dear friend

Grace Peterson created a beautiful tapestry with her life, and the people of UGM – staff, residents and volunteers – are oh-so-grateful to have been...

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1 min read

Take Action: Pray

“Throw out the rule book and simply talk to God -- any way, anywhere, anytime about anything.” – Joyce Meyer

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zachariah-elexis

2 min read

From Gang Banger to Responsible Father

Zachariah’s story is written in ink all over his body. His mom died when he was 12. The tear drop under his eye is for her. He never knew his dad. At...

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3 min read

Making Old Things New

“My exterior has nothing to do with my heart.” Zachariah’s story is written in ink all over his body. His mom died when he was 12. The tear drop...

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