6 min read
From Volunteer to Legacy Partner: Leaving a Lasting Impact on the Ministry
UGM operates 100% free from government funding. To effectively serve those in need, we rely on various types of generosity from the community—from...
Robert Miller, medical records at Columbia Medical
One in Ten: Odds that a person who has been out of work for more than 27 weeks will find a job this month.
5,002,000: The long-term unemployed, measured by the number of Americans unemployed and searching for work for more than 27 weeks, was 5 million in the month of October 2012. (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)
There's an obvious connection between joblessness and homelessness: Many homeless people have been out of work for months or even years. The longer a person is unemployed, the harder it is to find work. Complicating that fact even further are the additional hurdles many of our residents face: poor work histories, a lack of references, criminal records, insufficient skills and/or education, unhealthy methods of coping with conflict and stress.
That's why in 2011, UGM stepped up its efforts to help people get back to work by adding a Vocational Advancement department. In the 4th phase of our recovery programs, after education and aptitude assessments, computer skills classes, workshops on appropriate workplace attire and behavior, men and women engage in a business practicum experience - 240 hours of volunteer work with a local business in their area of interest. Here are a few of those men and women in their various placements:
Upon completion of their business practicum experience, many of our residents have been hired full time. Stay tuned for more on where UGM graduates are working . . .
To read Executive Director Phil Altmeyer's thoughts on the importance of work, check out "A Gift in Disguise."
6 min read
UGM operates 100% free from government funding. To effectively serve those in need, we rely on various types of generosity from the community—from...
5 min read
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
Once basic needs are met through UGM shelter services, individuals can face the issues that have perpetuated their unwanted situation. Through case...
Next week,* Luke Hauflin, 21, will be headed off to Sacramento, California to join Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). For now, he...
I thought this day would never come. Recently, I interviewed for my business practicum at The Spokesman Review. As I sat in the human resource...
Robert Lewis turned to drugs and alcohol partly in response to frustrations in the work place. “My addiction came from always trying to be a...