5 min read
Embracing Grace
Chrystin struggled with alcoholism for sixteen years before entering UGM’s recovery program. “I felt so defeated and was lying in bed, drinking, just...
SHELDON
Sheldon has finished the first four phases of Men’s Recovery and is now in the final transition phase. He works full-time in production at the UGM Thrift Store downtown – cleaning, repairing, pricing and moving merchandise to the sales floor. He lives in his own apartment at the Barnabas House, UGM’s clean-and-sober transitional housing for men.
Sheldon has consciously immersed himself in supportive environments. In addition to his work and housing choices – where he is surrounded by people with similar goals and values – he has a close relationship with his mentors, generally getting together with them twice a week, and he attends his church and small group faithfully.
“I’m living, instead of just surviving,” Sheldon said. “I’m no longer ruled by my emotions. I’m blessed, and I’m grateful.”
ROWDY
Rowdy is currently in phase 3 of the Men’s Recovery program. He is in regular contact with all four of his children: Wacey, 14; Corbin, 12; Brody, 10; and Sarah, 5, and making progress on restoring those relationships. He works on the check-in desk three days a week, assisting guests with various needs and sees the position as strategic in his recovery. “It gives me the chance to stand up and be a man of integrity,” he said. “I’m learning that it’s OK to step outside of my shell and do the hard things.” For more of Rowdy’s story, read “Freedom for the Captives.”
5 min read
Chrystin struggled with alcoholism for sixteen years before entering UGM’s recovery program. “I felt so defeated and was lying in bed, drinking, just...
3 min read
At Union Gospel Mission, we understand that meeting urgent needs—food, shelter, medical care, and job training—is just the beginning. These are the...
5 min read
We are so excited about our new shelter in Lewiston, Idaho! As we prepare to serve the LC Valley area, we understand that the community has many...
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...
Editor's note: This is the seventh and last post in a special Christmas devotional series, focusing on Isaiah 61:1-3.
1 min read
Recently I was asked what I love best about my job. I could have said writing. I have wanted to be a writer since my second grade teacher, Mrs....