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Inside stories of hope,
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Jim and Ken

3 min read

A Journey of the Heart: The love and power of the Gospel

Those who enter our Life Recovery program walk the path toward life change, receiving trauma-informed counseling, parenting support, life skills classes, and career guidance. This journey of the heart helps men and women find freedom from addiction,...

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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...

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4 min read

Breaking Ground For Hope: Community gathers in the LC Valley

On February 23, the LC Valley community gathered to break ground where the future UGM shelter will stand in Lewiston, Idaho. As the sun shone down on...

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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...

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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

From Recovery to 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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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...

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3 min read

Employment Readiness: Waking up with purpose

UGM offers hope to those in need of support in various areas of life, including employment and the issues that may hinder it. Individuals in the...

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6 min read

LC Valley Partners: Coming Together as the Body of Christ

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah...

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04_23_15_UGMThrift_Retail_Boone(81).jpg

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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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...

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2 min read

The True Light of Christmas

“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overpower it.” (John 1:4-5)...

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General Store owner Bruce Barany and his sons, Tom and Miles with UGM's Danny Beard

2 min read

Partnering for a Purpose: The General Store’s Ongoing Support for UGM

Few stores in our community can light up the eyes like The General Store at Christmastime. It’s a staple for holiday shopping, embodying the working...

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4 min read

Home for Good: Restoring family bonds after addiction

Is there anything more cherished during the Christmas season than our families? The gifts, the candles, the carols, and the festive meals wouldn’t...

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2 min read

A Warm Welcome: Safety and connection for Belkis

In the last few years, we’ve served a growing number of immigrants and refugees from Venezuela in our shelters at UGM. The country suffers from a...

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UGM financial partners, vehicle donors, thrift store shoppers, volunteers

3 min read

A Thanksgiving Reflection: Our mission, your partnership

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, UGM Development Director Steve Ellisen pauses to reflect on our organizational core value of Thankfulness. His work...

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3 min read

Provision and Purpose: the gift of a meal

Offering someone a warm meal can bring about the unexpected. There’s something healing about the gift of food that kindles human connection and...

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4 min read

After the Fire: Relentless provision for Anita

Anita and her son’s family were victims of the formidable Oregon Fire in Elk this past August. On her journey from upheaval back to stability, Anita...

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4 min read

Safe Shelter and Opportunity: Meet Tyler, UGM Lead Resident Assistant

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,...

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2 min read

Breaking up with Addiction: a letter from a resident

UGM program resident Jessika wrote a “breaking up with addiction letter” and shared at the fall LIFE Recovery Phase Promotion. Women receiving...

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3 min read

World Homeless Day 2023

Every year on October 10, there’s a chance to stop and reflect on the needs and struggles of our hurting community. To recognize that there are...

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4 min read

Moving Forward: Three different pathways into hope and healing

At UGM, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Men, women, and children come to our doors from vastly different situations, with different...

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1 min read

Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up: A message from UGM shelter guests

If you’ve never experienced homelessness, abuse, or addiction or walked closely alongside someone facing those challenges, chances are you're never...

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2 min read

Go and Do Likewise: a heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” (Luke 10:33) Although the paths that brought...

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2 min read

Everybody Has a Story: Meet UGM volunteers Bob and Sharon

As a case manager at the Men's Shelter, Bob McLellan says he’s become a better listener. “I used to be afraid to talk to homeless people on the...

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4 min read

“There is always a way out”: Words of hope from Debra, Bennie, and Sabra

For our neighbors caught in cycles of homelessness, abuse, and addiction, we want to share the message that there is a way out. There is hope for a...

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4 min read

Beyond UGM Camp: Local Churches Serve as Bridges from Camp to Home

Throughout Spokane's low-income neighborhoods, churches are partnering with UGM Youth Outreach to reach kids growing up in challenging circumstances,...

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2 min read

“What I loved about UGM Camp”: Hear from the kids you sponsored

The 2023 UGM Camp season has just wrapped up, and we have loads of messages from this summer's campers to share with you. Each week, on the fourth...

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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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3 min read

What is a UGM Business Practicum?

At Union Gospel Mission, we want more for our neighbors experiencing homelessness than just a job, free meals, or temporary respite from extreme...

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1 min read

Clean-and-Sober Summer Fun in UGM LIFE Recovery

You’ve heard us say it before: part of Recovery is having fun, sober! Men and women who come to UGM for help breaking self-destructive patterns such...

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3 min read

All About UGM Camp: A free gift to low-income kids

As camp season 2023 enters another fun-filled week, we wanted to take a step back and recognize the phenomenal community achievement that is UGM Camp.

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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...

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3 min read

A Place to Move on From

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...

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3 min read

“Today, I’m Free”: UGM alumni discuss the road to recovery

For individuals dealing with overwhelming personal issues such as addiction, domestic violence, or a criminal record, UGM LIFE Recovery can be the...

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1 min read

A New Course for Life: A heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer

“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.” (Proverbs 4:13) It’s hard to think long term. In today’s culture of...

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1 min read

Holistic Recovery Includes Quality Healthcare: A UGM partner feature

Fionnuala Brown and her husband are both experienced medical professionals who’ve committed to serving the Inland Northwest community in a variety of...

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4 min read

The Path to Lifelong Recovery

When UGM Spokane expanded to Coeur d’Alene in 2012, there were no other long-term recovery programs available for women and children in North Idaho....

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6 min read

Love the Valley: Reaching the unreached in the LC Valley

Does the LC Valley have a homeless problem? This is the question we asked Carly Klappenbach, Director of Engagement and Missions at CrossPoint...

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4 min read

Leor's Pathway Out of Homelessness

“I was sitting on a bench crying because I didn't know where we were going to go that night.” Leor lost her home when her husband passed away last...

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2 min read

"When I think of UGM Camp": Hear from Phil Altmeyer

Every summer, about 500 children from Spokane’s low-income neighborhoods are invited by their local church to spend a week at UGM Camp. While UGM...

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6 min read

The Dan Mader Story: Investing in the LC Valley

“The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord.” (Psalm 24:1) Fresh out of university, Lewiston-area native, Dan...

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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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4 min read

A Conduit of God's Excellence: Letting ministry flow from the heart

UGM is not just shaped by knowledge, experience, and skill, but by the true condition of our hearts - collectively. Excellence in ministry flows from...

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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

Easter Devotional: Fixing our eyes on Jesus

A favorite athletic event for me has been the relay race. The athletes not only run their leg of the race but also receive, carry, and then hand off...

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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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1 min read

The Power of the Gospel

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16a) Here at the Mission, we teach...

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1 min read

Helping Kids Find and Follow Jesus

Rebecca and Jeremiah Hughes and their kids are investing in the lives of Spokane’s at-risk children through their church and UGM's Youth Outreach...

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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

Double Blessings: UGM financial partners share the joy of giving

“We very much like to have our money matched any time we can.” – Houston Scrudder During COVID, longtime UGM partners Houston Scrudder and Alene...

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4 min read

High-Impact Kids: Not too young to make a difference

Originally published June 2021. Written by UGM Volunteer Lynn Yount. Reaching children is key to breaking the cycle of homelessness. But even the...

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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

More Than a Roof: Partnering to help the unhoused find home

The cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction is not halted simply with the provision of a roof and four walls. Although food and housing are...

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2 min read

Decades of Faithfulness: A heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer

While 2022 was a year of exciting new partnerships and profound love and sacrifice in our community, I sit at my desk this New Year and marvel at the...

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1 min read

Creative Partnership: A church, a dentist, and a forklift dealer

What do a church, a dentist, and a forklift dealer have in common? Creative partnership at Union Gospel Mission. New Hope Baptist Church brings...

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3 min read

2022: A Year of Love and Good Deeds

At UGM, we are rich in partnership. Year after year, the Inland Northwest community partners with the Mission to create life-changing opportunities...

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4 min read

Time, Talent, Treasure: How you can partner to end homelessness

You’ve heard it said before: UGM would not be what it is without people like you investing their unique giftings and resources to reach our neighbors...

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Residents in UGM programs are urged to connect their career path with their passions, something our Business Partners have made possible time and again. Meaningful work is a cornerstone of recovery.

2 min read

Partnering to Get People Back to Work

Work is a key ingredient in the effort to break the cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction. And while you’ll find current and former residents...

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3 min read

God Incarnate: Total vulnerability and perfect peace

Imagine placing your greatest treasure—a treasure on which the fate of the world rests—into the hands of someone who had never had a job, never lived...

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2 min read

Christmas at UGM: A warm welcome into a community that cares

The snow has come, the days are nearly at their shortest, and Christmas is right around the corner. But what is Christmas if you’re homeless? Is...

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Phil Altmeyer

2 min read

As a Mother Loves Her Child: A heart-to-heart message from Phil Altmeyer

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13) For the past ten years, I’ve been teaching the UGM women’s Bible study. I...

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His Song

1 min read

The Gift of Song: How a UGM chapel provider offers more than a church service

“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...

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3 min read

A Pathway to a Better Life: How Brianna and Daisy found hope together

“I took the path that would get me to her as soon as possible.” - Brianna, UGM Women's Recovery This season is one that turns our thoughts toward...

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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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5 min read

Valuable and Worthy: Debra’s Journey Toward Holistic Recovery

“For a couple years, I was running the streets. Had lost my job, my kids, my house, everything.” Although 2017 and 2018 were two of the hardest years...

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There is Hope

3 min read

Where There Is Breath, There Is Hope: Hear From UGM Shelter Guests

If you’ve never experienced homelessness or a debilitating addiction, chances are you’ve struggled knowing what to say to someone in the midst of...

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6 min read

Recovery for Children: How the TBRI Model Offers Healing for Broken Families

“When you can connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible.” - Dr. Karyn Purvis, co-creator of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® Family...

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Homelessness Today

2 min read

Homelessness Today: Why Housing First Isn't Working

Each year, as the November elections approach, our staff members and volunteers are often asked about the homeless crisis in Spokane. Why is the...

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4 min read

Staff Feature: What Turns “Shelter” Into “Home”?

Everyone needs a roof over their head, but is “home” something more than shelter? As we strive to reach all our neighbors experiencing homelessness,...

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2 min read

Heart to Heart with Phil Altmeyer: Louder Than Words

The articles in our recent newsletter are all about words—words that changed the course of people’s lives, words they want to speak into the lives of...

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Lorna

1 min read

Providing Peace in Crisis: A Medical Volunteer Feature

UGM received a remarkable gift when Nurse Practitioner Lorna Schumann joined the Medical Clinics as a volunteer.

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What I really needed

4 min read

“What I really needed…” Former Addicts Discuss the Choice to Change.

We know people need love. People need a safe community, connections to housing, medical care, and jobs. They need to know they’re not alone, they’re...

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4 min read

Homelessness Today: Why It’s Hard to Accept Help

Think for a moment about a time when you faced a life-altering choice. The hours and days before the decision can feel like you’re staring down two...

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2 min read

UGM Camp: Kids Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, Abuse, and Addiction

Every summer, UGM partners with local churches to invite at-risk children from Spokane's low-income neighborhoods to enjoy a week at UGM's riverside...

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5 min read

UGM Careers: How Nick and Kristen Became Part of the UGM Family

For years now, we’ve signed our emails from “The UGM Family.” But what do we mean by that? Who is in this family, and how does an organization with a...

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3 min read

UGM Church Partners: Raising Kids to Serve

Churches and youth groups all across the Inland Northwest (and beyond!) are using summer break as an opportunity to teach young people to see and...

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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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4 min read

Am I Enough?

Am I Enough? Absolutely not. And absolutely yes. It’s a paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when...

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2 min read

The Best Camp in the Solar System

"UGM Camp is the best camp in the solar system!" Alanna, UGM Camper The 2022 camp season is in full swing, and we just can't wait another day to...

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5 min read

Is Housing the Answer to Homelessness?

Has America misdiagnosed the problem of homelessness? In her article “Does Poverty Cause Homelessness?” Marchauna Rodgers argues that we have. She...

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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

An Irresistible Invitation

Sometimes I think of this ministry and all the resources you have provided like the great feast Jesus describes in the gospel of Luke. Because of...

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2 min read

Volunteer Features

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

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4 min read

Recovery: You Can Be Sober and Still Be Miserable

By JoAnn Zajicek, Director of Women's Ministries I started my journey with UGM 10 years ago. Hard to believe. I vividly remember asking my supervisor...

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2 min read

UGM Camp: 97 Hours Investing in Children

By Nathan Thiry, Growth Groups & Outreach Pastor at Faith Bible Church What does God do during the 97 hours of UGM Camp? Each member of Faith who is...

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3 min read

The Polarizing Topic of Homelessness [and the hot spot in the middle]

In 2006, toward the beginning of the Spokane region’s focused efforts on addressing homelessness, 1,592 individuals were counted in the annual...

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3 min read

Meet Kids Who Experienced Life Change at UGM Camp

Guest post by Christa Inouye, former Youth Outreach staff member While transformation in Christ happens throughout a lifetime, UGM Camp provides an...

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3 min read

The Yellow House: A Safe, Healing Environment for Moms and Kids

When a mom arrives at UGM with children in tow, we know her needs are going to be complex. She needs to know the little ones will be safe, she needs...

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3 min read

Intentional Fun: How UGM Camp Helps Kids Build a Better Future

Today’s kids don’t have it easy. They’ve endured two-plus years of pandemic life: isolation, inconsistency and a lot of unknowns; they’re growing up...

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5 min read

We Asked Homeless Men to Talk About Sin

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....

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5 min read

How the Gospel Brings Us Home

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...

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4 min read

Easter at the Mission: Shelter Guests Bring the Gospel Home

This Sunday, Christians around the world will celebrate Jesus’ miraculous resurrection. We will sing of our risen Savior, “He lives, He lives!” and...

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3 min read

The Love and Power of the Gospel

Guest post by UGM Staff Chaplain Sonny Westbrook, originally published March 15, 2016. The celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ...

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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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Ruschell

4 min read

Joy in the Darkness: How God Pursued Ruschell

“I came here looking to get out of the desperation and the shame and the pit that I was in.” For 46 years, Ruschell battled the abuse, addiction and...

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4 min read

Loved by a Good God

We are all so broken. Sin breaks us, not just our relationship with God, but our relationships with each other and with ourselves. Sin even fights...

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2 min read

The Ultimate Work

If you’ve been reading this column over the years, you know I think “work” is one of the best four-letter words around.

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2 min read

Feeding Hungry Souls

Meet Nick Damascus and Pastor Eric Blauer, UGM chapel providers who offer the love and healing of Jesus to wounded souls.

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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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4 min read

Connect and Be Changed

Guest post by Lynn Yount, former UGM writer. Melissa Ashline has a lot of irons in the fire. She’s a nanny and a businesswoman and a mother of...

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5 min read

The Best Sermon I Ever Preached: One Homeless Man's Impact on a Local Pastor

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.

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5 min read

Deep Trauma, Deeper Healing

Underneath homelessness, we often find addiction and, underneath addiction, trauma. Trauma invades, wounds, hides and resurfaces, wreaking havoc...

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Pepper

2 min read

The Heart of Stewardship: A UGM Partner Feature

Don "Pepper" and Midge Smock of Coeur d’Alene are humble leaders in the community, encouraging generosity out of their desire to see the gospel go...

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Kathy

4 min read

An Unexpected Friendship: A UGM Volunteer Feature

Many of us might think we have nothing in common with a drug addict, or that we have little or nothing to offer someone who has lived a life...

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21 ways

1 min read

21 Ways You Made Real Change Possible in 2021

1. You opened doors to gospel conversations which resulted in 35 baptisms, including Christina's.

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1 min read

The Miracle of Selfless Giving

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own...

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giving

1 min read

It’s a Together Thing

John and Vonnie Tucker have a 61-year legacy of working together to build a strong marriage centered on following God’s call to love their neighbors...

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Clinton

3 min read

Empathy and Accountability: A Probation Officer’s Unique Partnership with UGM

Picture a man with a badge and a gun chaperoning women at a recovery center Valentine’s Day gala. Now, picture him in tears as he presents handmade...

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3 min read

It’s Always Somebody’s Family Member: An Impact Partner Feature

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...

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4 min read

Writer’s Column: A Christmas Reflection

The Mission at Christmastime: brimming with hope, cozy and warm, piled with gifts. This is not what I expected. I came to Union Gospel Mission in May...

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4 min read

What Mary Knew

Christmas turns our thoughts to family, whether it’s kids getting into the “magic of the season” or the contemplation of a special baby laid in a...

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6 min read

Facing the Nightmare of Childhood Trauma and Building a New Life: Krystal’s Story

In an essay entitled “Family Breakdown: Restoring a Damaged Masterpiece,” UGM Chaplain Sonny Westbrook describes what happens when God’s design for...

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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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3 min read

One Man’s Impact: A Tribute to Ken Richter

Executive Director Phil Altmeyer frequently tells our partners that only in eternity will they know the extent of their influence in people’s lives....

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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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4 min read

Together for the Holidays

JUST TWO YEARS AGO THIS CHRISTMAS, Sarah was in a dark place. She had sent her six-year-old daughter, Lylee, to live with her mom in Texas, and CPS...

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1 min read

Bringing Us Home

“Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)

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2 min read

Befriending the Stranger

WHEN REVEREND RILEY PALMER WAS PREPARING to plant Adopted Church west of Spokane, he felt the Lord calling him to be a part of local homeless...

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5 min read

Former Resident Gives Back: Anita Williams' Story

Every day, we get glimpses into people's stories, and often we get to walk alongside men and women for a season... but only occasionally do we get...

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5 min read

Radical Hospitality: Food as Grace

You may have heard us say we’re not just a soup kitchen, and while that is certainly true, it is also true that so much of what we do begins with a...

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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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5 min read

Do You Want to Get Well?

Testimony written and read by Dawn Lange at a 2021 phase promotion event. As my DOC officer signs the papers to release me to treatment [a non-UGM...

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5 min read

UGM Crisis Shelter: A Safe Haven for Women

Written by Heather Pollock, UGM Women’s Recovery alumna and Crisis Shelter employee. Stories. Everyone has one. My story with Union Gospel Mission...

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5 min read

Business Owners vs. the Unhoused: A False Dichotomy

A false narrative is being promoted that pits two groups against each other on the subject of homelessness in Spokane.

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2 min read

Meet Talia: Satisfied in Christ

Written and read by Talia, UGM Resident, at a phase promotion event, August 2021. When I was a little girl, I would look out my window at night and...

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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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4 min read

A Safe Place to Build a Brotherhood

Dirty. Drug addicted. Soup kitchen. Those were descriptors Scott McCall had in mind about homeless shelters before his uncle helped persuade him to...

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6 min read

Ridiculed Schoolgirl to Heroin Addict: Johanna’s Story

“I was brought up in a family of musicians and my dad was the smartest man I’ve ever known, a philosopher.” Johanna is well spoken, educated and...

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3 min read

A Safe, Healing Community

UGM is more than a shelter. Deep at the root of everything we do—from creating a warm welcome to helping people heal, thrive and get back to...

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2 min read

Imago Dei - The Image of God

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) At UGM, we believe every...

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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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4 min read

The Love of Jesus and Outrageous Fun Combined: An Exclusive Look at UGM Camp 2021

"The thing I loved most about UGM Camp was EVERYTHING." Joey, UGM camper Through the love and generosity of hundreds of community members just like...

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3 min read

Making Way for Miracles: Meet Dan, UGM Men’s Shelter Manager

UGM Men’s Shelter Manager Dan McLellan works hard to create a safe, healing environment for every guest and resident, and he works hard to ensure...

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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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4 min read

First Steps to Real Change

A journey of 1,000 miles may begin with a single step, but it isn’t always easy to determine which direction that step should go. Michaelyn Hodges...

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3 min read

The Business Practicum: Getting People Back to Work

Gospel. Change. Jobs. These are our three distinctives. While the Inland Northwest is home to multiple organizations committed to serving people...

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5 min read

An Offering of Oil: When God Asks Imperfect People to Serve Imperfect People

Written by Lauren McCrea, Volunteer Mentor, UGM Center for Women & Children I just thought I was going in to buy a new pair of running shoes, but God...

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4 min read

Revealing the Mess Inside: The Value of Authenticity in Recovery

Recovery isn’t just the process of breaking an addiction or quitting a toxic habit; the core of real recovery is deep, inner healing. And we all need...

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3 min read

Low-Barrier vs. High-Barrier Shelter

All homeless shelters are not created equal. This may seem obvious, but before I came to work at UGM, I honestly thought they were. Pretty much,...

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4 min read

Behind the Scenes: Meet UGM’s Longest Serving Board Member

As UGM turns 70 this year, we’re bringing out “both new things and old things,” as Jesus said in Matthew 13:52. Looking back on our history, we are...

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4 min read

Voices of Recovery: Beverly’s Testimony

Beverly Clark is enrolled in LIFE Recovery at the UGM Center for Women and Children. This is her testimony. “Without a question, I was a loved child....

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5 min read

Recovery: Reversing a Lifetime of Distrust

James Bureau’s childhood did not prepare him for life. Or, it might be more accurate to say, James’ childhood prepared him perfectly for the life he...

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4 min read

5 Key Elements of Real Change

What does it take to change? How do you break a twenty-year addiction? How do you stop being angry and resentful for all the ways you feel like life...

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1 min read

Partner Profile: Frank and Barbara Peretti

Frank and Barbara Peretti have a rich, full life. Frank is a New York Times best-selling author. Barbara is a watercolor artist.

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3 min read

High-Impact Kids: Not Too Young to Make a Difference

Reaching children is key to breaking the cycle of homelessness. But even the best-intentioned adults don’t always succeed in connecting with kids...

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4 min read

Unchanging Truth in Changing Times

When Former Men’s Shelter Chaplain Jim Carson told us he’d like to host a Facebook fundraiser in honor of Union Gospel Mission’s 70th anniversary, we...

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3 min read

The Painful Truth that Leads to Freedom

Written by former Men’s Recovery Program Supervisor Mike Sholtz I had been working at UGM for only a short time when one of the men in the program...

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2 min read

Not a Lost Cause to God: Linda’s Story

Women's LIFE Recovery participant Linda shared this speech at the recent Phase Promotion at UGM's Center for Women and Children. “I sat in a...

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4 min read

Failure Is Not the End of Recovery

“I never fully surrendered.” Vickie Proctor finished UGM Women’s LIFE Recovery in 2019. She got a job, she moved out, she was honored at...

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4 min read

It's a New Day: How UGM Camp Creates Hope

UGM’s Youth Outreach Director Ryan Brown got choked up when we asked him about his plans for this year’s series of week-long Summer Camps.

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3 min read

Forgiveness Breaks the Shame Cycle

“I’m getting older, and I didn’t want to be that old lady that’s out on the street, looking to get high.” Before coming to UGM, Kerri was staying at...

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3 min read

Ending Self-Destruction: Sarah’s Story

Caution to the reader: This story contains references to abortion, prostitution and human trafficking. “Sarah, I really want to help you.” Sometimes...

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2 min read

Easter Series: LIFE after Easter

Jesus changed everything. More specifically, Jesus' life, death and resurrection changed everything.

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5 min read

Easter Series: What Does Sin Have to do with Homelessness?

As we mentioned in last week’s post, acknowledging the existence of sin implies a particular worldview – one in which God created the world and has...

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1 min read

Church Feature: Linking Arms with North Church

Pastor Olyvia Babinski says, “At North Church, we choose to support people already doing the work, instead of us trying to start up all these little...

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3 min read

Easter Series: Sin Ruins Everything

Sin. Talk about a conversation stopper. I’m not sure anyone is anxious to talk about sin, even Christians, but in society at large, it’s almost...

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5 min read

Easter Series: Who is God?

“God is not ordinary.” – Heather Harpham “I measure God by everything I am not. I begin with that.” – Flannery O’Connor “’For My thoughts are not...

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2 min read

Easter Series: Where is the Sweetness of the Resurrection?

Easter. Just the word evokes thoughts of bird song and budding tree branches, spring dresses, pastel button downs and family photo opportunities in...

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2 min read

The Split 2021: Running for God, Walking with Jesus

Each Year, Negative Split hosts a community 5k, 10k, and half marathon that starts in the Kendall Yards neighborhood and travels through the heart of...

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4 min read

When Program Ends: Mentoring UGM Alumni

Ric Rocca and his family own and operate multiple Jimmy John's franchises in the Spokane area. And somehow Ric still finds time to volunteer at UGM.

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2 min read

Voices of Recovery: A Poem of Redemption

Written and performed by 2016 UGM LIFE Recovery alum Amanda Taylor.

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6 min read

Mentoring Through Recovery and Relapse

“I know that no matter what I throw at them, they are going to support me and love me and speak truth into my life.” - Laura, UGM Crisis Shelter Tom...

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3 min read

Meet Pat: Super Volunteer

In 2020 alone, volunteers saved UGM nearly $2.2M. It is no exaggeration to say that we could not realistically function without our fleet of...

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4 min read

The Government Agrees: "Housing First" isn't Working

In the fall of 2020, while the news media was focused on the pandemic and the presidential election, a significant report was quietly released by the...

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4 min read

How UGM Business Partners Change Lives

"I'm sold on it. I tell you I'm sold." Mitchell Long, Chief Executive Officer at Northwest Ob-Gyn, took time out of his busy schedule to sit down...

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4 min read

Physical Healing: Health Care at a Homeless Shelter

At Union Gospel Mission, we value whole-person recovery. This means we believe that in order to become a God-dependent, contributing member of...

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2 min read

2020: A Year to Remember

2020 was a year for the history books, wasn’t it? We sure are glad you stuck with us through it all. In the end, because of the commitment of our...

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2 min read

2021: What Will Be New in the New Year?

Written by Sonny Westbrook, Executive Chaplain We are all ushered now into a New Year—2021. The question on many of our minds may be: will everything...

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6 min read

Breaking the Generational Cycle TOGETHER

Stories of family dysfunction, neglect and abuse come to our doors every day. Many people are caught in generational cycles of sin and suffering,...

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4 min read

Homeless, Penniless, Pregnant

Scripture doesn’t tell us a lot about Mary’s feelings on the eve of giving birth to the Savior of the world. We do know she had never been pregnant...

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3 min read

2020 Vision: Jesus Changes Everything

O Come Let Us Adore Him Christmas is about adoring Jesus. It’s about the angels’ invitation to “come and see.” It’s about the shepherds leaving their...

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3 min read

Winning Essay: What I Wish People Knew About Homelessness

"Being homeless doesn't make you less of a person." UGM Men's Shelter resident

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2 min read

Inside the UGM Crisis Shelter: A Volunteer's Perspective

We asked high-impact volunteer Margene Nobles to discuss her work with guests at UGM's Crisis Shelter for Women and Children.

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3 min read

"I'm Thankful for My Rocky Past": Thoughts on Gratitude from Shelter Guests

"I'm thankful for my rocky past, for it has brought me here today." Miranda, Resident, CdA Center for Women and Children (CWC)

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5 min read

10 Years Clean and Sober: The Difficult Daily Battle of Ongoing Recovery

Dean Brewer came to the UGM Men’s Shelter ten years ago this month with little more than the clothes on his back. He had been homeless for a year,...

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2 min read

"You Broke Down Our Biases": Nursing Students Share Experience at UGM Men's Shelter

Nursing Students Ruth and Madison came to UGM to give. They set up a medical station and provided free care and advice to guests at the Men's...

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2 min read

Bikes and Budget Advice: A UGM Volunteer Feature

Most residents know him as “The Bike Guy”. In the summer of 2018, UGM Volunteer John Battista started a bicycle club. With just 8 bikes and basic...

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3 min read

We Asked Shelter Residents to Define Grace

The Union Gospel Mission seeks to provide a safe, healing environment where grace flows freely.

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4 min read

Meet UGM Ambassador Kristi Kinsinger

Getting involved at the Union Gospel Mission is easy - the hardest part is figuring out which of dozens of opportunities is the best fit for your...

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8 min read

Walking Away From Shame

Sermon preached on Sunday, October 4, 2020 by Reverend Claire Strunk at Communitas, Spokane. When I was 9, my family would swim at the YWCA. One...

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4 min read

2020 Vision: Bear One Another’s Burdens

“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” – Galatians 6:2.

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3 min read

The Gift of Talk Therapy for Homeless Men

Dr. Ed Schultze received his doctorate in psychology from Fuller Seminary and has been working in the field for about 50 years. He has worked...

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5 min read

What Causes Homelessness? (It Isn't Always Addiction)

We talk a lot about the cycle of homelessness and addiction here at UGM. We know that substance abuse is a contributing factor for a large percentage...

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2 min read

Sharing the [Food] Love

While the COVID crisis has presented UGM with numerous challenges – masks, social distancing, reduced capacity, cancellation of events – it has also...

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6 min read

Working For Eternal Rewards

Feeding the hungry, sheltering the vulnerable and restoring people into the community through the gospel sounds like very admirable, spiritual work....

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5 min read

In Their Words: Two Men Share Their Stories of Recovery

Tyler and Mike recently spoke at UGM's phase promotion event, where they were honored for completing phase 4. "Just a few years ago I was lost and...

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4 min read

God-Dependent Ministry: One Woman's Example

As much as we might like to have a sense of control, Union Gospel Mission is not in the business of gathering broken people, fixing them up, and...

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5 min read

From Crisis to Creativity: How the Pandemic Has Impacted the Future of UGM Youth Outreach

In many ways, understanding the present, let alone planning for the future, has felt impossible this year. If we’re honest, 2020 has presented us all...

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3 min read

A Lot of Love: How a Used Car Dealership Provides Homeless Services

Car shopping along E Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley can feel like running a gauntlet of clambering salespeople, flashy marketing ploys, and banners...

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