3 min read
Exploring Something New
Beverly Bergstrom is a front desk volunteer for our Spokane administrative office. She and her husband had donated to UGM for years, and one day,...
“I remember asking Rich [UGM former staff member], ‘Why is it so much easier for women to make a commitment to guys they hardly know than to make a two-year commitment to better their life?’”
Wendy described herself as a relationship addict before coming to UGM. She wanted more in life but settled for unhealthy relationships instead.She ended up at the UGM Crisis Shelter after her husband went to prison and heard about Women’s Recovery at Anna Ogden Hall: “I was like, I’ve been needing that place for 25 years. Oh my gosh, there’s such a place! I was dumbfounded.”
Wendy made the commitment to better her life and entered LIFE Recovery. “For the first time in my life, I had made the right decision for myself personally and spiritually.”
Nearly two years later, Wendy has finished the recovery program.
She came to the Mission addicted, jobless, and broke. But today, Wendy works at Providence (she was hired after completing her business practicum there). She has aspirations to go back to school and become a surgical technician – a dream her bosses support.
“When I was doing my practicum, the COO of the Providence Medical Group clinics set it up for me to shadow hand surgeries…when I did that, it was just eye-opening. It was so cool.”
Wendy has also made strides toward creating healthier relationships.
Her husband is still incarcerated, but that hasn’t stopped her from working toward a better marriage. “Going through this program, I’ve learned that I deserve more than where I was. I respect myself a lot more, and I’m learning protective boundaries.”
UPDATE, July 2018: Wendy graduated on June 21, 2016, and is now a leader in Celebrate Recovery at Victory Faith Fellowship. Way to go, Wendy!
Wendy's business practicum gave her experience and support. Your business can provide other men and women with job training and support, too, as a business partner!
6 min read
Another Year of Change
As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate another year of change. You partnered with us as we navigated challenges, embraced new opportunities, and made...
3 min read
A Warm Haven: Stephanie's Story
This winter season, nothing means more to those without a home than a warm meal, safety and shelter, and the promise of a brighter future. Your...
Recovering from a Broken Heart
Barbara Comito, former marketing director : June 10, 2015
When Jill was 36, her 10-year-old son died of leukemia. Four years later, her mom died of cancer. The grief threatened to swallow Jill whole.
Rachel: A Year Later
Merrily Roe, former staff writer : September 30, 2016
A year ago, you may have seen a beautiful, bright red-haired woman named Rachel on some of UGM’s billboards, with the word "Addict" crossed out. You...
Lose the Label: Damaged Goods
Merrily Roe, former staff writer : December 8, 2015
“When you know that you’re bad, you always feel like you’re doing something wrong.” After meeting her biological parents and realizing her mother and...