Student Contributor -T. Dickinson
UGM is determined to restore the God-given dignity of people by sharing and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ, providing without discrimination:
• Meals, shelter, outreach and chaplaincy services that relieve suffering and renew hope.
• Life recovery programs that offer freedom from addictive lifestyles.
• Education and job preparation that equip for successful living.
• Affordable housing that fosters community and personal contribution.
• Preventative programs that build healthy families.
UGM is all about change, Union Gospel Mission’s purpose has been to break – not perpetuate – the cycle of homelessness. They have several programs in place
Clean and sober facilities
With changed lives as the goal, UGM operates clean-and-sober facilities so that our shelters might be safe for those in recovery.
Trauma & Addiction Recovery
UGM’s long-term recovery programs seek to address the wounds and false beliefs that led to self-destructive patterns in the first place.
Job Training
Employment is key to fighting homelessness, and that goes far deeper than drawing a paycheck to cover food and housing. UGM is focused on helping people overcome whatever obstacles keep them from the satisfaction and self-worth that come from doing meaningful work
Chores
Chores are an expectation of community life in each of UGM’s shelters. When shelter guests take part in maintaining their temporary home or preparing their meals, they’re also affirming to themselves and others that they have something valuable to offer in the home and in the workplace.
Employment Ready
Our short-term shelters offer the Employment Ready Program, which helps people overcome their personal obstacles to employment, such as lack of appropriate clothing or transportation, poor work history or lack of computer skills.
Employment Training Opportunities
UGM thrift store, UGM motors and other departments throughout the ministry offer short-term employment opportunities for people who need a chance to rebuild their work history.
Vocational Education
Every UGM shelter has a Vocational Education Center to develop residents’ academic and skill levels, all with their career goals in view.
This organization has several ways to partner, these are just a few that any classroom could easily do. Collecting food items for their Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, making placemats for the Thanksgiving dinner table (this is a simple low cost way to give back), buy Christmas gifts for the residents, give Christmas morning in a bag, and setup a giving tree. See the webpage for contact information. It depends on which your interested in to who you contact.
