Seattle's Union Gospel Mission

Like many who come through the doors of the Mission, Jason's story began with deep pain — but it didn’t end there. His path to healing was shaped by God’s grace, the structure of #recovery, and a supportive #community that walked alongside him. "In my youth, I dreamed of being a good father and husband, but these aspirations existed long before I discovered Jesus as my Lord and Savior. As a result, my identity was anchored in these superficial desires, lacking a solid foundation. My life spiraled out of control, leading me to an addiction to stimulants, including meth and cocaine. "When I lost my wife, children, job, and even my home, I found myself in jail and eventually prison. The rules and routines there, and later in the recovery program, shaped and molded me. "A little more than a year later, I was finally released and welcomed at the doors of the Mission, where I found a church family waiting for me. “The internship's been filled with opportunities to learn what it's like to intentionally and actively stitch God into every aspect of a professional role.“ ??After two years in the internship program at the Mission, Jason not only graduated but also earned his AA in Christian Leadership from Northwest University. Join us in congratulating Jason on how hard he's worked, and how far he has come! ??

The Mission is thrilled to announce it has been selected to receive a $3 million award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines through the Affordable Housing Program. Sponsored by Harborstone Credit Union, this significant award will help support the construction of a new emergency shelter in South King County, specifically designed to address the critical needs of homeless women and children. “We are deeply grateful for this generous award and the partnership of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Harborstone Credit Union,” said Scott Chin, Mission President. “This funding will enable us to create a safe haven where homeless women and children can find refuge, begin their journey toward long-term stability, and take next steps toward rebuilding their lives.”

Jim was an alcoholic by the time he was fifteen, and by nineteen, was an addict. “I was lost for about thirty years. My soul hurt. I was alone. I felt alone. I was lost. I couldn't find a way out." Jim's breaking point came when he lost a friend to an overdose. He explains that was when God intervened and led him to the #Mission. "I decided that I was worth it. No matter how much anybody said or what everybody did or what I did, I was worth fighting for." Jim completed the first year of the Men's #Recovery Program last week and has joined the graduate internship program. ?? Join us in congratulating Jim on all his hard work! ?? Today Jim is extending the #love and #grace he has received to others who are going through similar struggles. "I can offer people grace. I can offer people my ears. I can listen. I can offer my love, my heart, and my understanding. And I can offer everything that was given to me by the Mission. It is my daily duty to serve God, and that means serving my fellow man."

Bryce arrived at our recovery program for men feeling broken—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. “I was without hope and without God in the world,” he shared. At the time, he couldn’t see a way forward. “I was not happy with my life. I started drinking heavily. My life got worse. I pretty much wanted to die. I tried. I failed. All the doctors said it was a miracle. And at the time, I didn’t think that way, but now I believe that God intervened.” Bryce explained that his struggles with alcohol deepened after losing his mom. “The time it got the worst was after my mom died. I took care of her for a lot of years and that was tough. I had to give up my life to take care of her. And that's really when I started drinking heavily. But I loved her, so I took care of that. And so when she died, it had a real effect on me and that's when I tried to kill myself.” But since coming to the Mission, Bryce’s story has taken a hopeful turn. “I’ve become optimistic. I lived 20 years without hope. I looked at life as loss—so much death around me. Now I feel optimistic. It’s strange. It’s new!” Now, Bryce is looking toward the future with hope and purpose. “I love having Jesus in my life! He has made me a different person. A person I actually like.” He’s also taking practical steps to build a new life. “I’m going to start CNA training. I’m hopeful that I’m going to be able to get back to life without drinking. Facing it, facing life with... I want to be a man of integrity. And I want to be a man of humility and fortitude. And that is what I’m hopeful for.” After over a year of hard work and commitment to a new life, Bryce graduated from the recovery program last night! Congratulations Bryce!

“At eighteen, I'd started smoking weed, and that was my drug of choice. And I had used it to numb everything, thinking that it treated my anxiety... “And then after my mom passed away, I dove deeper into things that were far more numbing.” At her lowest point, Kiernen turned to the Mission’s recovery program, seeking a way out of the pain. “Doing this whole process, having the time to really break down my actual psychology into what it was I was trying to escape, I found that there was a new sense of self-love, something I never really experienced before.” Now a graduate of the first year of the recovery program, Kiernen is taking the next step in her journey, having been accepted into the Mission’s graduate internship program. She plans to spend another year, continuing to grow in her recovery and building skills that will help her gain employment. “From here, I go to the graduate internship program, and I'm really excited about that. Beyond that, I actually am going to be looking for school to be an RN, get a nursing degree, and then I'll decide what I'm gonna do from there.” . . . #SeattlesUGM #Nonprofit #Philanthropy #SocialIimpact #DoGood #ChangeLives #GivingBack #MakeaDifference #EndHomelessness #FightAddiction #FightPoverty #AddictionRecovery #WomensRecoveryProgram #EmpoweringWomen #RecoveryJourney #FridayInspiration #FreedomFridays #FeelgoodFriday #FreedomFridays #RenewalReports #SuccessStorySpotlight #LifeChangeFriday

What an incredible three days with the team from Businessolver. Traveling from their headquarters in Des Moines to Seattle, their team jumped right in—serving meals, connecting with our guests, and learning about the challenges many face, like trauma, mental health struggles, and family hardships. Along the way, they found that these lessons resonated deeply, sparking reflections on their own relationships and communities back home. At the end of their trip, they shared how this experience would shape the ways they give back in their own neighborhoods. On top of that, they committed to partnering with us financially to help bring hope and healing to even more lives here in Seattle. We’re so grateful for companies like Businessolver, whose leaders empower their teams to grow not only as professionals but as compassionate people making a difference in the world. If your company or organization is ready to make an impact, we’d love to partner with you! Reach out at [email protected]—together, we can change lives across Seattle, King County, and beyond.

Last month, we had the privilege of hosting another inspiring men’s graduation. Eight men, including Jarey, took a monumental step forward, leaving homelessness behind and looking towards a brighter future. Jarey shared part of his journey with us: “Sports was very important to me. I had got thirteen letters from thirteen different colleges. Then I got introduced to meth, and that's when everything changed. And all my goals and dreams were just gone.” Jarey came to the Mission seeking a new life over a year ago. “You know, seeing brothers who were dealing with the same struggles and came from the same background as me … made me to feel like I can do the same.” “I know Jesus didn’t give up on me. He’s given me a second chance to build a better life.” Let’s celebrate Jarey and this incredible accomplishments! ??

Nick’s journey has been filled with heartbreak and hardship. He lost his adoptive dad when he was just seven years old and was placed in nine different foster homes throughout his childhood. By his teens, he was battling addiction and homelessness. The weight of these struggles had taken its toll, bringing Nick to the Mission’s doors at just 20 years old. But today, in our recovery program for men, Nick is experiencing God’s life-changing love through the support and care of the chaplains and staff. He’s learning his story isn't over yet! Through Christ and the Mission, Nick is finding freedom, healing, and hope for the first time in his life. Please pray with us that Nick remains strong in his recovery and on this new journey.

Mark Kilgore’s life spiraled into addiction, leading to homelessness and a deep sense of hopelessness. After losing his family’s support, his RV, and his cars, Mark found himself camping illegally in the woods near Covington. His future seemed bleak until the Covington Police connected him with treatment programs, eventually leading him to the Mission’s recovery program for men. In the recovery program, Mark found hope, discipline, and friendship. For the first time in years, he began to envision a life free from addiction. He is now looking forward to financial freedom, repairing relationships with his family, and pursuing new aspirations — like playing baseball again. Mark dreams of becoming the kind of man others can look up to, and we are honored to walk alongside him on this journey. Join us in congratulating Mark on his success!

El Gaucho Hospitality, one of Seattle’s premier restaurants, has shown their heart for the community by regularly providing lunches for the men in our recovery programs.. But they don’t stop there — El Gaucho sends their staff from across the organization to volunteer and connect with our guests, building meaningful relationships. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and their commitment to helping those facing homelessness in their community. Would you or your organization like to make a difference too? Together, we can imagine new ways to change lives across the greater Seattle area. Reach out to us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!