MissionNews

August 2010

Men’s Shelter | Men’s Recovery Program | Women’s Recovery Program - Anna Ogden Hall
Crisis Shelter for Women and Children | Youth Outreach | Thrift Stores | UGM Motors

A Thrifty Day
You’ll find more than great prices at
the UGM Thrift Stores.

Who doesn’t love a good deal? But when you can get a good deal and
impact lives at the same time…well, so much the better, right? As you walk
through a day in the life of our thrift stores, notice how the simple purchase
of a piece of furniture or the donation of a bag of gently used clothing causes
one life to touch another and another…Everyday interchanges that make the
monumental difference between connection and isolation.
(View the timeline of events on page 3)
 HEART TO HEART | page 2

A Working Oasis
A friend of mine recently moved, and rather than have a garage sale or pay to have
everything shipped, he donated well over fifty percent of his household furnishings
to the Mission. I’m not sure he realized the full extent of his gift. Besides helping
to finance our services to the poor and homeless, his donation is also helping to
sustain positive, healing work environments for men and women in transition.
Back in 2002 when we were first considering opening a thrift store, lots of
questions arose. Eight years later, I’m convinced that the ministry taking place in
our retail stores is as vital as anything we do. I hope this month’s cover story gives
you a glimpse of that. From the customers to the employees to the volunteers to
the people who bring their donations, the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Stores are
impacting lives.
We still give away our clothes to anyone who comes to us in need. Last year,
Phil Altmeyer our shelters distributed over 3,700 items of free clothing, and the thrift stores
Executive Director gave away over $40,300 in merchandise. At the same time, we have created work
environments where people can experience grace, forgiveness and compassion on a daily basis. I like the word
oasis as a descriptor for our thrift stores: “a place or period that gives relief from a troubling or chaotic situation.”
Men and women who are transitioning from addiction or prison or domestic violence have the opportunity to learn
job skills, gain work experience, and be part of a supportive community.
Two mornings a week I start my day at the thrift stores for Bible study and prayer, and I recently had the
opportunity to meet DezaRae, who works in production at the Valley store. Before getting mixed up in the drug
culture and going to prison, she had trained to be a nurse. Now, she’s sorting donated clothing. A step down
by the world’s standards, but that’s not the way DezaRae sees it. “I’m one of the most very fortunate people I
know,” she said. Her co-workers and supervisors genuinely care about her personal growth and healing. She has
discovered her innate value and who she is in Christ, and she feels good about coming to work. “In helping myself,
I’m helping other people just like me.”
When you give your gently used clothing and household items to the Union Gospel Mission, you are helping to
create an oasis-like work environment for men and women like DezaRae. Thank you. ●

A Note From Camp…

 A THRIFTY DAY | page 3
8:00 a.m. Eight employees bow their heads around a table
in the upstairs break room. Trevor, who works on the back dock,
stands off to the side with a guitar strapped around his neck.
Adela, the manager, prays, “Lord, be with us today as we reach
out to the people who come into our store. Help us to meet our
production goals, but more importantly, let us seek to serve You
in all we do.” Trevor leads the group in a worship song and then
a short Bible study on the book of Ruth: “Boaz is an example of a
hero – someone who considered others before himself. We can
be heroes, too.”
8:30 a.m. The group disbands into a flurry of activity
across the 13,000 square feet of sales floor – sweeping,
mopping, cleaning the bathrooms, straightening racks
and setting up the registers.
11:00 a.m. Nick, 15, arrives with an officer from juvenile
detention to do community service. He is assigned to
help Terrilynne, a front-end supervisor who is raising her
grandchildren. Her own daughter lived on the street for nine
years. Nick’s body language says he’d rather be any place else,
but Terrilynne’s voice is full of warmth: “Today we’re pulling all
the clothing with red tags to be put on clearance.”
11:25 a.m. Regular shopper Lynne pulls her
cart full of summer clothes and other finds to
the register. “Why do I shop here?” She repeats
the question as though it is a bit silly. “I came in
here bald one day. Terrilynne didn’t know me from
Adam, but she asked if she could pray for me, and
she’s been praying for me ever since.”
12:00 noon Spicy chicken wings,
an ice cream cake and balloons are
set out in the break room to celebrate
the graduation of interns Tom and
Sarah from the Union Gospel Mission’s
recovery programs.
A THRIFTY DAY | page 4
1:45 p.m. Patty, 57, is ready to make her purchases – a 4:35 p.m. Ruth from Global Neighborhood stands on the
blue-flowered couch, three lamps, an end table, a wall mirror back dock, baby Landon on her hip. She has brought in 10 bags
and a picture – all for less than half her points. of donated clothing items for which the refugees supported
by her organization – families from Nepal, Burma, Iraq, Sudan
and Rwanda – have no immediate need. In exchange for her
donation, she will receive vouchers the families can use to shop
at the thrift store.
5:00 p.m. Alisa pulls three bags of clothing
from her back seat. She works in mental health and
chooses to bring her donations to the Union Gospel
Mission Thrift Stores because many of the people
with whom she works are homeless and in need.
6:05 p.m. Shopper Angie comes to the
register with the perfect dress-up gifts for
her daughter’s third birthday – flowered
straw hats and a pink purse with sequins.
Pat ty is read
y to move int
and furnish o
her own plac
e!

1:00 p.m. Long-time 3:00 p.m. DezaRae, a 6:30 p.m. Trina announces over the loudspeaker
volunteer Grace brings production intern, nears that the store will be closing in 30 minutes. Tom
a group of women from the bottom of her 6x3x3- empties the 16 trash cans and collects the carts from
Anna Ogden Hall to shop foot bin of clothing. Each the parking lot.
using the points they have bin takes her a half-hour
earned doing chores (1 to an hour to sort. “She’s
point = 50 cents in-store fast,” Lisa, her supervisor,
credit). Patty, who moved says. As she works, she
in two years ago with two tells the story of the last ten
suitcases of belongings, years of her life – dealing
9:03 a.m. Brian, a regular, is one of the first has nearly completed the drugs, prison, reform and
customers through the door. Everyone greets him by Sojourn recovery program. working at the thrift store:
name. He’s looking for dish soap today. Ginger directs She will be moving into “I’ve come from being
him to the right place. His slurred speech is difficult her own apartment soon ashamed of who I am to
to understand, but his radiant smile communicates and has saved 2,000 liking myself.”
unmistakably – he feels welcome here. points to furnish it.
w AOH
Lea h, as a ne Cheryl’s shopping for her
Read more of DezaRae’s
10:15 a.m. s to 6:45 p.m.
resident, get
In the back, Edith, a white-haired volunteer who granddaughters, and Leah Adela checks the register receipts. Sales have
story online at
has been working at the thrift store since shortly after it opened, is looking for basketball been down for several weeks, but today the store meets its goal.
ree
sorts donated clothes alongside Erin, a twenty-something
pick out 10 f shorts and t-shirts. For Adela, however, the register tally is not the final word. “We
hing. www.ugmspokane.org.
items of clot
woman serving 16 hours of community service for driving without prayed this morning. We worked hard. We tried our best to meet
a valid license. people’s needs.” Bottom line: “Every day’s a good day.” ●
 UGM UPDATES | page 5

UpcomingEvents MINISTRY NEEDS

August 10 • Volunteer Orientation, 6 p.m. at Union Gospel Mission July 2010
August 11 • Meal Server Orientation, 10 a.m. at Union Gospel Mission Food Items:
August 18 • Meal Server Orientation, 5:30 p.m. at Union Gospel Mission Coffee
Eggs
August 20 • Teamster Golf Fundraiser, 7:30 a.m. at Highlands Golf Course Fresh produce
Salad fixings
(Please call Tom for registration at 509-475-1313) Tuna
Canned fruit
August 24 • Volunteer Orientation, 6 p.m. at Anna Ogden Hall Cereal bars
Please call 535-8510 to reserve a spot for the orientations. Hamburger patties
Hot dogs
Bacon
The Anatomy of a good deal Sausage
Pizza toppings
Cheese
Mayonnaise
Find all your Vegetable oil
Sandwich meats
back-to-school Clothing:
New women’s & men’s underwear
New women’s & men’s socks
bargains at our Women’s pajamas
2XL & 3XL men’s pajamas
Thrift Stores! Cargo shorts and athletic shorts
Men’s swim trunks
Tennis shoes
Miscellaneous:
FANS!
Owen and Izzy Toilet Paper
Liquid hand soap
Bulk shampoo
show off what Diapers (Sizes 4,5,6 and pull-ups)
Cleaning products
they found on Dishwasher detergent
Laundry supplies (detergent, dryer
sheets)
the racks. Hair brushes
Towel sets (bath towel/hand
towel/washcloth)
Bathroom rugs
Light bulbs
Children’s Bibles
Women’s & men’s deodorant
Mouthwash

.4 7
Backpacks

$10
Spiral notebooks/notebook paper
ta l : Kids’ back-to-school supplies
To Donations can be dropped off at the
Mission (1224 E Trent Ave. Spokane)
daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

N &
O
ATI %
a l : $ 1 5.9 5 A D A 2 PON
O N 5
To t E IVE OU
K ECE
MA R OFF
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 MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS | page 6
Given to Union Gospel Mission Ministries June 11 to july 9, 2010
In Memory /Honor of: The Kind Gift of:
Geneva Adams: Christopher & Rita Birge
Mike & Geza Baker: Dale & Mickey
Cummins
Marcy Bautiste: Larry & Cynthia Shockey
Byron Benjamin: Edythe Benjamin
Stuart & Marion Benshoof: Carol
Haskell-Byron
Gary Bird: Christine Hobbs
Gary Borden: Iva D Borden
Edna Brinson: Mike Dunford, Hal &
Joanne Halvorson
Irene Brinson: Thomas & Iris Wetherholt
Nathan Bundy: Jane Bundy
Robert Caldwell: Jeanette L Caldwell
Wesley Cameron, Jr.: Dolores A
Cameron
Marjorie Carkuff: James & Beverly
Millsap
Clint & Betty Corliss: Anne Morris
Lillian Craig: Michelle D Fuson
Tony Culp: Terry & Carole Culp
Stan & Debbie Curless: Mark Burton
Phil, Randy, Wade, Steven, and David:
Gary Adsitt
Lloyd B Dean: Orval & Josephine Dean
Deano: Abbas & Nardine Sing
Florence Earling: Ronald & Judy Pearce
Florence Eddy: Stephen & Barbara Eddy
Smith
Keith Ehlenfeldt: William C Ehlenfeldt
Betty Ellsworth: Donald Ellsworth
Orville Estes: Clark & Sharyl Bergerud,
Barbara Maruska, Mary Patterson
Katherine Fendler: Jessie Gerdo
Bill Graedel: Dolores Graedel
Jacob Greenslit: James & Marsha
Greenslitt
Bob Grimmer: Timothy & Barbara Olson
R J “Speedy” Gunsaulis: Clarence &
Barbara Bennett
Crystal Hamilton: Michelle D Fuson
1224 E Trent Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 | PO Box 4066 Spokane, WA 99220 | 509-535-8510
info@ugmspokane.org | www.ugmspokane.org
Evelyn Hanson: Carole Randall
Joe and John Hartz: Rose Poutre’
Al Hollen: Juli Hansen
Leland Honor: Gladys Jasper
Cory Hubbard: Anonymous
Mary Irwin: William & Beth Potts
Marian Jasper: Marion L Phillips
Jeane Johnson: William & Beth Potts
Westen Johnson: Larry & Laurie Miller
Kathleen Kendall: Mr Richard D Kendall
Albert & Anne Kiefer: Patricia A Severud
Doug Klages: Wesley & Carol Ann
Bourassa, Ted & Bonnie Heinrich, Jeff &
Hildegard Radke
Lawrence Knopp: Lawry Knopp
Lisa Ladyman: Harold & Mary Ann
Ladyman
Nevin Magnus: Don & Marylin Johns,
Roland & Jeannie Jonason, Victor & Carol
Magnus, John & Shirley Magnus, Faith E
McCallum, Donald & Laverne Meekhof,
Richard Montgomery Jr, Del & Joyce
Peterson, Richard & Trudy Raymond,
Arthur & Bonnie Sabiston, Tom & Marilyn
Walter
Cecil Main: Garold & Kitty Shipley
Jeanne McCandless: Alpha Upsilon
Master
Connie McDonald: Vern & Dorothy Elder,
Gordon Peterson
Pat McGinn: Rose Poutre’
Bill McGruder: Mindy Howard
Bob McHoes: Laura McHoes
James and Janet McIntyre: Betty
McIntyre
Mary McKeehan: William & Beth Potts
Kathleen E Merrett: Marjorie E Moar
Norman Mills: Annie Bickford, Amelia
Kvamme, Dale & Betty Savidge, Mrs.
Robert Taigen
Mike Minckler: Linda S Minckler
Daniel Mitchell: Shirley A Mitchell
Steven Morris: Anne Morris
Richard Moser: Steven Moser
Daphne Motz: Elaine M Botts
Karalina Mularski: Phyllis Forster
Mary Newbern: Margaret, Leila, Ann &
Aaron Stewart
Beryl Nugent: Harold & Mary Ann
Ladyman
Clarence Overen: Mrs Clarence Overen
Fleeta Patton: Melvin & Joyce
Christopher
L. Star Patton: Larry Patton
Ed Peterson: Michael & Rembie Krattli
Steve Pontius: Robert & Marilyn Pontius
Jim & Jane Potesky: John L. & Joann
Simmons
Earl Poutre’: Rose Poutre’
William Quayle: Betty Quayle
Ruby Ransom: Geraldine Drechsel
Winnie Richards: Robert Richards
Dorothy Roberts: Betty J Grimm, Mr &
Mrs Harvey Herman, James E & Kathleen
J Kroll
Marjorie Ryan: Richard & Ann Collins,
Patricia Dole
Ernie Sly: Katherine V Myers
Carmen Stewart: Donald & Elaine Barth,
Mildred Crawford, Leila Stewart
Randy Sylvia: Rosanne J Collins, Sherri
Grochowski, Mabel Gunning, Quality Life
Health Center Inc.
F. Dale Taylor: S. Rose Burnham, Peggy
Kettleson, Carol Taylor
Rick Thomason: Fred & Edna Wilcox
Alma Turnidge: John & Trudy McCoy
James C Turnidge: John & Trudy McCoy
Willard Vorhees: Lillian Vorhees
Darroll Waller: Darlene M Waller
Debbie Walsh: Everett & Viola Martin,
Hermance Insurance Agency, LLC
Robert Walsh: Geraldine Walsh
Franklin Woods: Mary E Woods