UGM / Stories & Updates
Stories of Hope
Read inspiring stories of hope and important updates from UGM’s community members, staff, volunteers and donors.
Use the filters below to read our latest Gratitude stories, blog posts and news features.
Stories
The Gift of Transferable Skills
It’s an understatement to say that Deborah has experience with people. For 32 years, she worked as Director of Event Operations at BC Place, ensuring that stadium concerts, soccer games...
Sep 18, 2023
Stories
You’re Connecting People with the Library — and Fresh Opportunities
The new partnership between UGM New Westminster and the New Westminster Public Library is a perfect example of great minds thinking alike. While UGM New Westminster’s incoming Manager Edith had...
Sep 18, 2023
Stories
Building Bridges in Recovery
They say change is constant, and nowhere is that truer than at UGM. We see transformation daily, as community members adapt, grow, and take their next steps into well-being. Thanks...
Sep 18, 2023
Blog | Stories
Summer Camp Report 2023
Because of your generosity, 688 campers attended a life-changing week at summer camp, filled with fun and adventure. Read on to find out how camp brought Nathan out of his...
Sep 13, 2023
Blog
4 Approaches to Disrupting the Toxic Drug and Overdose Crisis
We recently shared this year’s statistics about the opioid overdose crisis that continues to impact so many lives in our communities. Faced with overwhelming numbers and loss, it can be...
Sep 8, 2023
Blog
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Overdose Epidemic in 2023
Content warning: This story discusses drug poisoning and death. Please read with care for your own well-being. Beyond the headlines, beyond the noise of constant ambulances, many in our region...
Aug 30, 2023
Blog
How to Talk to Your Kids About Homelessness
Kids: they’re full of questions. Do ants have eyebrows? Who invented kites? How do I know that I’m real? Curiosity is an incredible gift, and helping children explore the world...
Jul 19, 2023
Blog
UGM’s 24th Annual Summer BBQ
In the face of inflation and sky-high cost of living, UGM's Summer BBQ event was back Saturday, July 15th at Oppenheimer Park. Families living in the Downtown Eastside gathered for...
Jul 18, 2023
Blog
4 Reasons Why We're Incorporating Outdoor Activities Into Women’s Recovery
Summer in Vancouver means it’s time to enjoy all the outdoor spaces the city has to offer. With so many mountains, parks, and beaches right at our doorstep, there are...
Jun 22, 2023
News
Recovery Members to Receive Additional Counselling From New Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday June 15th, 2023 – Recovery Members to Receive Additional Counselling From New Partnership UGM & No Fear Counselling Collaboration Empowers Individuals on a Journey to...
Jun 19, 2023
News
DTES Community Members Find Optimism & Opportunity at UGM’s 10th Annual Summer Connect
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 - DTES Community Members Find Optimism & Opportunity at UGM’s 10th Annual Summer Connect Summer Connect event ‘increasingly crucial’ for individuals experiencing...
Jun 14, 2023
Stories
Traditions of Care
It would be accurate to say UGM supporters Simon and Fay are retired adventurers. “I've had the good fortune of travelling to almost every corner of the world for work,”...
May 29, 2023
Stories
Day Camp is a Way for Kids to Have as Much Fun as Possible
Beach weather. No homework. Freedom. For kids, summer can be the best time of the year. But for parents, summer can present a challenge: how to provide activities and care...
May 26, 2023
Stories
A Journey Made of Stepping Stones
The Men’s Alumni Association is an established presence at UGM, helping participants strengthen and continue in their recovery for the long haul. But for Men’s Recovery alumnus Collin, being involved...
May 24, 2023
Gratitude
Overcoming Barriers to Community
You can tell immediately how much local mom Jasmine loves her kids. When she drops by our new Women & Families Centre to share her story, she’s calm and patient...
Apr 27, 2023
News
Correcting the Story: UGM’s Fraser Valley Mobile Mission in Chilliwack
With a few articles in regional Fraser Valley newspapers circulating, we want to share the important context behind a video that was sent to the Mayor of Chilliwack by a...
Apr 25, 2023
Blog
5 Green Initiatives in the Downtown Eastside Making a Difference This Earth Day
Earth Day is just around the corner, and at Union Gospel Mission (UGM), we are so inspired by our community partners who are going green every day! Did you know...
Apr 20, 2023
Blog
A Year of New Beginnings: Celebrating the Women & Families Centre
This January marked an exciting milestone: a year ago, the new Women & Families Centre welcomed its first tenants. We spoke with three staff members—Candice, who heads up Women &...
Apr 18, 2023
Blog
A Space to Sew: How a Change in Location is Revitalizing Repair to Wear
It wasn’t that long ago that women in UGM’s Repair to Wear program learned and socialized in close quarters. “Our spaces were so packed, we all felt like sardines,” says...
Apr 13, 2023
News
Refugee Families Find Culture, Food & Connection at Special Nowruz Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday, March 17th 2023 - Refugee Families Find Culture, Food & Connection at Special Nowruz Event UGM’s grant program helps support local Cultural Food Pantries for...
Apr 12, 2023
Blog
A Note From the President: Reflecting on the Hastings Decampments
For most of us, the last 36 (or so) hours have been filled with talk and thoughts about the decampment happening on East Hastings. These decampments have filled the news...
Apr 6, 2023
News
Community Amid Chaos: UGM's 33rd Annual Easter Meal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, April 6, 2023 - Community Amid Chaos: UGM’s 33th Annual Easter Meal Pillar of DTES Community Creates Space for Renewal and Celebration (Vancouver, B.C) –...
Apr 6, 2023
Gratitude
Reclaiming Peace, Recovering Joy
Laura is the kind of person who lights up a room: she has an outgoing personality and her laugh is infectious. You can tell she has a lifetime of experience...
Mar 21, 2023
Blog
Taking the Leap: How One UGM Couple Has Made a Life Out of the Unexpected
Here at Union Gospel Mission, we’re used to celebrating lots of different kinds of love. Every day, we see the care between parents and children, the affection between friends and...
Feb 10, 2023
Blog
7 Tips to Land Your Dream Career in 2023
Here are Essential Tips and Resources to Help You In Your Career New year, new opportunities to level up your career! You deserve to have a career where you feel...
Jan 30, 2023
Annual Report
On The Rise
If you follow the news, it can seem that the only thing on the rise these days is adversity. From inflation to the opioid crisis, climate change to homelessness, our...
Jan 23, 2023
Annual Report
President and Board Chairperson’s Message
By now, you might be familiar with the story of the janitor at NASA in 1961 who, when asked by President Kennedy what he was doing, replied “Mr. President, I’m...
Jan 20, 2023
Annual Report
2021–2022 Fiscal Year in Review
Discover how your donation is being stewarded and used effectively to feed hope, and change lives.
Jan 20, 2023
Blog
President's Christmas Message
Wishing You All The Joy Of The Season And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be...
Dec 22, 2022
Blog
8 Fun, Meaningful Things To Do this Holiday Season in Vancouver
Here are the Best Ways to Cherish and Celebrate Christmas in BC It’s finally back! The most magical time of year is upon us again. This season—though bright—is incredibly brief...
Dec 8, 2022
News
UGM Celebrates 82nd Christmas Meal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, December 1st 2022 – UGM Celebrates 82nd Christmas Meal Chilling cold and rising stigma can’t hold back love and connection around the Christmas table (Vancouver...
Dec 1, 2022
Stories
One Common Hope | Corrin's Story
Like many staff members, Corrin came to UGM from far away—in her case, Australia. A worship pastor, singer, and songwriter, Corrin toured Australia and New Zealand with a rock band...
Oct 31, 2022
Stories
A Revitalized UGM New Westminster Opens its Doors and Welcomes in Community
On a typical day at UGM New Westminster, community members have stopped in for a morning meal. The coffee station is popular, and the kitchen is serving up eggs, hash...
Oct 31, 2022
Stories
UGM’s Christmas Hamper Program Helps Families Through Hard Times
As winter approaches, many of us begin to think and plan for Christmas. But for the staff and volunteers of UGM’s Christmas Hamper Program, the holiday season has been in...
Oct 31, 2022
Gratitude
More Than Enough
An uneven homelife made it hard for Stuart to believe he mattered. Searching for solace in alcohol and drugs, he escaped reality — until his addiction started to affect his...
Oct 27, 2022
Blog
How Inflation Affects Us All
A recent release from Statistics Canada has laid out the numbers: Canadians have felt the squeeze of inflation this year. Costs have gone up on everything from groceries to gas...
Oct 17, 2022
Stories
A New Outlook | Sandy's Story
Growing up with a parent who faced addiction and mental health challenges, Sandy developed a heart for others early on. “My dad struggled with an addiction to alcohol, and was...
Sep 28, 2022
Stories
No Strings Attached
A lot of existing services and neighbourhood programs depend on people coming indoors—into buildings, workshops, and recovery groups. But what about people who don’t feel ready to come in? For...
Sep 27, 2022
Stories
Taking a First Step in Safety
Transformation doesn’t always begin with a bang. More often than not, the first step on the path to change is something small. A meal, a clean pair of socks, a...
Sep 27, 2022
Gratitude
Living Each Day in Freedom
As a young man, Harold looked for structure in the Royal Canadian Navy—and then in the drug trade. But when his post-service life came apart at the seams, Harold recognized...
Sep 8, 2022
Blog | Stories
Summer Camp Report 2022
Because of your generosity, 506 campers attended a life-changing week at summer camp, filled with fun and adventure. Read on to find out how camp set Iziah on the path...
Aug 31, 2022
Blog
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Deadly Opioid Overdose Epidemic in 2022
CW: Overdose, Death Since 2016, the equivalent of one average sized town in BC has been lost to overdose! More than 10,000 lives gone and hundreds of thousands more who...
Aug 23, 2022
Blog
How UGM’s Eastsiders Program Helps Families Thrive
This back-to-school season, support is more crucial than ever. Can you believe how much costs have risen in Vancouver lately? The record-breaking inflation rate, housing crisis and overall expensive cost...
Aug 17, 2022
Blog
UGM Welcomes Dean Kurpjuweit as New President
Union Gospel Mission has selected Dean Kurpjuweit to be our next President. After 14 faithful years of service, William B. Mollard, UGM’s current President, announced his retirement in January 2022...
Aug 10, 2022
Blog
10 Easy, Beautiful Hikes In Vancouver To Do This Summer
Short, beginner-friendly BC hikes for people of all levels! It’s finally upon us—hiking season in Vancouver! Who’s excited? We sure are! After a dreary season of Juneuary, this recent arrival...
Aug 2, 2022
News
UGM’s Summer BBQ to Serve 4000, Amidst Supply Chain Issues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, July 7th 2022 – Kitchen Manager celebrates 20th anniversary at UGM & 80th Major Community Meal Served (Vancouver, B.C) – Seasoned Kitchen Manager Randy Spark...
Jul 7, 2022
Blog
7 Ways to Help People Overcome Being Homeless In Vancouver
Imagine living a paycheque away from becoming homeless in Vancouver. You're working hard to pay your rent and grocery bills - which are rising far too fast. Without warning, your...
Jun 27, 2022
News
The DTES Community Comes Together to Connect with ‘One-Stop-Shop’ Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday, June 7th 2022 – Union Gospel Mission’s Summer Connect event is back after a 2-year-long pandemic pause! (Vancouver, B.C) – In the midst of an...
Jun 7, 2022
Blog
The Power of Camp for Families Struggling during the Pandemic
A life-changing week at camp matters more than ever. Do you remember your first summer at camp? Maybe it was the lake shimmering in the sunlight, the laughter of your...
May 20, 2022
Gratitude
Making Our Way Home
The challenges of being a single parent saw Khitam separated from her community and working two full-time jobs in Beirut. Then civil war broke out in Syria. From ostracization in...
May 13, 2022
News
For families in the Downtown Eastside, affordable housing is vanishing. A newly opened centre is working to change that
Union Gospel Mission’s Women & Families Centre is open and filling an essential gap in intergenerational care Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood is a challenging place to be a child. Nearly...
May 7, 2022
Blog | Stories
How This Couple's Lives Changed By Falling in Love with the Downtown Eastside
Be inspired by this caring couple’s learnings and journey. When Robyn and Thomas first started their respective roles at UGM, they didn’t realize how much it would change their lives—beyond...
Apr 25, 2022
News
UGM To Serve 2400 Easter Meals Amidst Converging Crises
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, April 14th 2022 – UGM To Serve 2400 Easter Meals Amidst Converging Crises Metro Vancouver woman who overcame homelessness and addiction: “I’m a story of...
Apr 15, 2022
Gratitude
Rooted in Unconditional Agape Love
Four years ago, Ayanelli’s struggle with postpartum depression drove her into isolation. But because of the way relationships have given her life again, today, she has a heart to inspire...
Mar 15, 2022
Blog
Inspiring Lessons From Strong Women in Leadership
Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. We’re fortunate to be surrounded with and inspired by many strong women in our...
Mar 8, 2022
Blog
Love Your Neighbour As Yourself: From Reflection to Response
A 40-Day Lent Devotional In 2022, Lent begins on March 2nd, beautifully marking the beginning of a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. Together, with members...
Feb 28, 2022
Blog | Stories
A Love Story that Will Make You Believe in Love Again
As Valentines Day closes in, we’re all bombarded by love. It feels like it’s in every shop, window, or social media post. Not only are we constantly reminded of how...
Feb 10, 2022
Blog
‘End of an Era’ for Quest & UGM Partnership
After a successful partnership between UGM & Quest Outreach Society spanning a decade, Quest will be moving on from renting UGM’s 611 E Hastings location this June. “Quest has benefited...
Feb 4, 2022
Annual Report
Opening Doors
For decades, people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside have been longing to overcome the treacherous cycles of poverty, homelessness, and addiction for good. In this Annual Report, we invite you to...
Feb 1, 2022
Annual Report
2020-2021 Fiscal Year in Review
Discover how your donation is being stewarded and used effectively to feed hope, and change lives.
Jan 31, 2022
Annual Report
President & Board Chairperson’s Message
Throughout UGM’s history, caring donors like you have helped provide compassionate services to struggling women and families. Because of your continued support, UGM’s groundbreaking Women & Families Centre is opening...
Jan 31, 2022
Blog
7 Things to Let Go of in 2022 so You Can Thrive
It’s 2022 but it feels like we’re basically entering a trilogy of 2020. The pandemic is still ongoing and there’s been more disasters and crises than anyone would like lately...
Jan 25, 2022
Blog
Thank You, Bill
Through Union Gospel Mission’s 81-year history, we have been faithfully blessed with strong, stable, and vision-laden leadership — and William B. Mollard has been no exception. As UGM’s 4th President...
Jan 19, 2022
Gratitude
The Hard Road to Heart-Filled Humility
Never in a million years does anyone expect to become homeless – and for Robert, it brought him to an end. Since coming to UGM for a hot meal and...
Nov 2, 2021
News
More housing, support coming to the Downtown Eastside
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, October 28th 2021 – (Vancouver, B.C.) – For Sandra Pronteau, there is a sense of optimism when she thinks about Union Gospel Mission’s new Women...
Oct 28, 2021
Stories
Surviving the Systems | Sandra's Story
Sandra comes from a resourceful Métis family of twelve siblings who lived off the land. When Sandra was born prematurely with congenital birth defect disorders, the doctors racially profiled her...
Oct 21, 2021
Blog
Inspiring Stories of Women to Read this Women’s History Month
The month of October is full of amazing events, celebrations and fall colours, but it’s also Women’s History Month in Canada. So let’s take time to celebrate women and it...
Oct 20, 2021
News
UGM To Serve 1400 Thanksgiving Meals Despite COVID-19 Delta Fourth Wave
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, October 7th 2021 – (Vancouver, B.C.) – Janice Szostak won’t let COVID fatigue exhaust her efforts to give back to the Downtown Eastside community that...
Oct 7, 2021
Blog
Every Child Matters. Recognizing Orange Shirt Day and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Since 2013, September 30th has been observed as Orange Shirt Day, a movement to recognize the colonial legacy of residential schools and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Orange...
Sep 29, 2021
Blog
7 Simple Ways You Can Build Your Resilience
Lessons In Resilience You Can Apply To Your Life: As you know, September is always a busy month, and this year it’s only worse. With the fourth wave of COVID-19...
Sep 14, 2021
Gratitude
My Life Embroidered with Love
“My whole life was nothing but a tragedy,” aren’t words you ever hope to hear someone say. But for Janice, looking back gives her incredible gratitude for where she is...
Sep 14, 2021
Blog
What You Need to Know About the Opioid Overdose Epidemic in 2021
CW: Overdose, Death You’ve probably heard about the Opioid Overdose Epidemic on the news – or maybe you’ve lost a loved one to an illicit drug overdose. Maybe, it feels...
Aug 25, 2021
Blog
20 Fun, Easy Activities Under $5 To Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer
Summer is well under underway. If our recent record-breaking heatwave (not to mention spending most of Summer 2020 dealing with COVID restrictions) has taught us anything, it’s that parents need...
Jul 14, 2021
Blog
10 Bucket List Hikes To Conquer Near Vancouver This Summer
Hiking season is here again! Hey Vancouver, happy hiking season—aka one of our favourite seasons! After a long season of what felt like never-ending rain and even the coldest Vancouver...
Jun 24, 2021
Stories
An Empathy Impacting Generations | Linda's Story
How do life experiences develop hearts of deep compassion? For Linda, it was first modelled by her father’s incredible empathy. Now, she’s put his legacy into action with 20 years...
Jun 15, 2021
Blog
10 Simple Daily Practices To Improve Your Mental Health
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! By Nicole Hui May is Mental Health Awareness month! Focusing on your mental health can begin with this blog post, because we’re bringing you practical...
May 21, 2021
Gratitude
Beauty from my Ashes
Katrina has always been independent. Early on, running away from home gave her a sense of independence, but it also quickly introduced her to drugs and dangerous situations. After losing...
May 18, 2021
Blog
The Power of Empowering Stories
Informed Consent – What Is It? Why Does It Matter? People in our community are inspiring. Despite facing intense challenges like homelessness, poverty and addiction, our neighbours live out remarkable...
Apr 21, 2021
Stories
Meet Jennifer, a UGM Monthly Donor
UGM’s mission of helping people in need has resonated with Jennifer for decades. When she was younger and building a life of her own, she would give in ways that...
Apr 20, 2021
Blog
6 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Life This Spring to Start Fresh
Less Stuff, Less Stress I think we can all agree that, despite popular belief, “less” can be better—like less stress, less clutter, less burnout. Spring is in full bloom and...
Apr 16, 2021
Blog
Union Gospel Mission Serving the LGBTQ2S+ Community
Occasionally we at Union Gospel Mission get questions from the public about our LGBTQ2S+ community in Metro Vancouver. We appreciate these questions, because it provides an opportunity for us to...
Apr 15, 2021
News
UGM To Serve 2000 Easter Meals Amid COVID-19 Third Wave
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, April 1st 2021 – (Vancouver, B.C.) – When Virginia Whalen was serving swanky dishes at one of the three restaurants she once owned, the 63-year-old...
Apr 1, 2021
Gratitude
The Love That Changed My Path
Ed had always longed for a sense of acceptance. As a teenager, alcohol gave him that. But as life continued, the shame of his substance use separated him from those...
Mar 22, 2021
Blog
6 Easy Ways to Celebrate the Women in Your Life This International Women’s Day
These Ideas Are So Simple And Impactful Behind every successful woman is herself—but it never hurts to have some support along the way! International Women’s Day is coming up March...
Mar 4, 2021
Stories
Cherishing Life’s Little Miracles | Barb & Rodger's Story
“As soon as Rodger saw me, he knew I was the one he was gonna marry,” Barbara says. Though it’s been over 40 years since then, she’s still bewildered by...
Feb 12, 2021
Blog
Relationship Tips from this Couple of 35+ Years
Do you ever wonder how some people can make being married look easy? Are you hoping to fill your love toolbox with practical knowledge? We’ve got you covered — or...
Feb 11, 2021
Blog
How To Weather The Winter Blues: Top 5 Ways to Bring the Sunshine Back
Fact: It’s 2021 now. Fact: COVID did not magically disappear. And you basically feel like you are living one big groundhog day. Fact: Blue Monday is approaching this week (the...
Jan 12, 2021
Blog
Building an Anti-Racist Community at UGM
The past few weeks we have all been grappling with the racist violence that has shaken our world. We have refocused our attention on the deep pain being inflicted on...
Jun 9, 2020
Stories
Recovery Restores Families | Glenn & Ruby's Story
Ruby and Glenn, mother and son, know first-hand how quickly addiction unravels the cords of family. Ruby raised her two sons Glenn and Dale in West Vancouver, where the boys...
Jan 1, 2020
Stories
Meet Mary, a UGM Monthly Donor
Mary is a loyal monthly supporter of UGM with a big heart of compassion for her neighbours in need. “I’ve never been in the place where I’ve been hungry or...
Jan 1, 2020
