Union Gospel Mission of Salem

There are many people in our community that are homeless. It is often difficult for many of us to know how to help them. Thankfully, there is an organization, Union Gospel Mission, that is working tirelessly to love and provide basic needs and more to these people in our community. This week that organization and their staff experienced a traumatic event when a man stabbed many people, including staff people, in and around their homeless shelter. Can we, as the greater Salem community, come together at this time to show our encouragement to the Union Gospel Mission, thanking them for all they do 24/7 to support our community? Let's be generous and cheer them on as they heal and grow from the difficult event this week.

Hello friends, 

On February 13, 2015 my beloved son Jeffrey and I began a six year journey toward his new life - a clean and sober life. I consider it my greatest privilege that he allowed me to be his partner on that journey. 

Addiction is a chronic illness accompanied by significant changes in the brain. Addiction does not occur because of moral weakness, a lack of willpower or an unwillingness to stop.

Jeffrey entered the New Life Fellowship Program at Union Gospel Mission of Salem on March 25, 2018. The program is faith based and since we are not Christian Jeffrey was essentially working through his recovery in a foreign language. I will forever treasure the time spent talking about life and doing my best to help him navigate his way. 

Jeffrey successfully completed the 18-month program and along the way created wonderful bonds with the staff at UGM and fellow program members. After graduation he entered an internship at the program to give back and help others by sharing his journey. 

standing at the edge 

may you have one who believes 

you have wings to fly 

I believed with all my heart that he could fly and he did. He soared. I am immensely proud of the truly hard work he did to become a better person - healthy in mind, body and spirit and to once again have joy in his life. I will be forever grateful to the caring people at UGM. 

The UGM is opening a brand new men's facility this month. Jeffrey was very excited to be part of that. To honor him and the people who helped him to become whole again I would like to raise money to dedicate a space at the beautiful new facility in Jeffrey's name. You will have my profound gratitude for any and all donations to this cause.

Much love, 

Jeffrey's Ma

For more information - https://ugmsalem.org/