February 2024

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FEBRUARY 2024| VOL. 28 NO. 2

Restoring Hope...Transforming Lives ~ Since 1995

Challenges Challenges Challenges Chall & Triumphs & Triumphs & Triumphs & Triu nce upon a time in the heart O of Washington, there lived a woman with long, beautiful white

hair that cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall. Her deep green eyes sparkled with wisdom and kindness, reflecting a life filled with challenges and triumphs. She often found herself uttering the words, “I am blessed.”

Despite coming from a large family, this resilient woman had raised three children of her own. Financial constraints, however, had made the dream of sending them to college seem like an unattainable mirage. Undeterred, her children took a different path to education – they joined the armed forces. Bright and hardworking, they found their way to success, each building a life in a different state.

Recently, the lovely lady returned to Washington, her home turf.

She spoke with warmth about her unwavering faith, her wonderful church, and the genuine connections she had forged with the people around her. Among them, she had a special friend on the Olympia Union Gospel Mission staff, someone who had become a beacon of support and camaraderie in her life.

One unique aspect of this woman’s existence was her love for color.

In her small space, she organized her life with a collection of calendars and a set of color pens. While she didn’t consider herself an artist, these tools became a lifeline. A survivor of a physical trauma, the calendars helped her focus, serving as a daily reminder of the past and a guide to what lay ahead.

Despite her challenges, the lovely lady exuded gratitude. She awaited low-income housing, yet she was thankful for the present, living in the embrace of the Mission. To some, the Mission might seem like a refuge for those who had lost hope, a place of hardened souls. However, this woman saw it differently. She expressed her appreciation for the staff who took good care of her and the sense of community that enveloped her.

Contrary to popular belief, she found herself living among individuals who shared stories, offered encouragement, and supported one another. In the midst of occasional disruptions from what some might label as “crazy” individuals, she continued to affirm, “I am blessed.” Her optimism shone like a beacon, dispelling the notion that everyone within the Mission was downtrodden and depressed.

In the end, the story of this woman was not one of despair but of resilience, gratitude, and the unwavering belief that, even in the most unexpected and difficult places, there is always a bright shining hopeful individual illuminating the path for others.

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t age 20, Michael found himself leaving home with just a single backpack, embarking on a journey. Although initially aiming for Seattle, he ended up at a teen resource facility in Olympia. He was looking for a permanent place to stay, but a nightly bed wasn’t guaranteed. However, he discovered the Olympia Union Gospel Mission’s Camp Mercy tiny houses, and fortunately, they had an opening. He promptly filled out the application form on the Mission website.

The following day, Michael had an interview with the Tiny House Coordinator, Jackie, and within minutes, it became evident to her that he was a perfect match.

“Michael carried himself with such poise and politeness.” she reflected, “that even though he grew up in a challenging neighborhood, he was driven to overcome his difficult past.”

Michael shared that he was a Christian, motivated by the desire to establish a successful and well-ordered life. He believed he couldn’t achieve this in his previous living situation. Over the course of several months, Michael became part of a supportive community at the Mission, which provided stability during a vulnerable period in his life.

Taking charge of his future, he enrolled in Job Corps to receive computer training and he was accepted into the program.

This marked the beginning of his journey into young adulthood.

Pictured: Michael & Jackie

OLYMPIA UNION GOSPEL MISSION | PO BOX 7668 OLYMPIA WA 98507 | 360.709.9725 | OUGM.ORG | FACEBOOK

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n their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

In looking out over the next one to three years we are in prayer about, or feel led, to the following changes in ministry.

Mindy and I were reflecting that it has been ten years since I hired her to represent the Mission in a fundraising capacity. I don’t think either of us anticipated that ten years later we would be sharing an office co-administrating the Mission and she would be designated to succeed me … when that day comes.

Trust me, the Mission will be in good, strong, hands!

She will be a great leader!

1. We expect dental visits to increase over time due to population growth and greater awareness of the dental clinic.

We also see growth as a result of broadening the services offered to include dental appliances such as bridges and dentures. The Mission has received a significant donation to the dental clinic for the purpose of paying dental labs to make the appliances. There is a very great need for dental services for our low income neighbors that are uninsured and are unable to pay for dental care.

2. Mindy is negotiating with another housing provider to establish an after school Club House in their apartment complex. We place a high priority on establishing the Club Houses in an effort to redirect the children to a path that will lead them away from addiction and homelessness and to faith in God. 3. As staff and Board members, we have a vision for getting shelter guests off the Mission floor and into a bed in space that can be occupied 24/7. This would allow us to create a program focused on the addiction recovery and mental health needs of shelter guests. It will be expensive to create the space and staff the program. We believe it is worth it to try and help this very overlooked and vulnerable population. The question is – does God see this as a priority for the Mission. We seek your prayer support for God’s guidance.

We also started reflecting on many of the changes that have happened over the last ten years 2014 - 2024. I followed up on that train of thought and wanted to share some of what we found.

1. The Mission’s annual operating budget has gone from $1,186,143 to $2,058,914!

2. In 2014 the Mission served 91,000 meals to guests. In the last twelve months the Mission served 71,570 in the dining room and delivered 112,275 meals to remote sites, for a total of 182,845 meals. Some of the clients for off-site meals used to come to the Mission before the advent of the Tiny House and motel conversion shelters.

3. In 2014, the Mission did not have a Tiny House village. Now “Camp Mercy” exists with five Tiny Houses and three micro-container shelters.

4. In 2014, the Mission did not provide overnight shelter. In the recent twelve months, the Mission provided 19,063 bed nights of shelter.

5. In 2014, the number of clients with serious untreated mental health conditions was not an issue. Ten years later, at least one-half of day center clients have an addiction to drugs like meth and Fentanyl along with untreated mental health disease. The Mission has initiated a response to the mental health crisis designed to build relationships and leverage the relationships to enable clients to seek professional help.

6. In 2014 there was no outreach ministry to children. In the last twelve months, 3,424 children have benefited from receiving food, clothing, holiday items and an after school club house program, “Club Hope,” at a low income housing project. Club Hope serves 15 to 20 children a day, five days a week.

7. COVID did have a negative effect on health care services, which have not returned to pre-COVID levels. In 2014 the Mission provided 655 Vision visits and 1,639 Dental visits. In the last twelve months, the Mission provided 361 Vision visits and 1,482 Dental visits.

Board members, Mindy, and I are very committed to seeking God’s leading as we plan for the future and stewarding your gifts to the best of our ability to do God’s work. We are very grateful for your trust and investment in God’s work as well as your prayer support! None of this happens without YOU!

OLYMPIA UNION GOSPEL MISSION | PO BOX 7668 OLYMPIA WA 98507 | 360.709.9725 | OUGM.ORG | FACEBOOK

WAYS TO GIVE

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n 2018, a sculpture caught the eye of a Texas woman perusing the aisles of her local Goodwill store and she bought it for $34.99. She was curious about the piece and started to do some research. Several years later, a fine arts consultant identified it as an ancient Roman bust that once belonged to a king of Bavaria and had long been missing from a German museum. The thought was an American soldier brought it home after WWII and it eventually made its way to someone’s donation pile. This priceless find is now back in Germany.* Talk about a unique thrift store donation!

You may not have a 2,000-year-old Roman bust lying around your house to give, but there are other creative ways you can support the work of nonprofits you love, no matter your season of life or size of your budget. Start with these ideas: Time. Time is a resource available to all of us—and it can have immeasurable impact. Share about your favorite nonprofits with people you know. Send notes of encouragement to staff members. Look into opportunities to volunteer. Your time investment pays lasting dividends in needs met and people served.

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e v i t a e WAYS TO GIVE! Cr

In-Kind Gifts. You may have access to goods and resources that can bless our work, or you could have skills that will help us further our mission. Get in touch with us and learn more about which in-kind gifts can make the most difference.

Other Assets. Research shows that about 90% of wealth is held in non-cash assets like IRAs, real estate, stocks, or personal property. Many have also found that creative giving could mean leaving a legacy and extending impact through a gift in your will. You can use these tools in creative ways to change lives long after your lifetime.

In her diary, Anne Frank wrote, “No one has ever become poor from giving.” There’s great wisdom in her words.

Serving others and giving toward work that changes lives brings a wealth of satisfaction and joy, regardless of your age or circumstances. Your creative gifts can make a lasting difference. *Story found in USA Today

From Desperation to Relief

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middle-aged man, grappling with diabetes, found himself in a dire situation as a severe oral infection had set in, prompting a visit to the emergency room. He was treated with two types of intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection.

He sought dental care and chose a local clinic that accepted his insurance. However, after the evaluation appointment, he was informed that his state insurance was no longer valid and was handed an unexpected dental bill.

Undeterred, he reached out to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission’s No-Fee Dental Clinic. Thankfully, he received the necessary dental treatment without incurring any charges. This assistance proved crucial in maintaining his overall health, enabling him to address the infection, stabilize his diabetes, alleviate pain, and finally enjoy restful nights of sleep.

eremiah House Shelter Program (JH Shelter for short) ne of our current JH Shelter clients is J“Nest”, We have essentially created a men’s version of the O Gerald, who arrived at the emergency our Women’s Short-term Shelter. Similarly they shelter in the Mission. He indicated that must be fulfilling the following requirements: • working or looking for work • volunteering at the Mission • attending Bible studies; Celebrate Recovery; and church • Saving money and willing to prove a savings for financial accountability • Participating in U.A.s and filling out schedules for accountability • Meet with our Peer Counselors to sign up for housing and to find care for medical and mental needs • Follow Jeremiah House rules for chores and curfew

It is not “all work and no play.” The guys in the JH Shelter get to fellowship together with meals, board games and sporting events. And then, at the end of the first 30 days we will assess to see if they are appropriate for the Life Transformation Program or continue to work and save for their next place of residence.

Jesus brought him to the Mission where he heard about the program. Currently, he has been working full-time doing maintenance at a local restaurant. When not working, Gerald volunteers at the Mission and gladly states that volunteering to him is a bonus from God. To him working and volunteering is a lot of responsibility but he enjoys it for now, until the Lord sets him on another path.

Gerald’s positive attitude and love for the Lord reminds us why this is such a need for God’s people who want a hand up and not so much a hand out.

OLYMPIA UNION GOSPEL MISSION | PO BOX 7668 OLYMPIA WA 98507 | 360.709.9725 | OUGM.ORG | FACEBOOK