The Inner City Pulse - January-february 2009

January/February 2009

From Fear to Faith: Andre’s story INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

You Made Christmas Bright! Dreams Take Flight for UGM Kids Downtown Eastside Kids Celebrate Their Community

Donate online and learn more at

www.ugm.ca

Hope for the Hungry, Hurting and Homeless... since 1940

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Union Gospel Mission offers hope to hungry, hurting and homeless men, women, youth and children in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland of BC by sharing and practically demonstrating the gospel of Jesus Christ, providing without discrimination: • • • • •

Basic necessities and practical assistance Effective recovery programs which offer freedom from addictive lifestyles Educational and job readiness programs which equip for successful living Outreach programs which provide encouragement, support, counselling, spiritual guidance and referral services, and Affordable housing for those in need through our Union Gospel Housing Society

Our desire is to be a bridge for people striving to regain the basic necessities of life, restore their God-given dignity and hope, empowering them to rejoin the community as full and active participants.

Programs & Services Offered • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Emergency Food, Shelter, Clothing Alcohol & Drug Recovery Programs Community Drop-in Centres Employment Services Youth Outreach Chapel & Meal Services Children’s Programs Adult Education Thrift Stores Counselling Bible Studies Home & Community Visitation Women’s Outreach

Union Gospel Mission Board of Directors Robert Pasman – Chairman Bill Schulz – Vice Chairman and Treasurer Bruce Anthony Mark DuMerton Roy Hildebrand Ernest Lang David Leung George Ratzlaff Alastair Rees-Thomas John Vanderwal

Senior Leadership Team Bill Mollard – President Blanche Hames – Director of Human Resources Genesa Wheaton – Director of Resource Development Dan Russell – Director of Operations

Editorial Team J. Stewart – Editor-in-Chief Anika Cornish – Editor

Union Gospel Mission 616 East Cordova Street Vancouver, BC, V6A 1L9 Tel: 604.253.3323 Fax: 604.253.3496

Check our job ads at www.ugm.ca

What makes Christmas truly special? Each Christmas season seems to come and go more quickly than the last. The weeks leading up to the big day are a flurry of activity, anticipation and duties. We often speed into Christmas Eve at full tilt, then we finally try to slow ourselves down to appreciate the wonder and stillness of that holiest of nights. And when it’s all over, what can we say really made the season special? It likely isn’t the things we gave and received, but rather the spirit of love behind those gifts. This was my first Christmas at Union Gospel Mission, and as I look back on the busy and blessed season, I am overwhelmed by the incredible spirit of charity and compassion that permeated everything at UGM and spread out into the streets and back alleys of this struggling neighbourhood. Groups of caring volunteers gathered to help sort and pack thousands of pounds of food to distribute in hampers for over 300 grateful families. Stacks of toys from generous donors filled entire

rooms at the Mission until they could be wrapped and given to hundreds of joyful children. And thousands of men, women, youth and children joined us for a memorable Christmas dinner made possible by the united efforts of sacrificial donors, volunteers and staff alike. So many kind individuals made UGM part of their Christmas plans. Not just another obligation in an already busy season, for many volunteers and donors the time they spent at the Mission, and the gifts they gave are what the holidays are all about. Giving back gave the season meaning. And that’s what generous donors like you are doing all year long! Your gifts give hope and help to our community’s most vulnerable people. Thank you for your continued faithful support. May God bless you in 2009! With gratitude,

William B. Mollard

LIVES CHANGED... October 2008 The Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program for men is an intensive, Christ-centred, six month live-in program. Every year, UGM sees many men successfully complete the program and begin clean and sober lifestyles. Lydia Home’s Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program for women integrates Biblical teaching with 12-step recovery and relapse prevention with an emphasis on specific women’s issues. The women are taught the skills that will assist them in maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free life.

Alpha/A & D Mark, Douglas, Jesus

Lydia Home Belinda, Laurie, Ivy, Linda

November 2008

The Hope Learning Centre educates adults and encourages them to earn their GED (Grade 12 Equivalency), and acquire valuable employment skills.

Alpha/A & D John, Joseph, Rob, Henry

Lydia Home Tera

Pre-Employment Henry, Joseph, Rob, Douglas, Jesus, Mark, Gerry, John

Downtown Eastside Children Explore the Kinder Side of Their Neighbourhood Day spent exploring Princess Avenue a chance to celebrate community Many children at Strathcona Elementary School saw their Downtown Eastside neighbourhood as a bit of a scary place. That’s why community groups and businesses joined together to hold the 1st annual Princess Avenue Interpretive Walk – a chance for over 200 children to learn about the social history of their neighbourhood and meet some friendly faces along the street that leads to their school. A proud member of the Strathcona community – one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods – both UGM’s Vancouver Drop-in Centre and UGM Headquarters are located adjacent to Princess Avenue. With the kind support of the Vancouver Police Department, the street was closed to traffic between Hastings and Powell for the day as children and teachers explored this historic part of Vancouver. Funded by the city of Vancouver, the colourful event showcased eight community groups, each hosting a booth with learning activities for the kids. At the Union Gospel Mission booths, children participated in art projects centered on the theme of kindness, while they enjoyed live music and hot chocolate. The kids’ happy faces told the story of the positive effect such events can have in building a stronger community.

Over 100 Kids Had a Ball at Camp Extravaganza! For the 3rd consecutive year, UGM hosted a camp reunion for over 100 excited kids who attended camp this summer thanks to bighearted donors like you. Organized by UGM’s Camp Ministries team, the event gives campers the chance to reconnect with friends from the summer, camp leaders and UGM staff. With the help of over 65 volunteers, The Warehouse at Broadway Church was transformed into a carnival complete with a bounce house, games, stuffed-animal prizes, face painting, balloons and crafts. A Vancouver Police Department liaison officer was on-hand to meet kids, who especially enjoyed meeting his canine companion from the VPD Dog Squad. Kids and parents enjoyed live music while munching on great food and finished by making their own ice cream sundaes topped with chocolate sauce and sprinkles if they wanted! Summer camps donated gear (camp t-shirts, water bottles, backpacks, hats and cameras) as giveaways for the kids, and one lucky boy was the winner of the grand prize giveaway: a brand new bike and helmet!

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A Joyful Christmas Dinner for XXXX Your donations provided delicious holiday meals, caring fellowship and practical assistance for guests at UGM’s 68th annual Christmas Dinner

Dreams Take Flight for UGM Kids! 10 UGM kids chosen to take Disneyland daytrip

A festive, warm holiday atmosphere greeted guests who came to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner. Gifted musicians lent their talents as guests took some time to relax and hear a message of God’s love in the UGM chapel. Chaplaincy and outreach staff visited with local residents and offered information about our programs and services. The weeks leading up to December 13th were especially busy for UGM’s talented kitchen staff and volunteers as they prepared to welcome men, women, youth and children for this special community meal. Imagine making Christmas dinner with all the trimmings – turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, pie and ice cream – for XXXX! On behalf of UGM, a very big THANK YOU is extended to our generous donors, volunteers, staff and friends for making the day a warm and wonderful part of the holiday season for UGM guests.

It’s a marathon day for Joven, but getting up well before dawn and not returning home until after midnight is absolutely worth it for the New Westminster UGM outreach worker. For Joven, it’s a joy to be part of such a magical day in a child’s life. Once a year, a special opportunity called “Dreams Take Flight” is made available to 150 of the Lower Mainland’s most vulnerable children – those who live in poverty, those who are battling illness, and those whose young lives have been especially challenging. And this year, 10 children (ages 6 -10) from UGM were given the chance to take this once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland. The day is made possible by Air Canada employees, who from pilots to baggage people, volunteer their time to fly these special kids to Disneyland for the day. This will be the fourth year that Joven has made this marathon day happen for Union Gospel Mission kids. He’s found that those who have had this opportunity are doing better in school and generally have higher self esteem. They realize that they were chosen for something incredible, and they are special enough to have the chance of a lifetime.

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Generous Donors Provide Over 300 Christmas Hampers for Families Filled with 2 weeks worth of pantry staples, holiday treats and gifts for children, these hampers made the holidays brighter for families who couldn’t afford the extras, let alone much of the food, that makes the season so special. One mother said she could never quite express how grateful she was to receive a hamper. “Food has been very tight for my family lately,” she said. “My children and I thank you, more than I can say.”

On behalf of the many extremely appreciative families, thank you!

A Christmas Party Just for the Kids! Over the Christmas season, UGM held two special parties for kids where over XXXX little ones experienced the magic of the season alongside caring children’s workers and enthusiastic Trinity Western University students and volunteers from Pioneer Pacific Camp’s leadership program.

The kids enjoyed pizza, ice cream, presents from Santa and lots of games. “It’s wonderful to see kids just smiling, giggling and enjoying the Christmas spirit,” shares Stephanie, Coordinator of Family Ministries. “What a magical time!”

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Testimonial

From

Fear to Faith

When Andre entered UGM’s Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program, he had been struggling with addiction for over 35 years, and had sought help kicking his addiction at seven recovery houses. Now 47, he has been clean and sober for a year, is involved in rewarding work, has a place to call home and is giving back to his community. Andre’s eyes now sparkle as he speaks of his excitement for the future God has put before him. For most of his life however, Andre experienced the world with what he describes as a paralyzing fear. He was born in Montreal and grew up in an alcoholic environment. As a young boy he witnessed violence and abuse around him and even witnessed his mother being beaten. This deeply affected Andre and he became riddled with fear and anxiety; at the age of 12, he began using alcohol to cope with his emotions. Andre’s father owned and operated many hotels and restaurants, and though this is how Andre first procured free alcohol, it also was the catalyst for many years of working in the restaurant industry. He trained alongside top chefs, became a talented artist with food and earned his Red Seal certification. His addiction though would soon catch up with him; he was missing many days of work at a time and was eventually unable to hold down a job. Andre’s life was in a downward spiral:

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“Life is great today, I’m totally excited for the future.” he had lost his job, was unable to afford housing, was living in his car and soon sold the car to pay off a debt. Addicted, in debt and living on the streets, Andre had hit bottom. UGM’s New Westminster Drop-in was where Andre ate his meals and the staff encouraged him to seek help through the Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program. “I loved those guys,” Andre recalls of UGM staff Joven and Mike, “they really took care of me.” Thanks to the determination and care of outreach staff and counsellors, and with God’s grace, Andre was able to commit to working through recovery and graduated from the A&D Program in August of 2008. He now works as a residential care worker with struggling children and takes joy in helping those who have had a difficult start to life, much like he did. “The love I’ve found at the Mission conquered my fear,” Andre shares. “My life used to be entirely based on fear. Now it’s based on two things: adventure and faith. I know God’s going to open up that next door if it’s meant to open.” To the donors who made his transformation possible he says, “Thank you. The love I’ve found at the Mission will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

THANK YOU John’s Poetry Thanks to you, men and women are learning a new way of life through UGM’s Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program. The changes are profound. Not only are they given the tools to live a life free from the bondage of alcohol and drugs, many also experience a renewal of spirit and come to know the love of God. John (a former resident) wrote this poem in expression of the new life he’s found.

Your spirit lives inside of me, Every moment that I breathe, And in every word you speak Lord, I truly do believe. Everywhere that I go, Lord, you are with me too, That is why everywhere I travel, I’ll tell the world about you. It is by your grace my Lord Jesus, That my life is turned around, The peacefulness and gentleness, And your loving heart that I’ve found. So as I walk each day Lord, In this new life that you give, I praise you my great Savior, For this new way I have to live.

Thank you BC Egg Producers Association and BC Turkey Association! The BC Egg Producers Association and BC Turkey Association have chosen Union Gospel Mission as the beneficiary of their annual golf tournament 4 years in a row. This year’s tournament raised $31,797.09, which will be used to provide UGM with egg and turkey products during 2008 and 2009. What a wonderful and much needed donation toward UGM’s meal program, which serves over 256,000 meals annually. Thank you so much for this incredible support!

Praise 106.5 FM Listeners Feed the Hungry Once again, Praise 106.5 FM partnered with Union Gospel Mission for our 5th annual Feed the Hungry Christmas Radiothon on December 9th. Praise listeners responded generously and monies raised will feed thousands this winter!

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Kids Helping Kids! Now in Grade 1 at West Point Grey Academy, Caitie is already a firm supporter of Union Gospel Mission. “One cold, wet morning a few weeks ago, Caitie told me that she wanted to help the children UGM serves,” recalls Tara, Caitie’s mother. So Caitie shared her dream of helping other children in need with her classmates. Together with her friend Paige, Caitie delivered a hand-decorated box of over 70 mittens and hats, and many scarves, boots and socks. Thank you to all three Grade One classes, Ms Haffner, Ms Kervin, and Ms Rey, for caring for children in need this Christmas season!

Donate your old sweaters. It will warm your heart ...and someone else’s.

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