Job Training


“I was homeless. Drug use was killing me from the inside out. I didn’t come to UGM for recovery, but God started showing me there was a better life. I noticed guys in program making good changes, and I wanted that. So I joined the program. Now I’ve been hired at my business practicum at Berg. It’s exciting to work every day where I can provide and be the father I want to be.” – Mike McKeon.

 

Employment is key to fighting homelessness, and that goes far deeper than drawing a paycheck to cover food and housing. For people who have been unemployed a long time, discovering they can contribute something valuable in the community can make all the difference in their outlook and how they view themselves. UGM is focused on helping people overcome whatever obstacles keep them from the satisfaction and self-worth that come from doing meaningful work.

Chores

Chores are an expectation of community life in each of UGM’s shelters. When shelter guests take part in maintaining their temporary home or preparing their meals, they’re also affirming to themselves and others that they have something valuable to offer in the home and in the workplace. Interests, personality and ability levels are taken into account when chores are assigned.

 

Asset 3@3x

“I’m learning how to be disciplined and be on time for my job/my chore—I call it my job.” – Charles

Employment Ready

Our short-term shelters offer the Employment Ready Program, which helps people overcome their personal obstacles to employment, such as lack of appropriate clothing or transportation, poor work history or lack of computer skills. The ERP provides job coaching, computer access and assistance for job searches and resumes, child care for moms doing job searches, and classes on appropriate workplace behavior.

Employment Training Opportunities

UGM Motors, UGM Thrift Stores, and other departments throughout the ministry offer short-term employment opportunities for people who need a chance to rebuild their work history.

 

“I wanted to be in a Christian organization somewhere. And also somewhere where they had a high accountability. … Everybody here is very accepting. They’re very loving. When I started working here, I just fit right in.”
– Phil Reese, UGM Motors Employment Training Opportunity participant

Vocational Education

Every UGM shelter has a Vocational Education Center to develop residents’ academic and skill levels, all with their career goals in view. Each program participant gets a personalized plan, along with classes and tutoring, to reach their goals.

 

Stephanie with GED

“Throughout my life and especially in my addiction, I never thought I would get my GED. ...This just opens so many doors.” - Victor

Business Practicum

We encourage residents not to settle for “any old job” but to explore the options and work toward meaningful careers that fit their interests and gifts. Participants in our long-term recovery programs complete a 240-hour, unpaid business practicum in an area that fits their career goals. More than half are hired permanently by the company at which they completed their practicum.

Seminars and Career Fair

UGM hosts regular seminars for residents on how to find and keep employment, as well as a career fair for networking and employment opportunities. These events give residents a look at the local business landscape and what they can do to become sought-after employees. UGM has more than 100 Business Partners that provide seminar speakers, career fair representatives, job coaches and practicum opportunities.

 

Asset 4@3x

“I’ve never seen a success story like we’ve seen with Sarah, here. She is amazing.” – Mitchell Long, Chief Executive Officer at Northwest OB-GYN
Click here to get more info on becoming a UGM Business Partner. >
Every UGM shelter has a Vocational Education Center to develop residents’ academic and skill levels, all with their career goals in view. Each program participant gets a personalized plan, along with classes and tutoring, to reach their goals.

 
UGM Motors, UGM Thrift Stores, and other departments throughout the ministry offer short-term employment opportunities for people who need a chance to rebuild their work history.

 

“The Employment Ready Program benefited me in many ways. It got my confidence up. It got me on my own from being homeless, and it got me stronger in my faith. … It’s made me a man that I never knew I was.”
– Brian Watson, Employment Training Opportunity participant
guidestar

© Union Gospel Mission  |  501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization  |  Privacy Policy  |  1224 E. Trent Ave., Spokane, WA 99202  |  info@uniongospelmission.org  |  509.535.8510