New Video! LifeChange Stories: Renee Fisher

See Renee's story of terrible losses, self-destructive behavior and healing at Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange community

Congrats Dani and Dan T.!

Last weekend the LifeChange recovery community honored two outstanding residents, Dani Nay and Dan Torgeson (aka "Dan T.") Dani completed the Cabinet (or third level) of LifeChange and is going on to study to be a nurse.

Dan T. is moving up to the Council (or 4th level) in LifeChange. Council members agree to serve as leaders of the LifeChange community to teach and mentor other residents.

Dani (center) receives a completion certificate from Women's Ministry Director Crisanne, and LifeChange Council members Renee (left) and Mary (far right)

Dan T. at left is welcomed to the Council level by Council member Larry.

First ever "Beat the Heat" event!

Our first ever "Beat the Heat" event is happening today!


Even before the event kicked off, a large line formed in front of the Mission

Our friends from Cafe Delirium in Gresham made specialty coffee drinks for our guests

In addition to coffee, pastries and ice cream were served. Guests could also receive free summer clothing.

Thanks to all who helped make the first ever "Beat the Heat" event a success!

Mother and Son find recovery in LifeChange

Last Saturday, Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange recovery residents, staff and friends gathered for a barbeque to celebrate Thomas Ek's completion of LifeChange. What made the event extra special was Kim, Thomas' mother, was there. It was almost 8 years ago to the day that Kim herself graduated from LifeChange. (Kim and Thomas are pictured at left)

Kim came to the Mission in the late 90s, after years of alcohol and meth abuse. She was separated from her children, and hospitalized and sneaking in vodka to drink. From the hospital, Kim came to Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange addiction recovery community. She worked hard to re-build her life and re-connect with her children. She graduated in June of 2002. (Kim, when she entered LifeChange, pictured at left)

After a turbulent childhood, Thomas started using meth at age 17. Thomas was bounced around from place to place as a child, and experienced a lot of instability. After moving to Oregon from Utah, Thomas reconnected with his mom, Kim. Seeing that his mom was progressing through recovery, she became his role model. Thomas entered LifeChange in February of 2006. (Tom, the day he entered LifeChange, pictured at right)

Thomas completed LifeChange and is now enrolled a Portland Community College. He is looking forward to a career in healthcare technology.

Kim has moved to California and looks after her mother and works in food service at a hospital. She stays in touch with LifeChange, and is an inspiration to residents and staff.

Kim and Thomas are truly an example of breaking the cycle of addiction and transformation and restoration of a family.

Learn more about LifeChange.

Help the homeless "Beat the Heat"

While the weather in Portland has been cloudy and rainy, summer will officially begin on June 21. While many welcome the warmer temperatures, for the homeless, summertime can be difficult.

For the first time, Union Gospel Mission is launching "Beat the Heat" a special one day event on Friday June 25 to help supply those on the street with summer clothing- t-shirts and shorts, baseball caps, and bottled water.

Our friends at Cafe Delirium have agreed to provide specialty coffee drinks for our guests to enjoy when they pick up these items.

We need your help. Here are two ways you can help the homeless "Beat the Heat"

1. Collect summer clothing, hats and bottled water and drop them off at Union Gospel Mission (map) or at Cafe Delirium (map)

2. make a secure online donation

If you would like more information, please contact Heidi Hege at 503-274-4483 ex. 513

New Video! LifeChange Stories: Mary Brannen

In our latest installment of LifeChange Stories, meet Mary, who faced a terrible tragedy in her teen years that ultimately led to decades of addiction. She came to LifeChange and turned her life around.



Click here to support LifeChange and help people like Mary change their lives.

Thrift Store Thursday! Dollar Racks are Back!

Looking for a clothing bargain? Visit Union Gospel Mission's Thrift Store located at >11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard (Across from the Tigard Cinemas) Map

Designated racks of clothing are priced at only ONE DOLLAR per item!