ONE LIFE AT A TIME

ANNUAL REPORT2016 / 2017

TOGETHER, WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

As we embrace all of the infinite possibility that 2018 holds for Union Gospel Mission, we also reflect on the issues and challenges the people we serve faced this past year and how, with your generous donations, we were able to reach out, respond and demonstrate Christ’s love through effective programs that transform communities… one life at a time.

So with a humble heart, we thank you.

What we so gratefully accomplish is only made possible by the commitment, encouragement and support from people like you. Our donors. A community of people, family, friends and neighbours who allow us to serve over 800 meals each day across Metro Vancouver; run transformative Alcohol & Drug Recovery programs; provide safe and protective sanctuary for vulnerable women and their children; open up our doors to offer comfort, coffee and a kind word; be there with emergency support when a family needs it most and so much more.

We invite you to take a moment to read our 2016 - 2017 Annual Report and share in the hope that your compassion has made possible.

God Bless,

OUR PEOPLEOUR BOARDTeresa Black HughesChairperson

Jim BarkmanVice Chairperson

Laurie BristowTreasurer

Almira ChowErnest LangGeorge RatzlaffRobert PasmanStanley MartinTrevor Wilson

OUR LEADERSHIP

William B. MollardPresident

Dan RussellDirector of Programs

Grace Lynn ReeveDirector of Operations

Ryan KochDirector of Resource Development

Mary LumDirector of Finance

Derek WeissDirector of Community Engagement,Social Enterprise & HousingWilliam B. Mollard

PresidentTeresa Black HughesBoard Chairperson

A LIFERECLAIMED

A LIFERECLAIMED

Richard was an active kid growing up in Vancouver, a natural athlete even, yet he found himself isolated and relentlessly bullied. To deal with the insecurity and internal dialogue that made him struggle with being social, he turned to drugs. It wasn’t long after his experimentation that Richard’s life took a darker turn. At just 17, Richard was strong-armed into selling cocaine, where, “being in the business brought protection [from the bullies], because we did business together.” This led to him dropping out of high school and drinking heavily. He became a functioning addict until the age of 25, but his drug use spiraled out of control.

Richard ended up homeless on the Downtown Eastside, sleeping in ATM entryways to keep warm. Though the next ten years offered glimpses of light—spans of sobriety, falling in love and becoming a father —darkness would soon return. By 2015, Richard, once again, found himself lost, isolated and hopeless. He was ready to end his life.

It was at that time that another person struggling with homelessness invited him to UGM for a meal. “Coming to UGM was relief almost instantly. There was a glimmer of hope.” Richard entered UGM’s Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program and in two years, under the encouragement and care of his counsellor, Paul, that once faint flicker of hope has sparked into a life reclaimed. Richard has reclaimed his life, restored his relationships with his wife and children and reignited his passion for nature. Recently hired as a Case Manager for UGM’s A&D Recovery Program and coordinator for UGM’s Expeditions hiking program, Richard guides and encourages other program residents in reclaiming their lives, as he did his own.

“SOME DAYS I AM JUST OVERWHELMED. I DO NOT HAVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE GRATITUDE…. I’M LOST FOR WORDS. LIFE IS ABSOLUTELY BETTER.”Richard, A&D Recovery Program Alumnus

Because of your compassion, guests like Richard experienced hope and restoration.

46 men completed UGM’s six month Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program

66% of men who completed A&D Recovery reached one year of sobriety last year

162 people found housing, employment or recovery through support from their Case Managers

Watch Richard share his story at UGM.ca/AR17

HOPE FOR

Though the problems of life on streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside are abundant and seemingly inescapable for those that find themselves in need, the struggle is often all that more difficult for women. For women facing desperate circumstances, abuse, addiction and trauma—often with children to raise and with nowhere to turn—it can feel hopeless.

For one woman, living in survival mode started at a young age when she was forced to leave her home. With limited life skills and no work experience, she ended up turning to sex work to support herself. Addiction soon followed. A few years ago, she entered The Sanctuary stabilization program at UGM to prepare for recovery and found the understanding and support system she needed to rebuild her life.

“The thing I know about The Sanctuary is that there’s no place like it. There’s no place where you go where you’re not programmed throughout the whole day. Where it’s safe and all your meals and shelter is provided for you and you can figure out your life. It provides a place for women to breathe,” shares Korena, UGM’s Wraparound Aftercare Worker who supports women as they transition from The Sanctuary. “The question becomes what does life after recovery look like? Not just for their families, but for themselves.”

For the woman above, she chose to participate in UGM’s Aftercare, specifically the Women’s Work Internship Program, which places women in 3 to 6 month work terms at UGM. “She didn’t know her potential until she was given that opportunity. Being able to do the internship has just opened her mind to that—that she’s good at this.” She is now thriving, living with her child in safe and affordable housing and hopeful for the future.

“To be able to come back and give back is huge. For their own self-esteem. For their own sense of value and knowing that they have something to offer,” says Korena, reflecting warmly on the women in Aftercare who return to support current Sanctuary residents.

“As UGM continues to grow and offer more dedicated programs and services for women and families, I know that the love of Christ is at work providing opportunities for the women who we are in relationship with and the women we have yet to help.”

HOPE FOR A FUTURE

You provided strategic care for women facing homelessness, poverty and addiction.

343 women connected with UGM’s Women’s Resource Team for the first time

49 women in The Sanctuary successfully transitioned to their next step of recovery or housing, a 30% increase from the previous year

9 women in The Sanctuary’s Moms & Babies wing successfully transitioned to their next step with their babies in their care

14 women completed A&D Recovery at Lydia Home

A LIFE BALANCED

A LIFE BALANCED

Wiping a tear from his eye, Terry thinks back to the seismic event in his life that left aftershocks for decades to come. “I had that secret until I turned 50. I never told another human being.”

When he was seven years old, Terry endured sexual abuse by a stranger. The abuse and secret left him riddled with intense anxiety and a fear of crowded or enclosed public spaces. Over the years, shame and guilt led to a lifelong struggle with alcoholism and prevented him from pursuing his dreams in fear of his secret being revealed.

A few years ago, Terry found himself homeless and sleeping outdoors during the summer heatwave. He was in dire need of a cool place to rest. Walking by UGM’s doors, Terry felt the relief of cold air. Despite severe apprehension, he stepped into the nearly empty lobby and approached the reception desk where Ken, a Case Manager welcomed him.

“The thing I can say about Ken,” Terry shares, “is that he really, truly cared. This is more than just a job for him.” Ken immediately connected with Terry, learned about Terry’s hesitations and went above and beyond to create a sense of security and safety for him.

After a hearty meal in the dining hall and a night in the shelter, Terry entered the A&D Recovery Program. “It was very calming,” Terry recalls, “I didn’t have to worry. Part of my agoraphobia is disorientation. I can’t handle random and everything here flows.” After completing the six-month program, Terry met with UGM’s Career Development Counsellor to plan his next steps. “I knew I wanted to work at UGM,” he says with a smile.

Terry was placed in an internship with UGM’s maintenance department and is now a full-time employee. “Everyone I work with has been in the [A&D Recovery] program, so they understand—they have become my family. I can be honest and not worry. I have found my family, and now everything I do in this building is to help other people.”

Your generosity provided people like Terry with the safety and security to take the first steps toward healing and new life.

315,233 hot and nutritious meals were served

26,393 nights of safe shelter were provided to men living on the streets

7 men and women gained valuable work experience through UGM’s Work Internship Program (WIP)

31 staff members in 2016-2017 were alumni of UGM’s A&D Recovery Program

“I HAVE FOUND MY FAMILY, AND NOW EVERYTHING I DO IN THIS BUILDING IS

TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE.”Terry, A&D Recovery Program Alumnus

A LIFECONNECTED

A LIFECONNECTED

Bright-eyed and determined, Jessica, 19, is a busy undergraduate student at UBC. “It’s sort of crazy that just three years ago I lived down here still and didn’t think I’d ever go to university,” she reflects. “Living in the Downtown Eastside, you sometimes feel like this is it.”

“My parents came here from the Philippines, they didn’t have much,” she explains, looking back at her childhood. “[My dad] officially left when I was 12, but I was 5 or 6 when my mom started raising us alone.”

With language barriers, limited education and four children to support, Jessica’s mother had to work multiple minimum wage jobs. “With family problems at home, UGM was an escape,” Jessica remembers. UGM’s Eastsiders Afterschool Program and summer camps offered Jessica and her siblings much needed guidance, support and community. “I always felt like someone had my back and there were always people I could look up to.”

As Jessica and her siblings got older, UGM staff continued to walk alongside the family. “I even remember a bunch of staff coming to my grade 7 graduation —it was really good having people like that in our lives,” she says, reflecting on the strong support system that she found at UGM over the years.

Jessica’s gratitude isn’t just palpable in her voice—it’s evident in her dedication to volunteering with UGM’s spring camp and Gifts of Hope Christmas hampers program, supporting the community she grew up in. “It’s nice to be on the other side of things. I’m not doing it to ‘give back’, it just feels right. Maybe because I get what it’s like… Places like UGM made my life possible, without it, I would have been a very different person.”

“PLACES LIKE UGM MADE MY LIFE POSSIBLE, WITHOUT IT, I WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT PERSON”Jessica, Former UGM Eastsiders participant

Because of you, whole families like Jessica’s receive the support they need to build life changing connections and a brighter future.

22 children were supported to play, learn and grow in the Eastsiders Afterschool Program

462 children and youth experienced a life-changing week at summer camp

749 emergency food hampers were provided for families, a 6% increase from 2015-2016

expenses & designated funds

$18,337,211

donations & income

$19,893,549

2016-2017 fiscal year in review

You helped UGM provide 192 safe and clean units of affordable housing

Together, we distributed 3,749 street toiletry kits

Because of you, last year UGM’s Outreach Workers made 1,115 referrals to critical programs and resources including detox, education, employment, healthcare, housing, recovery, spiritual support and more

Your support enabled UGM’s Mobile Mission van to make 1,886 connections last year with people living in extreme forms of homelessness — from beaches to bridges and everything in between

You helped facilitate 6,596 visits to UGM’s clothing room, providing weather appropriate clothing for our guests

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN FEEDING HOPE AND CHANGING LIVES IN 2016-2017

All statistics and outcomes in this annual report are from Union Gospel Mission’s Key Performance Indicators reports for the July 2016 – June 2017 fiscal year. Audited financial statements can be viewed at UGM.ca/history

ONE LIFE

At Union Gospel Mission, hope is not a wish we make, it is a step we take. It has direction and definition. Hope is not a dream, it is a goal, an objective and a driving force. It is a prayer, a passion and a purpose.

As the challenges that face our community continue to grow, so does our hope. In the last year, we have witnessed another significant increase in homelessness; more individuals and families struggling to find safe, clean housing, yet we have hope. A lethal opioid epidemic in the form of fentanyl spreads throughout our communities, yet we have hope. Extreme weather conditions that have exposed people living on the streets to bitter cold and suffocating heat, yet we have hope.

Hope renewed Richard’s life. Hope offered Jessica a life of possibility. Hope opened Terry’s life to connection and healing. It is within these stories of hope, and many others, that we find our vision.

Entering into 2018, Union Gospel Mission looks toward significantly increasing our ability to serve woman and children in need through the dedicated and purposeful construction of our new Women & Families Centre. We are committed to expansion of our women’s and men’s recovery programs and services, ensuring that every man and woman, at every stage in their journey, has access to recovery and new life. We have a renewed focus on the development of safe, clean and affordable housing, building on the strength of our core competencies, values and faith.

It is only with your support that we have seen lives changed and it is only with your continued kindness and generosity that we can continue to serve and to offer hope where it is needed most in our community. It is with deep gratitude that we thank you for making a difference.

One life at a time. AT A TIME

ONE LIFE

At Union Gospel Mission, hope is not a wish we make, it is a step we take. It has direction and definition. Hope is not a dream, it is a goal, an objective and a driving force. It is a prayer, a passion and a purpose.

As the challenges that face our community continue to grow, so does our hope. In the last year, we have witnessed another signif-icant increase in homelessness; more individuals and families struggling to find safe, clean housing, yet we have hope. A lethal opioid epidemic in the form of fentanyl spreads throughout our communities, yet we have hope. Extreme weather conditions that have exposed people living on the streets to bitter cold and suffocating heat, yet we have hope.

Hope renewed Richard’s life. Hope offered Jessica a life of possibility and a way to give back. Hope opened Terry’s life to connec-tion and healing. It is within these stories of hope, and many others, that we find our vision.

Entering into 2018, Union Gospel Mission looks toward significantly increasing our ability to serve woman and children in need through the dedicated and purposeful construction of our new Women & Families Centre. We are committed to expansion of our women’s and men’s recovery programs and services, ensuring that every man and woman, at every stage in their journey, has access to recovery and new life. We have a renewed focus on the development of safe, clean and affordable housing, building on the strength of our core competencies, values and faith.

It is only with your support that we have seen lives changed and it is only with your continued kindness and generosity that we can continue to serve and to offer hope where it is needed most in our community. It is with deep gratitude that we thank you for making a difference.AT A TIME

Please recycle or pass on to a friend!

registered canadian charity #13190 2348 rr0001

601 east hastings st. vancouver, bc, v6a 1j7coast salish territories604.253.3323 | ugm.ca

uniongospelmission

@ugm

@ugmvancouver