Kingdom Impact
2024 Autumn Partner Report
Valuing Others above Ourselves
Through Exceptional In-House Health Care
Union Gospel Mission of Salem regularly meets urgent, basic human needs. But this means more than what you might think. Mind, body, and spirit are three critical points of human wellness that extend beyond food and shelter.
“We always find a way for people to receive care same day even if we’re full... If someone is reaching out for help, it means they need help now,” says Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Sedano (seen above) who works in the Men’s Mission in-house health clinic.
Since 2020, our community partner, JD Health & Wellness, has made it possible for UGM to address critical and often life-threatening behavioral and physical health needs.
When guests visit the in-house primary care clinics at Simonka Place and the Men’s Mission, they’re met with some of the best and most immediate care from nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and even community health workers guiding them through the complicated health system. For those with no medical insurance, the Clinic sets guests up with Oregon Health Plan coverage.
"New patients are frequently impressed by the extensive services we provide and typically choose to take advantage of all the necessary support." says Elizabeth.
Megan, a volunteer at UGM, also sees the face of homelessness up close when she serves in the clinic, twice monthly.
“God puts into my heart what He feels. If it was your son who had collapsed on the sidewalk, you’d slam your brakes and run over to him,” says Megan, referring to what compels her to operate the foot clinic.
She says the foot clinic has allowed her to better understand root causes of homelessness. “I love hearing the individual stories.” Time and again, guests are humbled by the foot washing.
“Who would do this for me?” said one guest, stunned after Megan had cleaned his feet and trimmed his nails. Another fought tears after praying with her, “I’ve never prayed for anyone,” he said.
Sometimes, meeting basic human needs means showing simple humanity—looking someone in the eyes, greeting them, and asking them their name.
“We know we can’t help everyone, so sometimes we don’t help any one person,” Megan says, referring to society’s tendencies. “When you give a meal, though, you may not be solving homelessness, but you’re SEEING him and her.”
Although our clinics see a lot of hurt, they see a lot of success; be encouraged that life change is happening. Together we are relieving suffering, reducing hospital visits, and encouraging guests with dignity and hope.
With tears in her eyes, Elizabeth says, “Every penny [you] contribute to the Mission makes a difference for every person who stays here.”
Thank YOU for seeing the men, women, and children we serve through your generous support.
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”
1 Cor. 13:1-3
Your giving this fall and winter helps fill food gaps and provide basic care.
April - July 2024 Kingdom Impact
55,748 Meals Served
54 Professions of Faith
62 Jobs Found
17,213 Nights of Rest
82 Homes Secured
1,047 On-Site Health Clinic Visits
While we’ve accomplished so much already in 2024, the need to continue compassionate care to our neighbors remains—and with the weather change comes a significant guest increase.
In December 2023 alone, we served just shy of 14,500 meals and provided 6,569 nights of shelter. While UGM firmly believes in long-term solutions, life change always begins with the basics: a meal, a hot shower, and a warm bed.
Thank you for your faithfulness to the men, women, and children we serve. Union Gospel Mission is YOUR Mission.
Bryce Petersen
Meet your new UGM board chair,
Q: How did you get involved with UGM in the first place?
Bryce: I was first connected with UGM as an elementary student. My dad and I had seen some homeless folks when we were walking the streets of Salem and decided we needed to learn more. After feeling convicted to help, I led a penny drive at my elementary school and proudly delivered my few hundred dollar check to Simonka Place. My love for UGM grew from there.
Q: Why are you passionate about serving on the UGM board of directors?
Bryce: I love the mission and the heart behind the work. It’s not about meals and beds (although those are important), it’s about life change and seeing men and women come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. True transformation is why I am passionate about UGM.
Q: What’s your philosophy on financial stewardship?
Bryce: I’ve had the opportunity to serve as treasurer at UGM for the past three years. My philosophy on stewardship includes conservative budgeting and intentional investment in the things that grow our organization to help serve more men and women.
Q: Share one of your favorite Bible verses with us. Why is this meaningful to you?
Bryce: Hebrews 12:1-2 is my life verse. I love the vision this verse casts for a life dedicated to God and focusing our eyes on the things that matter. In times when life bogs me down, this verse has consistently been grounding for me: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Q: Tell us about your family
Bryce: I’m blessed to be married to Chelsea. We’ve been married for nine years and have two kids, Lenora (3) and Clara (1). We live in Turner, Oregon and attend Church on the Hill. We’re an active family, so you’ll often find us traveling, hiking, or doing things outdoors.
Q: What’s something you love to study?
Bryce: Much of my early childhood was spent around cars and the auction block. My family (grandfather) owned several car auctions and businesses involving cars. Today, I own Petersen Auto Appraisals and spend much of my free time enjoying all things motoring.
Al’s Story
It’s more than just a meal...
The variety of reasons people seek help at the Mission may surprise you. Al, in his early 90s, never thought he’d be living this stage of his life in a homeless shelter. Never having been homeless, navigating this experience is new territory for Al.
While Al’s situation is not ideal, he’s grateful for the heartfelt care he’s received at UGM. “It’s hard to put it in few words, but everybody on staff I have been in contact with has been very helpful.” During Al’s stay, he’s working closely with his case manager, Dennis, to locate low-income housing. Being that he has challenges with his eyesight, applying for housing is very difficult.
“Dennis has taken these applications for housing, asks me questions, and then fills them out for me—I can’t see to read them,” Al admits.
As he awaits his new home, he’s enjoying the nutritious meals you have helped provide for him.
“The biggest thing that surprised me was the food that has been prepared for us. Soup kitchen—that's what I anticipated:
very little food, just enough to keep us from being hungry,” shares Al. “Instead of having just basic food, it was nourishing.
The proof of that is my weight—it's leveled out where it’s supposed to be.”
Thank you for feeding and sheltering neighbors like Al this holiday season.
People across the community gathered on October 5, united by a common goal: To tangibly show and share the love of Jesus Christ through a delicious meal, conversation, and resources to help lend a hand up.
600 coats distributed
575 blankets handed out
500 steak meals served
250 volunteers
So much more!
