Simonka Place
Union Gospel Mission’s Simonka Place is dedicated to serving women and children in need across Marion and Polk counties, offering the opportunity to experience life transformation through holistic care and services that will help them reshape and rebuild their lives in a place where they can finally feel safe and secure.
Meal Times
At Simonka Place, our meal services are so much more than just food on a plate. They are a lifeline for individuals facing the harsh realities of homelessness and food insecurity. We understand the importance of compassion and restoring the dignity of every person who walks through our doors. That's why we go above and beyond to provide hot, nutritious meals that feed both the body and the soul.
Meal service times:
Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m
Chapel Services
Our chapel is a welcoming space where our guests have the opportunity to encounter the transformative power of the gospel.
Attending chapel is optional and guests are free to join us for a nourishing meal regardless. However, we firmly believe that a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ holds the key to unlocking true, holistic life transformation. It's an invitation to discover a path of purpose, healing, and renewed hope.
Chapel service times:
Morning: 8:00 a.m.
Evening: 7:00 p.m.
The New Life Fellowship
A transformative discipleship program extending God’s love and grace to men and women in desperate need of life change. Throughout this fellowship of brothers and sisters, participants stabilize, challenge false beliefs, and learn to walk in a Christ-like way. We connect our program participants to a local church, prepare them for employment, and further their education. However, our ultimate goal is to demonstrate to everyone that a new life is possible through Jesus Christ.
When our program participants graduate, we encourage our community to celebrate with them.
Our Continuum of Care
Healthcare
Partnering with J.D. Health and Wellness women and children who enter our care as guests will have the option to receive medical attention onsite within 15 minutes of contact. This is critical, needed, and a game changer when it comes to providing care.
Restoration
Guests who seek our care receive comprehensive support, which includes food and shelter, clothing and showers, intensive case management, permanent supportive housing, government program assistance, and counseling.
Transition
Our team equips women with crucial tools for long-term success, addressing their greatest needs of stable employment and housing. We offer them specific tools to empower themself and become contributing members of society.
The Learning Center
The Learning Center embraces the Greatest Commandment by helping individuals affected by addiction and adverse experiences through academic tools.
Drawing inspiration from Romans 12:1-2, we facilitate renewal of the mind, fostering productive members of society within a Christ-centered, grace-filled environment that encourages growth and transformation.
Healthcare
Partnering with local clinic JD Health and Wellness, we offer onsite mental and physical health services to all of our guests. The key three provisions made possible by this community partner are treatment plans, diagnoses, and primary physician care, all accomplished in-house.
Not only does this service remove the barriers of transportation and securing health insurance, but diseases and conditions caught early will reduce the number of avoidable hospital readmissions.
Other community partners that we collaborate with are North West Senior Disability Services, DHS, West Salem Clinic, Catholic Community Services, Veteran Affairs, Marion County Adult Behavioral Health and Salem Health.
Opened in 1968, Simonka Place has served as a beacon of hope for women in need in Marion and Polk Counties. It was the first of its kind on the West Coast, and since its establishment, Simonka Place has remained dedicated to the holistic care of women and children.
Over the years, Simonka Place has flourished, expanding its services and becoming a sanctuary where women can find safety and begin anew. Through a range of classes and programs, it offers women the opportunity to pursue a fresh start and embrace a second chance at life.
Sharon and Jodi’s Story
Sharon sat in the van, watching her daughter sleep, heartbroken that her child’s life was falling apart because she wouldn’t take her medications.