UGM Youth Outreach
Prevention, Redemption, Direction
Reaching children is key to breaking the generational cycles of poverty, abuse, and addiction that feed homelessness.
Being raised in unstable or broken homes is a common denominator among the vast majority of adults who end up in UGM shelters. And in Spokane County alone, a recent study found, 3,000 children in grades K-12 are homeless.
UGM Youth Outreach partners with local schools, churches, colleges, and community groups to bring a message of hope to at-risk children and youth.
“I overcame my fear and my trauma. My cabin leader Hailey helped me overcome it. I’m very thankful.”
- Tyeesha, UGM camper
Youth Outreach fights homelessness from three angles:
Prevention
-
UGM Camp
Being raised in unstable or broken homes is a common denominator among the majority of adults who wind up in UGM shelters. By inviting these children into the safe, healing environment at UGM Camp, we’re helping break the cycle of homelessness, abuse, and addiction in our region.
At UGM Camp, children ages 8-11 from Spokane’s low-income neighborhoods are invited to spend a week exploring nature and experiencing God’s love. They’re invited by their local church and sponsored by generous members of the community. The goal is to provide connections to a team of trustworthy adults who will invest in their lives and offer hope for a better tomorrow.
Or email UGM Youth Outreach at youthoutreach@uniongospelmission.org
-
School Programs
UGM Youth Outreach invests in the lives of children year-round by connecting with the school system. Local elementary and middle schools choose from a variety of options including meal box services, after-school clubs, homework help, assemblies, volunteer projects, and speaking engagements. By connecting with school staff, UGM is able to provide the services most needed by the individual communities represented at the school. Making sure underserved children and their families are connected to low-income resources is a vital part of UGM’s homelessness prevention strategy.
To learn more or get involved, email youthoutreach@uniongospelmission.org
and include “school programs” in the subject line.
Redemption
-
Juvenile Detention
Since 1985, UGM staff and volunteers have built relationships with the inmates in Juvenile Detention. When we meet teenagers at their lowest point, the gospel shines the brightest. In this key ministry, volunteers facilitate Bible studies, build relationships with the kids, and ensure they are connected to services that will help them redeem their mistakes and create a better future.
To get involved, please email youthoutreach@uniongospelmission.org
and include “juvenile detention” in the subject line.
Direction
-
Youth Leadership
UGM directs and empowers young adults to become leaders of urban ministry in our community. High school and college-aged young people are selected for the leadership program on a case-by-case basis and are often recruited from Christian colleges’ ministry programs. Sometimes individuals who were once recipients of UGM Youth Outreach programs move into leadership roles, giving back to the community that changed their lives.
Members of the Youth Leadership team serve through UGM Camp, school programs, mentorships, and Juvenile Detention ministry. These young men and women bring energy, ideas, hearts of service, and great hope for the future.
For more information or to apply, email youthoutreach@uniongospelmission.org
and include “youth leadership” or “youth leadership application” in the subject line.
“We want to see the youth come to know Jesus... and to learn leadership and life skills. We don’t want to just share Jesus and leave; we want to disciple them.”
– Pam Johnson, Youth Outreach Director
Revenue
48% Individual Contributions
46% Contributed Goods*
4% Enterprises
2% Other
Expenses
88% Program Services
6% Administration
6% Fundraising
Sponsor a camper
Send a low-income child to UGM Camp
for a week, at no cost to them.