Union Gospel Mission Portland

Food Drive with Haggen Food & Pharmacy and Furniture Outlet

2009-11-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

A great way to help homeless and hurting neighbors this Thanksgiving is to bring non-perishable items to Furniture Outlet locations or purchase $5 grocery bags at Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores.

You can purchase the $5 grocery bags or donate non-perishable food items at the following Haggen Food & Pharmacy locations:

Oregon City
19701 Highway 213
Oregon City, OR

Tanasbourne Town Center
18000 NW Evergreen Pkwy.
Beaverton, OR

Murray Hill
9055 SW Murray Blvd.
Beaverton, OR

Tualatin
8514 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd
Tualatin, OR

Furniture Outlet locations are also accepting donations of non-perishable food items at these locations:

Tigard
14255 SW Pacific Hwy 99W
Tigard, OR

Hubbard
3776 Pacific Hwy 99E
Hubbard, OR

McMinnville
2435 NE Cumulus Ave
McMinnville, OR

Salem
2787 NE Lancaster Dr
Salem, OR

We thank these businesses for partnering with us to provide meals to our neighbors in need!

Union Gospel Mission's new kitchen, main floor opening soon!

2009-11-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

The main floor renovation and the new kitchen are almost here! We are planning a Grand Opening/Open House on Saturday, November 21, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm at Union Gospel Mission at 15 NW Third Ave. The event will feature hourly tours of the new space, live music, hors d'oeuvres from some of Portland's leading restaurants, and other refreshments. You are invited.

Here are some videos of our kitchen remodel journey:

We hope to see you all at the Grand Opening!

Thrift Store Thursday: Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-11-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Do you want to add to your Christmas decorations this year? The Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store is full of Christmas displays of fun decorations...Just look at the variety of Santas alone!

Here is a "beach-y Santa" soap or lotion dispenser...

Here's Santa with a candy-cane and a bird...

A very suprised Santa! Just look at those eyes...

Santa studying geography! Doesn't he have Google maps yet?

These Santas and many other reasonably priced Christmas decorations are for sale now at the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard, across from the Tigard Cinemas. Call the thrift store at 503-639-6488.

All revenue from the store supports the LifeChange recovery community.

New Video! LifeChange Stories: Will Anderson

2009-11-04T16:45:00.001-08:00

Our latest "LifeChange Stories"- profiling residents of the LifeChange addiction recovery community. Will shares his journey in gang life, life lessons from football, and the trap of addiction.

To see previous installments of "LifeChange Stories" videos, Click here.

Thrift Store Thursday: Extreme Bargains

2009-10-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

The word "extreme" gets overused in advertising a lot. It seems that adding "extreme" to everything from "extreme sports" to "extreme tacos" makes it more exciting.

However, there are a few bargains at the store that really meet the definition. Such as the $1 clothing racks! Yes, you read that right! one dollar!

Here are the photographs to prove it!

What else can you get for a dollar these days? Maybe a McDonald's cheeseburger from the dollar menu, but you eat that and its gone...think of how much more enjoyable it would be to use that dollar for a new shirt or pair of pants! Plus, the revenue from the store supports the residents of the LifeChange addiction recovery program!

Visit the store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard across from the Tigard Cinemas. Or give them a call at 503-639-6488.

Thrift Store Thursday: Back in the Saddle

2009-10-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

When we say you can find just about anything at the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store, we mean it!

Love to ride horses? Well, the thrift store has a couple of saddles!

Saddles are just a few of the unique things you will find. All revenue from the thrift store supports Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange addiction recovery community. The residents from LifeChange run the store. Come shop at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard (across from the Tigard Cinemas) or give the store a call at 503-639-6488.

Happy Trails!

Thrift Store Thursday: Comment Board

2009-10-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Alvin Taylor, thrift store manager extraordinaire and senior LifeChange resident has created a space at the store for shoppers to share their comments.

Here is Alvin and Angel, LifeChange resident and one of the cashiers at the store. The entire store is run by the residents of LifeChange, who receive help from wonderful volunteers and support from staff. The store is a place for LifeChange residents to build new skills, and they do a great job of making the sure the store is well-run and a fun place to shop.

A bonus feature at the check out stand is this vintage picture of Alvin- "back in the day"- judging by the computer equipment, maybe the early '80s?

Please make time to come by the store and meet the residents and maybe share your comments on the brand new comment board! The store is located at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, across from the Tigard Cinemas. If you have a donation, give them a call at 503-639-6488- donation pick ups are free!

Thrift Store Thursday on Friday...

2009-10-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the late Thrift Store Thursday. Today our focus will be on what we call "bric-n-brak"

Here's a table full of what we at Union Gospel Mission call "bric-n-brak" there are plenty of other names you could use, such as

knickknack –noun an ornamental trinket or gimcrack; a bit of bric-a-brac.

tchotchke- noun Slang. an inexpensive souvenir, trinket, or ornament

Definitions courtesy of Dictionary.com. Now you not only have a few new words for the fun and decorative items, tchotchke is a great Scrabble word.

There are many fun small items at the store at extremely reasonable prices, so if you are tchotchke shopping, please check out the store.

11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard (across from the Tigard Cinemas) or give the store a call at 503-639-6488.

To support Union Gospel Mission, click here.

Thrift Store Thursday: More than just shopping

2009-10-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

If you have been a regular Thrift Store Thursday fan, you know all about the interesting finds and deals you will find at the store. Another way you can help is to make a donation of furniture, appliances, clothing and other items. The thrift store will pick up your items for FREE! Just give them a call at 503-639-6488.

You can even drop off your items at the store! Here's the dock were residents of LifeChange will help you unload your items. The Thrift Store is located 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard.

We do have an interesting find this week: a faux fur leopard coat, modeled by LifeChange resident Thomas:

To learn more about Union Gospel Mission or to make an online donation, CLICK HERE

New Video! Operation Overcoat 2009

2009-09-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

2009's Operation Overcoat was a huge success thanks to generous donors and awesome volunteers! Over 1,400 meals were served and many thousands of articles of clothing were distributed. Medical Teams International provided free dental care, and volunteer hairsylists cut hair. There was also face painting and cotton candy. As you can see from the video it was a very fun event!

Click here to support the work of Union Gospel Mission!

Thrift Store Thursday: Did you know you can volunteer at the store?

2009-09-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Union Gospel Mission has volunteers at the Thrift Store? It's true! We have several wonderful volunteers that work alongside our LifeChange recovery residents to make the store run smoothly.

We have some volunteers that are at the store on a regular basis. And, we have some that come for a special project or a short term volunteer opportunity.

This summer a church youth group volunteered to spruce up the outside area of the store and parking lot.

The volunteers are a great blessing to the LifeChange recovery community and to Union Gospel Mission.

Learn more by inquiring at the store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, or call the store 503-639-6488, or call Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483.

"Operation Overcoat" - Not too late to donate!

2009-09-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Union Gospel Mission is gearing up for "Operation Overcoat" a huge clothing give away for the homeless and people in need.

Operation Overcoat will take place on Saturday, September 26 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The event takes place in front of the Mission on NW Third Ave., and also expanded to NW Couch Street. The event includes live music from Justin Klump, Nathan Arnold, Aria Anaforian, Laura McGreevy and the SPO dancers. Union Gospel Mission will be serving a barbeque meal of burgers and hot dogs.

In previous years, Union Gospel Mission has served over 2,000 meals and given away tens of thousands of articles of clothing.

It's not too late to help! Donations of all types of clothing, but especially new underwear and socks, backpacks, and coats are needed. Donations of hygiene items are also needed.

You can drop off items at Furniture Outlet locations. You can make a secure online gift, or give us a call at 503-274-4483 for more information

New Video! Highlights from LifeChange Graduation

2009-09-21T11:04:00.001-07:00

On September 13, 2009, John, Jeff and Kelly graduated from the LifeChange recovery program after four years of working on recovery and transforming their lives...see the video for a re-cap of this celebration

If you would like to support the work of Union Gospel Mission, CLICK HERE

If you know someone who needs recovery CLICK HERE to learn more about LifeChange

Thrift Store Thursday: The Big Picture

2009-09-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

If you have been following "Thrift Store Thursday" you've seen the unique and useful items available for sale. But the thrift store is worth a visit for more than the items. The store is run by the residents of the LifeChange addiction recovery community.

As part of recovery, residents take on jobs at the thrift store and at Union Gospel Mission. In these jobs each resident develops job skills and people skills, learning to work together. The store is a successful enterprise because the LifeChange residents take ownership and value the work they do.

Often, customers that get to know the residents know they have made real friends. LifeChange residents at the store share their story, their journey of recovery and will pray for the customers who become not only customers, but friends.

The thrift store is a fun, affordable place to shop, and its also a special place due to the residents of LifeChange.

Please visit the store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard (across from the Tigard Cinemas) or give them a call 503-639-6488.

Thrift Store Thursday: Head to Toe

2009-09-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

You can find everything you need to outfit yourself this fall at the thrift store. Even accessories, like shoes:

And hats:

Small budget for your fall wardrobe? That's okay! Just shop at the thrift store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, across from the Tigard Cinema. Or give the store a call at 503-639-6488.

LifeChange Graduation Day!

2009-09-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

This is a very exciting week at Union Gospel Mission. On Sunday, September 13 we will be honoring three graduates of the LifeChange addiction recovery community. Their stories are amazing!

Our graduates, Kelly, John and Jeff share their "LifeChange Stories"

Congratulations Graduates! If you would like to make a donation to support the work of Union Gospel Mission CLICK HERE

Thrift Store Thursday: Back to School on a Budget

2009-09-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time! If you're on a budget the Union Gospel Mission thrift store is the place to shop!

the store has a good collection of kid's clothes of all kinds, including hoodies and coats. The blue coat in the picture is on sale for $5.00

The store also has educational tools, games, books and electronics.

You can even get a desk for your young scholar!

Visit the store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard, across from the Tigard Cinemas. Call the store at 503-639-6488. Remember, when you shop at the store, you're not only getting a great deal on back to school items, but the money you spend goes to support Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange addiction recovery community.

Thrift Store Thursday: Practical housewares

2009-08-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Previous thrift store Thursdays have focused on the more unusual items at the store, so this edition shows that the store has many practical household items:

such as a variety of glassware...

A lovely tea set and other teacups and pitchers...

and this interesting teacup/wine glass hybrid! (okay, one unusual item!)

Remember to visit the store, and find everything you need for your household! 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, across from the Tigard Cinemas. Call the thrift store at 503-639-6488. They will pick up your donations for free!

Thrift Store Thursday: Creativity

2009-08-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

Occasionally things come into Union Gospel Mission that clearly required a lot of creativity. For instance this purse made out of cowboy boots:

Its very nicely crafted and the handle is made from a belt and it has cool black fringe!

This cute duck pillow does not appear handmade, but...

Flip it over and you get the "rear view"!

Just a small sampling of the interesting finds at the Thrift Store!

The thrift store is seeking furniture donations. The thrift store will pick up your donations for FREE, just call them at 503-639-6488.

The store is located at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, across from the Tigard Cinemas. Proceeds from the store support the LifeChange addiction recovery community.

New Video! LifeChange Stories: Kelly

2009-08-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

The third in a series of "LifeChange Stories" focuses on Kelly, who will be graduating from LifeChange on September 13.

Here is Kelly's amazing story:

If you would like to make a donation to support Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange recovery community, click here.

Thrift Store Thursday: find the unusual and the affordable!

2009-08-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

I don't think you could find this anywhere else:

A women's skirt made entirely out of men's ties.

Everything is very affordable, like this chair for $40

And this solid wood wine rack for only $10!

Visit the thrift store at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard across from the Tigard Cinemas or call 503-639-6488. Not only are you getting a great deal, all the money you spend will support the LifeChange recovery community.

Union Gospel Mission LifeChange grad featured in The Oregonian!

2009-08-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of the graduates of Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange addiction recovery community is featured in today's (Saturday, August 8) Oregonian newspaper. Carl Parsons is the featured LifeChange grad, and the story will absolutely inspire and amaze you!

Click here to read the story

Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange program relies primarily on donations, so if you want to support people in recovery who are turning their lives around you can click here to make a donation

There is space available in the LifeChange recovery program. If you know someone who is addicted and needs a second chance, call Dan Nelson at 503-274-4483 or click here to fill out and online application.

Thrift Store Thursday: Your basement "rec room"

2009-08-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Back in the 70s many people used rooms in their basement as "recreation rooms" - or "rec rooms" places to relax and have fun.

You can create a rec room very inexpensively when you shop at Union Gospel Mission

There is seating for everyone with this large sectional

As you're watching the big game on your roomy sectional you can call your friends on this vintage football phone!

Outfitting any room with fun items is very affordable at Union Gospel Mission's thrift store! Shop there at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard across from the Tigard Cinemas. Call the store at 503-639-6488. Remember the money you spend at the store goes to support Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange addiction recovery community.

Thrift Store Thursday: Ladies clothing bargains!

2009-07-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Is the hot weather stretching the limits of your summer wardrobe? Ladies- you can get some great deals on shorts, sundresses and blouses at Union Gospel Mission's Thrift Store.

Cool sundresses...

Lightweight sleeveless blouses...

Sporty shorts...All at great prices!!

Visit the store to spruce up your summer wardrobe! 11611 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard across from the Tigard Cinemas, and you can call the store at 503-639-6488.

Thirft Store Manager Alvin Taylor will be reviewing entries for the lucky winner of the $20 shopping spree and the fabulous earrings. News about the winner will be posted!

Wackiest Thrift Store Item...

2009-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Do you need a laugh this Friday? This is a special Friday edition of "Thrift Store Thursday"- since we have a very wacky, oddball item...here it is:

Can you guess what it is?

They're earrings...that's right, tiny toilet earrings...with tiny seats and lids...Who knew such things existed? Or why?

Okay dear readers- Here's a contest! Whomever comes up with the best, most creative, explanation for the existence of the tiny toilet earrings will win at $20 shopping spree at the thrift store AND THE EARRINGS!

E-mail your entry to Stacy Kean at stacyk@ugmportland.org by 5:00 pm Tuesday July 28.

Winner will be announced next Thursday, and some responses will be posted.

In addition to this one very wacky item- there are lots of great items available at the store, visit them at 11611 SW Pacific Hwy. in Tigard, or give them a call at 503-639-6488.