January 2026

Dear Friend,

 The “New Year” is always a humbling time for me. I guess, like most people, it’s time to take a look back at the previous year to see what we accomplished and all the things we didn’t. But it’s also a chance to look forward at all the opportunities we have to make “life progress”!

 Looking back on 2025, I want to share with you some basic numbers, for 2025 the Union Gospel Mission provided 14,669 meals, 4,166 nights of safe sleep, over 5,688 hours of study time, and 4,814 hours of work study and training. These numbers can be impressive, but they don’t tell the true story. They don’t tell about Steve, who told me “I’d probably be dead if I didn’t come here…” or Brandon who just celebrated 4 years of sobriety, or the hundreds of individuals who received a warm meal, a sleeping bag, or a hygiene kit.

 As we look forward to 2026, how can we increase our ability to honor God and impact lives? Most of you know we are in the midst of adding “8 More Beds” which would allow us to impact up to 40 or 50 more lives this year. That’s 40-50 more fathers, sons, or brothers who are facing struggles and need the help the Union Gospel Mission offers!

 Your regular donation and your additional gift to our housing expansion will help us to continue “Meeting Needs, Making Change, and Magnifying Christ!” Your support makes a difference.

Serving Christ and the Community,

 Rev. Jon Rector

Executive Director