“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away, the new has come . . .” 1 Cor. 5:17

The Mission Message

Jennifer

Patricia

Don

Todd

Don

Phase one for men is a nine month intensive addiction recovery program with daily service time at the Mission, while phase two is transitional housing for graduates who need continued support to complete education and employment goals. For women, time in the program is generally two years, which provides the stabilty needed to gain valuable life skills, and to map out goals for themselves and their children. Upon graduation, men and women are prepared to complete their educations, or re-enter the workforce. A critical need for program graduates is local employers who will give them opportunities to work and landlords willing to rent to them. With histories of criminal convictions, finding work and housing can prove difficult for Life Transformation graduates. If you are a local business owner, employer or landlord who would like to network with the Mission regarding employment or housing opportunities for program graduates, please contact Chaplain Tim Langan at 360-709-9725, or Marla Root at 360-754-9351. Video clips of graduation are viewable at ougm.org, or on OUGM’s facebook page.

Each Spring, OUGM Life Transforma-tion Program members look forward to dressing up and enjoying an evening of fellowship with family members, OUGM supporters, staff, and volunteers. This annual celebration is in honor of men and women who have successfully com-pleted all phases of their addiction re-covery programs, including the Genesis Process, which is a relapse prevention program based on the Bible. On June 4th, OUGM celebrated four graduates: Jennifer Crofton, Patricia Ridge, Todd Nygard and Don Bell. Each graduate was given the opportunity to share their personal Life Transformation journeys before receiving certificates of completion and gifts from Program Di-rectors Peggy Langan and Marla Root. This year’s banquet was held at

Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s University and included music by the 22nd Ave. Jazz Band, a video over-view of Mission programs, and a presenta-tion about future Mission expansion plans by Executive Director Loren “Skip” Steffen. Attendees were blessed to hear how God has changed the lives of all four graduates, who each has a history of drug abuse and criminal convicitions. Jennifer and Patricia are currently enrolled in college and have been awarded renewed custody of their children, while Todd and Don are seeking full time, permanent employment. Don is an accountant, and Todd, a skilled laborer. Currently, the Mission’s Program has five women with children, and two women with no children enrolled. The men’s program has four men in phase one of the program, and two men in phase two.

Life Transformation Graduates Celebrate with Family & FriendsPO Box 7668, Olympia, WA 98507-7668, 360-709-9725, ougm.org, facebook

Inside This Issue: A Word from Skip, Concert Time Again, OUGM Volunteers Honored in Community

Restoring Hope, Transforming Lives

August 2011

Loren “Skip” Steffen-Executive Directorskipsteffen@comcast.net(360) 709-9725, ext. 101

Lori Vandervate-Office/Data Base Managerlori@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725, ext. 102

Tim Langan-Director of Facilities /Discipleshiptim@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725, ext. 103

Peggy Langan-Director of Men’s Recoverypeggy@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725, ext. 103

Marla Root-Director of Women’s Recoverymarla@ougm.org

(360) 754-9351

Virginia Schnabel-Director of Developmentvirginia@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725, ext. 116

Krina Allison-Development Officerkrina@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725, ext. 118

Jerome Jaeger-Day Room Supervisorjerome@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725Denny Bobbert-Evening SupervisorDenny@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725

Linda Barrett-Dental Clinic Managerougm@reachone.com

(360) 943-6400, ext. 100

Shelley Case-TCDAN Coordinator(360) 709-9725

shelley@ougm.org, ext. 117

Violet Hofman-Volunteers/Vision Clinic Managerviolet@ougm.org

(360) 709-9725, ext. 104

Marissa Altimarino-Cruz-Medical Clinic Managermedical@ougm.org

(360) 357-6505

Dental Line(360) 943-6400

Medical Line(360) 357-6505

Contact Us

Skip enjoys a bit of R&R at Cannon Beach

I sincerely hope this message finds you well and enjoy-ing our much too short summer months. The trees, moun-tains and lakes are what hold me in Washington, but I must confess, there are times I wish God did not water them so much. As I enter my 69th year of walking this planet, I look back over my life and reflect on many things that impacted choices I made that now allow me to be writing to you. When I compare my first 15 years of life to that of our Life Transformation clients, I am so very grateful to God for my parents and the safe, loving home for my brother and I created by a God fearing man and woman. I am also reminded of the passage of scripture where Jesus says, in effect, that with man, things are limited, but with God, all things are possible. God is capable of forgiving those in recovery for turning their backs on Him for a life of addiction, and giving them a new start; man is not so forgiving, especially if crimes were committed during their addictive stage. This plays out for our graduates when seeking employ-ment and finding land lords willing to rent to them, even with the Mission’s willingness to stand beside them. So as the Life Transformation programs bear increasing fruit, clients are staying connected to the Mission longer and we are investing more time and energy in “after care” to bet-ter prepare them for re-entering society. There is a growing need to find rental property where land lords will trust the Mission to choose the right tenant, rather than applying man’s criteria. As I contemplate the dream of impacting even more lives in the new facility, I can envision the day when the Mis-sion will need God to lead us to some multi-family facility providing post-graduate housing for these wonderful men and women, as well as their children. By way of an update, you will recall that the price tag on our proposed new facility is $5 million. Of that, at least 50% will be financed through foundations and special banking funds where the debt is forgiven if the property is used for housing for low income and homeless individuals. But before we can access that money, the Mission must raise the other 50%. Of the $2.5 million, the Mission has commitments for $0.5 million. So only $2.0 million to go! On a daily basis, I cling to the promise that with God all things are possible, and when I get discouraged, look back and realize that we started with nothing and are now 60% of the way there.

Thank you so very much for taking this journey with us!

A Word From Skip . . .

Photo by Barb Steffen

Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hot Meals, M-F, 6 a.m., 12 noon, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday Brunch, 10 a.m. to Noon

Sunday, 8 a.m. and Noon,

Freedom Church, 9 a.m.

Hot Showers, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Mission Phone (360) 709-9725

Mission Fax (360) 570-8848

Dental Line (360) 943-6400

Medical Line (360) 357-6505

Mission e-mail customerservice@ougm.org

Please send All DENTAL e-mails to ougm@reachone.com

Mission Hours

Upcoming Mission EventsPrayer breakfast for local

business ownersThursday, Sept. 15th 7:30 a.m.

Fireside RoomFirst-BABTIST Church

Dental Clinic Benefit ConcertSaturday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.

Washington CenterCall 709-9725 for

information.

Tours of the Mission are offered by appointment.

Call 709-9725 to arrange a time.

Mission Needs OUGM is seeking new members for its Board of Directors. If you are interested in becoming part of the leadership team for the Olympia Union Gospel Mission,please contact Virginia or Skip at 709-9725 to discuss opportunities.

Donations of food items, espe-cially #10 cans of fruit, vegetables, sauces, dairy, and meat are always needed and greatly appreciated.

The Mission is seeking housing for some of its graduates. To learn how you can help, please contact Peggy Langan at 360-709-9725.

Need Your Car Washed? We Can Do That!

Dear friends and supporters: As young Christians, we the men of OUGM’s Life Transformation Program are participating in clean and healthy entertainment activities. This requires fund-ing and we are putting forth our best efforts to earn money required for various family friendly events. When we first come to the Mission, isolation and despair is commonplace. By participating in teambui-liding social activities, we not only begin to open up to each other, but to the world around us. Christian based recovery requires some fun to go along with all of the hard work, so we are planning weekly car wash-es during the summer to help us earn money for social activities. Washes are by donation.Thank you for your support!

Tim Constuble,OUGM Men’s Activities Coordinator

Car WashBy Donation

Fridays1 to 3 p.m.

OUGM Parking LotProceeds Benefit

Men’s Social Activity Fund

Don

Nature trails often have stations spaced at intervals along the path to draw attention to a noteworthy object and to give some information or commentary about that object. I have had the opportunity of volunteering and acting as a consultant at the Olympia Union Gospel Mission for the last two and a half years and would like to create my own trail markers by drawing attention to TEN ways God is working and blessing through this ministry, from my perspective.

10. Mission Facilities:Compare what they started with in 1996 to what the Lord has given currently, it is truly re-markable, and an indication of God’s big heart for people. You need to come and take a tour and see how God is using the Mission, from the kitchen, to the dental clinic.

9. The Quality of the Meals:I have been so impressed with the variety and well balanced meals that are served every day. Cody, who oversees the kitchen, deserves spe-cial thanks for turning little into much, making vegetables and leftovers taste gourmet.

8. The Volunteers:The Mission could not function without com-mitted people using thier gifts and talents to serve the Lord by serving people. I commend a large number of men and women who give generously of their time and talents.

7. The Vision and Mission:For any ministry to make a significant differ-ence, it must understand the vision God has given and then pursue that mission. OUGM does this so well, and they continue to believe God for bigger things. I am impressed with the work of Virginia and Krina who keep the vision before all who work at OUGM.

6. The Life Transformation Center:Men and women can come and work through addictions to drugs and alcohol by finding the answer and the freedom in Jesus Christ. Both Peggy and Marla gave excellent leader-ship to these programs and invest not only their skills, but also thier lives in these peo-ple.

5. The Medical Ministry:One of the great blessings OUGM offers the community is help with dental care and medi-cal needs. Many doctors, nurses, nutritionists and social workers give their time freely and lovingly.

1.The Pre-eminence of Jesus:The Lord Jesus is at the center of all that is done at OUGM. They consistently seek Him first through prayer, Bible study and coun-sel to make sure they are doing His will in His way.

I have been privileged to be associated with the Mission. I invite every one of you to visit and just maybe even get involved. The harvest is great. Workers are needed.

Pastor Lee Forstrom,Westwood Baptist Church

4. The Commitment:The staff at the Mission is deeply commit-ted to the guests who come to the Mis-sion. Many of the key positions are done at one-third of the pay they could earn other places. Each person is on staff possesses a strong dedication to Jesus Christ and to service in the community. I have been im-pressed with the high level of commitment that I have observed in Skip Steffen, the Director, Tim Langan, the Chaplain.

3. The Spiritual Emphasis:Before all meals the truth of the Gospel is proclaimed, and during the week, a number of Bible studies are offered. It is so refresh-ing to hear the Word of God taught and to know that people are interested in applying truth to their lives. A church also meets on Sundays at the Mission.

2. The Personal BenefitI went to the Mission thinking I would be helping, but the truth is, I am the one who is benefitting. I am seeing the life of Jesus, his grace, his mercy and compassion dem-onstrated in a multitude of ways through His people.

A Pastor’s Perspective . . .

1 Sam. 2:8 He lifts the poor from the dust- Yes, from a pile of ashes-And treats them as princes sitting in the seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s And he has set the world in order.

Newaudio

visual

center

is complete,

thanksto

faithfulOUGM

volunteers!

Thank You to everyone who attended OUGM’s Spring Graduation Banquet in June. Live music, a fantastic meal, and testimonies by program grad-uates rounded out the evening. Executive Director Loren “Skip” Stef-fen also shared the vision for the future of Mission facilities. OUGM is proud of the men and women who have persevered and completed their programs, and those still in process.

OUGM to Hold Business Owner’s Prayer Breakfast!

If you are a downtown Olym-pia business owner, plan now to join OUGM’s Executive Director Loren “Skip” Steffen and other OUGM staff for a free business owner’s prayer breakfast, to be held Thursday, September 15th in the Fireside Room at First Baptist Church. OUGM is supportive of our local business community and will use this opportunity to pray for God’s blessing on Thurston County businesses. Watch for your personal invitation.

Peggy Langan and the men from OUGM’s Life Transformation Program.

Thank you to the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club for their continued support of OUGM’s No-fee Vision Clinic. The club recently award-ed the clinic a $1,330 grant to help provide no-fee care to low income, uninsured individuals. Since 1925, Lions Club International has raised funds to help the blind and those with sight impair-ments.

Congratulations to OUGM Volunteer Michaela Kier for her selection as a Lakefair Princess,representing Northwest Christian High School!

Violet Hofman & Grant Committee Chairman Bob Kelley

OUGM Clinic Volunteers Shine in ALL of Their Endeavors!

Olympia Union Gospel MissionHealth Resource Center News

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, be open handed toward yourbrothers, and toward the poor in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11

Medical Clinic Volunteer and Clinic Planning Committee Member Dr. Erin Kershisnik, and her business partner, Dr. Samantha Ritchie, receive a Health Champions Award for their service to the community.

Congratulations to Drs. Erin Kershisnik MD, and Samantha Ritchie, MD, who in June, re-ceived a 2011 Health Champions Award from the The Washington State Public Health Association in recognition of their unique medical business model at Vantage Physicians. Dr. Kershisnik is a board certified Family Physi-cian and Medical Director of the Olympia Union Gospel Mission’s Chronic Disease Management Clinic, an ad hoc member of the Thurston County Safety-Net Strategy Group Clinical Sub-commit-tee, and an active member of the Primary Care Committee at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Dr. Kershisnik graduated from Seattle Pacific University and then went on to Philadelphia to earn her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Dr. Samantha Ritchie is a board certified Family Physician who has lived in the Olympia area with her husband and daughter for over 10 years. She also earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ritchie has been honored by the Washington Rural Health Association, an organization that advocated for better rural health services, as its Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner for 2009 and is the current Director of the new Olympia Free Medical Clinic.

OUGM Dental Clinic volunteer Aime Cahill was recently recognized as Volunteer of the Week by the Volunteer Center and KGY Radio. Aime works for Dr. Reginald Lang-ford, who also nominated her for this award. Langford said of Aime: “Amie is a dedicated profes-sional who has been an invaluable asset to Thurston County. Her posi-tive, caring and can do attitude is an inspiration to all those she comes into contact with.” Aime not only volunteers time at the Mission, she also participates on mission trips and volunteers at her church. “Volunteering is important because sometimes, people just need a little help. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to provide a little bit of that help for a few people each week. I get so much more out of volunteer-ing than I could ever possibly contribute,” said Aime. OUGM is blessed to have her and congratulates her on the receipt of her award.

Thank you to the Lassen Foundation and The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound for their recent award of a $10,000 grant to the Mission’s No-fee Health Resource Center. We are grateful for their support of this important community resource.

thank you.

Dr. Ritchie

Dr. Kershisnik

HonorariumsGift In Honor OfRalph & Annette Osgood Chuck & Cindi McReynolds

Dental Concert Coming!

Tickets Go on Sale in

August!

Don’t miss out on a chance to cheer on your favorite dentist as they strut their stuff on stage to help raise funds to support OUGM’s no-fee dental clinic. A lively mix of big band swing and jazz tunes from the uber talented Olympia Jazz Senators combine with local dance and vocal professionals, and a community gospel choir, to create a one of a kind, family friendly, musical extravaganza. The show will highlight OUGM Dental volunteers in two new production numbers based on tunes from the Beatles, and the hit film, The Blues Brothers. Mark your calendars now and join OUGM staff and volunteers for an evening of fun and philanthropy. See pics and video from last year’s concert at ougm.org, on the about us page.Are you a local business owner? Did you know you can help sponsor

this event? If you would like to learn more, please contact Virginia at 360-709-9725, or virginia@ougm.org.

Thank you for giving in honor of others:Mr. & Mrs. Edward Elze, in honor of Don Bell, Todd Nygard,

Patricia Ridge, Jennifer CroftonAFSCME Local 618, in memory of Rayona Dorma Bell-Brenden

Cheryl Huber in memory of Walter WhyteArden & Armen Deering in memory of Glenn Mills

Donald Berschauer in memory of Jennifer Wyman-VaranoLyle & Claire Tracy in memory of Margaret B. Salisbury

“People are like grass; their beauty is like a

flower in the field. The grass withers

and the flower fades. But the word of the

Lord remains forever.”

1 Peter 1:25

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDOlympia, WA

Permit No. 624

Ezekiel 34:16 “I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:”

Women from Genesis Acres proudly sport their Spring Graduation look, which came courtesy of Maryann at Cinderella’s Closet in Lacey, and Heath-er at Studio 13 in Tumwater,WA. Thank you to Maryann for donating dresses for the women to wear, and to Heather for cutting and styling the women’s hair. This is the second year Cinderella’s Closet has donated dresses. Cinderella’s Closet rents dresses, or loans them out on a scholarship basis. Their mission is to help girls and women feel beautiful and know their self-worth by making sure they have a dress for those special occasions in their lives. Heather visits Genesis Acres every six weeks to cut program member’s hair at no charge. OUGM is grateful for the love and concern our community shows for those in need.

THANK YOU to Kathy Barnhart, a local Private Quarters Consul-stant who recommended Genesis Acres for the company’s annual product donation to women’s shelters. Private Quarters is a direct sales linens company that strongly supports women,especially those fleeing domestic violence. In addition, Kathy donated a portion of her profits to purchase additioal product for the ladies.

It Takes A Community!