'I feel free'

COEUR d'ALENE — Sabra McCurdy came to Coeur d’Alene's Union Gospel Mission Center for Women and Children in 2021.

Until then, her life had been defined by trauma and chaos.

But in the next two years, it all changed — for the better.

“I am in my own apartment, paying my own bills," she said. "I have a great job at UPS. For the first time in my life, I am completely independent."

McCurdy was one of 22 men and women recently honored at UGM’s annual commencement celebration. This event marks the culmination of two years of hard work as these individuals have healed from addiction and pursued new life goals.

"These men and women came through the doors of Union Gospel Mission broken, lost and on the brink of giving up hope," a press release said. "Today, they have jobs, homes of their own, renewed relationships with friends and family and new hope for their futures."

The length of UGM's five-phase program indicates the depth of change these men and women have undergone.

The program’s first two phases focus on clearing the mind of drugs and alcohol and facing the pain those addictions were meant to numb.

The next two phases provide the skills and tools necessary to approach life in a new way.

A significant component of UGM's recovery program is the business experience where candidates volunteer 240 hours working for a local business.

In the fifth phase, the mission supports the residents’ transition back into society as contributing members.

The annual celebration marks tangible progress toward the community's goal of reducing homelessness in the Inland Northwest and breaking generational cycles of abuse and addiction.

McCurdy said she never thought she could be successful on her own.

"I am living a whole new life today," she said. "I’m deeply involved in Narcotics Anonymous. I stayed very involved in my recovery. I go to church. I stay busy living life because I feel like I missed out on life a lot because I’ve been so stuck. For the first time, I feel free.”

Since opening in 1951, UGM has expanded to include four shelters and offers counseling, job training, health clinics and addiction recovery programs for men, women and children in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

Phil Altmeyer, UGM executive director, said he believes achievements by participants parallel those of a college graduate.

“The men and women who come through our programs have done some amazing work — walking away from their addictions, being open and transparent about their struggles, and allowing other people to speak into their lives," he said. "I’m so glad to live in a community that supports them on that journey.”