Program and Meal Times

** In 2012 UGM re-assessed its strategic priorities within its several locations across Metro Vancouver and as of August 1, 2012, has made a change to its service delivery in the City of Mission.

A primary reason for this decision was to realign its limited resources to achieve three objectives. In addition to growing broader community influence networks and pursuing more opportunities to develop long term, abstinence based housing (alcohol and drug free); the remaining third strategic objective was for UGM to respond to the significant gap in services for vulnerable women in the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Unfortunately, with finite finances, amidst global economic concerns, UGM did not anticipate being adequately donor funded to the point whereby it can meet all three of these objectives as well as continue to operate the drop-in facility in the City of Mission. The decision was therefore made to close the Mission drop-in centre, which it had rented, and has since reassigned those resources to meet the organizational objectives.

Despite closing the drop-in centre at 33071 Railway Avenue, UGM will still maintain a strong presence in Mission. Not only will UGM’s Lydia Home recovery house continue to provide live-in programs for vulnerable women, UGM will retain an outreach worker in Mission as a resource to the community, providing referrals and building on the relationships already established by the drop-in centre.

UGM will continue to assist its former guests as best as it is able and will work with other service providers to connect those in need with available services and programs.

UGM is additionally pleased to announce that this closure did not result in any staff lay-offs. Karen Flanagan, former Manager of the Mission Drop-in Centre, became Manager of Mission Ministries which includes Lydia Home. The remaining two staff members were offered jobs within UGM.

“I think it’s important we acknowledge the great work that the Mission team has been able to do within the community,” says Bill Mollard, UGM President. “Karen Flanagan’s leadership has been outstanding. No doubt it’s difficult to alter the course a bit, but we are delighted to still be working in Mission, and to now have the means to focus on our strong and refined vision of reaching the most vulnerable across Metro Vancouver.”

For more information, contact kflanagan@ugm.ca

Additional Information
Outreach Workers are available for one-on-one visits to offer support and tangible help to anyone who needs it