Volunteer Highlight: Mark

We are so grateful for our volunteers who go above and beyond to walk alongside our residents as they get back on their feet. Community is a huge part of breaking the cycles of homelessness and creating stability in life. Here is what Mark had to say about volunteering at Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities (UGMTC) in 2024:

While I have known of UGMTC for many, many years, I did not really know what they are about and how they truly help the men they serve to transform their lives. Because of two different men’s groups I am part of, I had serval opportunities to take part in activities at the UGMTC’s Men’s Campus. They were amazing experiences for me. I felt a real connection with the men there and the programs that help these men. I followed up by looking into the Veterans’ Housing Program, the Christ Recovery Center, and the ACTS Training Program. I found, because of my work and life background, a great fit with the men and goals of the ACTS Training Program.

“I find my time serving to be a true blessing seeing these men grow.”

Throughout 2024, I have been working with and, most importantly, being a friend to men in the program. I am usually at UGMTC once a week. As needed, we will go through homework. We also sit and just talk about life. We will go for walks and coffee. We’ve toured historical sites like the State Capitol and old Fort Snelling. We just do stuff – like going to see the Bison at the Belwin Conservancy or the Minnehaha Park and Falls. We have also participated together in events like the 5K Mile in My Shoes in July at Lake Phalen (pictured). I find my time serving to be a true blessing seeing these men grow as a result of UGMTC and the ACTS Training Program. – Mark

Interested in volunteering?

Are you interested in becoming a mentor for men in our programs? Would you like to tutor men who are working on their education and careers? Could there be a fit for your gifts and talents to volunteer in our programs? Contact us at volunteers@ugmtc.org today!