UGM to host event about childhood trauma

The Union Gospel Mission will spotlight how childhood trauma acts as an underlying cause of homelessness at its annual gathering on April 24 at The Best Western Coeur d’Alene Inn.

Dr. Mark J. Baird, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Whitworth University, will speak about the long-term effects of psychological trauma on the brain.

Baird has specialized in treating combat veterans and other trauma survivors at U.S. military facilities, and more recently received a development grant from Biola University’s Center for Christian Thought for his latest course, “War, Psychological Trauma, and Resilience.”

“We’re all looking for solutions to fight homelessness in our community,” Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Phil Altmeyer said. “At UGM, we’ve chosen to focus on long-term change, and that means addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, one of which is the ongoing effects of trauma. We know that Dr. Baird’s area of expertise applies to a large percentage of the people coming through our doors.”

The event will feature people who sought help from UGM speaking about the childhood trauma they experienced. Both lunch and dinner sessions are available.

Dinner registration costs $25 per person, but complimentary lunch registration will be available as long as open seats remain. For more information or to register, go to uniongospelmission.org/gathering.

Since opening in 1951, the Union Gospel Mission has expanded to include four shelters and offers counseling, job training, health clinics, veterinary services and addiction recovery programs in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

UGM Thrift Stores and UGM Motors also provide job training, all toward the goal of partnering with the Inland Northwest to end homelessness.