Mother and Son find recovery in LifeChange

Last Saturday, Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange recovery residents, staff and friends gathered for a barbeque to celebrate Thomas Ek's completion of LifeChange. What made the event extra special was Kim, Thomas' mother, was there. It was almost 8 years ago to the day that Kim herself graduated from LifeChange. (Kim and Thomas are pictured at left) Kim came to the Mission in the late 90s, after years of alcohol and meth abuse. She was separated from her children, and hospitalized and sneaking in vodka to drink. From the hospital, Kim came to Union Gospel Mission's LifeChange addiction recovery community. She worked hard to re-build her life and re-connect with her children. She graduated in June of 2002. (Kim, when she entered LifeChange, pictured at left)

After a turbulent childhood, Thomas started using meth at age 17. Thomas was bounced around from place to place as a child, and experienced a lot of instability. After moving to Oregon from Utah, Thomas reconnected with his mom, Kim. Seeing that his mom was progressing through recovery, she became his role model. Thomas entered LifeChange in February of 2006. (Tom, the day he entered LifeChange, pictured at right) Thomas completed LifeChange and is now enrolled a Portland Community College. He is looking forward to a career in healthcare technology.

Kim has moved to California and looks after her mother and works in food service at a hospital. She stays in touch with LifeChange, and is an inspiration to residents and staff.

Kim and Thomas are truly an example of breaking the cycle of addiction and transformation and restoration of a family. Learn more about LifeChange.