support worker

philanthropy manager

cook

outreach worker

childcare provider

Union Gospel Mission

Management (not all, but some) are unprofessional, lacks boundaries, and treats their employees who work under them with little or no respect. They won't even acknowledge you as a human being or respect the extra hard work or time you put in. They'll rule over you like a tyrant and treat you as a disposable resource for them to freely use and abuse at their leisure. If these managers did get rid of their toxic ways, this company would be amazing. Instead they micromanage, play favorites, and when you bring up concerns; they are just ignored. You become a problem for just speaking up. This just reinforces poor behavior, burnout, and a toxic environment. They say they have "good workplace culture" but if you don't do exactly as these managers say, you become their enemy. Forget job security or talking things through; you are out the door.

If you can somehow mind your own business and not push for anything in terms of growth or learning opportunities. Then the work, the people (coworkers, volunteers, people from the public), and the benefits are rewarding and you do feel a sense of purpose and meaning in your daily life. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Benefits offered, vacation time, work/life balance, pension plan contributions.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The fact that they are a Christian Organization, with a clicky reputation. If your not willing to be part of their cult like atmosphere, you are considered outcast, and looked down upon.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Poorly managed departments, lazy and ineffective supervisor/department management. Recognition of dedication, going above and beyond goes unnoticed by the manager.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Having to deal with the shear numbers of mental illness, and addictive behaviors of the clients. Not great for your own personal health and wellness.

A typical day at work we are normally busy. Making food hampers for drop in clients, on the phone with many societies in regards to shelters, housing, health concerns. clients coming in for one on one information. I learned to take one client at a time don't promise anything and follow through not only with your clients but to keep your co-workers in the loop of what your doing to a healthy team work attitude. Management is awesome they are always on your side with what ever decision you are making. Hardest part of the job is when there are no shelters or places able to take clients. Most enjoyable when you are to fulfill all the needs of the client. for example having their teeth fixed at no cost giving them food hampers, finding them shelter. helping apply for welfare and them getting it.

I was a dream fulfilled.  I felt challenged and loved every where I turned.  I learned to love people no matter what culture or beliefs they came from.  I learned to accept everyone the way Christ loved and accepted everyone.  It taught me how to try to balance my management schedule and yet when to say no.  I saw a lot of death, loss and grief in many people that had been hurt by government, culture, family etc. that learning to trust God and people in the ministry made it very difficult.

Working in Outreach is hard for anybody. What you wouldn't expect from a Christian Organization is that all customer facing online social presence is just a show. The real work done by the Outreach workers are only put on display so they can ask for more money. The actual Outreach workers are treated poorly, with very poor work life balance, not able to go to church, and not taken care of by management who don't actually care. The company is too big, and they know that you won't be there for long as an Outreach worker, so they don't need to listen, don't need to change anything, they just need your face (especially if you're black or Indigenous) to use to generate more money for their machine. It's not a safe place for actual Christians. 

This could be the greatest kitchen experience around. The chance to provide food for those who need it most is such a privilege.  

Most of the morning Kitchen staff are great, but 2 make it unbearable. One is nasty and bad mouths the rest of the staff at every opportunity. He openly boasts about how good he is, and openly criticizes the rest of his co-workers at every opportunity. The other, the Christian of the group, spends most of the time socializing, rather than supporting the team.  The 2 corral most  of the volunteers for themselves, and have little regard for their colleagues.

It’s a shame. 



Outreach staff are seen as expendable and not given a voice or an opportunity to collaborate with decisions that impact their roles and their clients. Leadership is highly top-down and hierarchial and has increased in this direction over the last few years. Staff feel unable to voice concerns about mistreaent as those that have are either ignored or repranded. Favouritismandcnepotism is common and their is no room for accountability or critique or upper management 

I love working with people specially with people that live on the street and dont have much money so i complinmize what they can afford.. When i walk in to my job that i tell my staff just to have a positive attitude no manner how you feeling. i learned that i can help someone that they can feel good about the store and making them feel that they want to come back.  I try my best for all of my co-workers feel that they are part of the team.  The hardest part of the job is to make sure that i have everything together as a team. The most enjoyable part of the job is that i walk in the store feeling great and knowing I can makes the different..

What is the best part of working at the company?
My boss was incredibly supportive and UGM genuinely care for their employees! Absolutely loved working for them! 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Sometimes watching clients pass away due to their substance use and medical issues due to substances. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Amazing!!! Always felt like home and very comfortable with the surroundings 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I don’t work there anymore, but a typical day was team work with my colleagues

I wasn't on Union Gospel Mission's payroll. I was a volunteer. I felt welcomed by mission staff and never judged. I was given freedom to interact with the guests and build relationships with them. I helped serve meals, coffee and tea and played cribbage with some of the senior guests to combat loneliness. 
The staff are very compassionate towards the vulnerable citizens and the marginalized and is inclusive of everyone. I would volunteer there again or seek employment. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Support worker 11 salaries reported	$20.68 per hour
Philanthropy manager 9 salaries reported	$57,776 per year
Cook 5 salaries reported	$20.00 per hour
Outreach worker 3 salaries reported	$23.20 per hour
Childcare provider 1 salary reported	$25.96 per hour

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