Tim Lane became Executive Director of the Union Gospel Mission in 2005 with a wealth of experience from different fields of endeavor.

Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Tim moved to California with his family in 1959. He began his career in the heating and air conditioning trade, and in 1982 acquired TH Air Conditioning Inc., which he owned and operated for over 15 years.

Tim started as a monthly volunteer with his church group in 1994, preaching and ministering to the homeless.

In 1999, Tim felt the God's call on his life. Called in 2001 as the Pastor of Rioso Road Baptist Church in Sheridan, Tim is today an ordained Minister of the Gospel, and now attends Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento.

His weekly Radio Program, “Voices from the Street,” airs on KFIA 710 AM & 105.7 FM Sundays at 2 pm and Mondays at 3 pm. Listen to Pastor Tim and various guests talk about the happenings at the Mission. Prepare your heart for laughter and tears as they share the unpolished stories of the homeless and hurting, hope, and transformation in Christ. Follow the show and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

A native of Somerville, New Jersey, Steve Jarrett served his country in the Navy, and then went to work as a chemical laboratory technician for a large pharmaceutical company.

Like so many, he became addicted to alcohol and sought help from the Union Gospel Mission. Here he discovered people who not only helped him with his addiction, but also genuinely cared for him as a person.

After successfully completing the program, Steve decided to lend his own talents to the mission, and became a full time employee in 1986. A meticulous worker, Steve found his niche in the accounting department, and served as manager of donor records for 19 years.

His love for the homeless and wealth of experience has proven invaluable, and in March of 2005 Steve was promoted to the role of assistant manager of The Union Gospel Mission.

This expansive new role allows Steve to use his experience in every area of the mission, and inspires him to say, “I just love what I do.”

Tom Mooney was drafted into the U.S. Air Force in 1972, and served there for the next 4 years. In 1977, Tom surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and began a rewarding career that has taken him from street ministries to recovery homes, to churches.

In 1994 he was called to Berean Christian Ministries in Rocklin, California. In the same year a new church, Last Day’s Harvest Ministries was founded, and Tom Mooney became their senior pastor, a position he holds to this day.

After serving as a volunteer at The Union Gospel Mission for 10 years, Tom was asked to join the staff in 2002 in the role of Chaplain. His many years in street ministries, and his musical talents give him a unique perspective and ability to relate to the men, and he has become one of the mission’s most popular teachers.

On November 12, 2010, Eileen Trussell joined the Union Gospel Mission family believing that God sent her here.

Having grown up in Larchmont, NY, she moved to Southern California in 1986 and landed in a career of real estate. She moved up to Sacramento in 1994 and continued her real estate profession with her husband, David. By 1998, they had their own real estate sales/mortgage company.

When the market crashed in 2008, it was a difficult time for the Trussells and closing their business. But, the Lord had plans for Eileen to change her vocation and eventually brought her to the Mission, which she is very grateful for and has given a new passion to her life.

Eileen accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1995. Along with the greatest gift of salvation, she and David are blessed with two lovely daughters, Jessica and Michelle.

Eileen is truly grateful for everything the Lord has done for her in her personal life and career, and has used her in a mighty way during her time at Union Gospel Mission.

Franci began as a volunteer in 2022 in the Women's Clothes Closet. She has faithfully served in multiple areas, including sorting clothes, running women’s showers, and assisting ladies with their many needs. She especially loved blessing them with the love of Christ and praying with them.
Currently, Franci works at our front desk as the receptionist, assisting visitors and callers with warmth, kindness, and Christ's love.

Franci began as a volunteer in 2022 in the Women's Clothes Closet. She has faithfully served in multiple areas, including sorting clothes, running women’s showers, and assisting ladies with their many needs. She especially loved blessing them with the love of Christ and praying with them.
Currently, Franci works at our front desk as the receptionist, assisting visitors and callers with warmth, kindness, and Christ's love.

Although Rudolph spent most of his life “in and out of drugs,” he can trace his dramatic plunge into addiction to his earliest days, living with alcoholic parents. From the age of 9, he used drugs and alcohol. This set the stage for a lifetime of pain and confusion. Rudolph’s parents died when he was young. This loss was soon followed by the death of his two brothers in a bank robbery. Like so many who are trapped in addiction, Rudolph found refuge in the numbness of drugs and alcohol.

Rudolph managed to get through college, marry, and join the U.S. Army. But his drug use resulted in discharge within two years. With his life unraveling, Rudolph’s wife and children walked out. He traveled with no destination, lived with no direction, and suffered with no healing in sight. With his life in complete disarray, and sleeping on the sidewalks of Sacramento, Rudolph checked himself into a mental health crisis center. And after finding a measure of stability, he made an appointment with one of our team members to talk about joining the Men's New Life Program. “I pleaded with him for just one chance,” says Rudolph. We agreed to give him that chance. And today, Rudolph has become a shining example of God's grace, love, and forgiveness.

“The Mission introduced me to Jesus Christ, who saved my life, taught me how to live without drugs and alcohol, and has restored my wife and children back into my life,” says Rudolph. “I have a fresh start and a new life.” Today, Rudolph’s children have their dad back. “Everything is going way better because I’m sober and following Jesus.” Best of all, Rudolph is grateful to stay on with the Mission as an Intern Houseman, and now Frontline Coordinator, of our New Life Program. “I want to give back, because the Mission has been there for me."

Kim came in one day to pick up flyers for her street ministry not knowing the Lord led her here to be part of the staff at the Union Gospel Mission. She meets the daily challenge to serve, share and love on the women of the streets through her faith in the salvation offered by Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Her desire is that every woman who steps on to mission property be shown value through a smile, conversation and pray.
She met and made Jesus her Lord and Savior the fall of 1989 after years of living and loving the world. The experience of hopelessness and tough consequences made her heart heavy and burdened until she cried out to her creator who reached down, picked her up and brushed her off. She has a deep desire to share her Savior through the Women’s Clothing Closet and weekly Bible study.

Born in San Bernardino, Danny has lived in California most of his life. In his mid twenties he lived in Colorado for five years, he learned to love the snow and the Denver Broncos. Working various jobs throughout his life: apprenticeship in plumbing, construction, restaurant work, truck driving, and sales, he found his true calling in serving the Lord with tremendous skill and creativity working with computers.

On December 12, 2009, Danny landed at the doors of Union Gospel Mission. Just released from prison, broken down, homeless and struggling with the urges of falling back into a life of alcohol, anger and drug addictions, Danny enrolled in the Men's New Life Program at the Mission.

"The Lord knew I was tired and that I wanted the mental and emotional roller coaster ride to STOP! I had to let go of the wheel as I thought I was in control and just ended messing up my life. When I surrendered my life to Jesus, I now am along for the ride as He's got control of the wheel, and my life has drastically changed!

Now, I'm working for the very place that picked me up, dusted me off, gave me reason, and pointed me in the direction I needed to walk."

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:9,13).
"I confess before you all now."

Danny began interning in the Development Department in 2010, and officially became employed May 2011. His love for the homeless has enriched the Mission and his computer skills have enhanced the office, especially keeping up with today's speed of technology. He continues to volunteer after hours with the homeless, and has become another great member of the Mission's family.

Born in the bay area, but moved to South Sacramento at the age of 8 where he lived for most of his life. Matthew worked most of his adult life in call centers providing customer service for shipping, banking, medical and other industries.

Matthew struggled with alcohol and drugs after the passing of his parents, but found hope when he arrived at the Union Gospel Mission in December of 2019.
Matthew lost nearly everything in his life and wanted true change that Christ offers and joined the Men’s New Life Program.

“I had gotten to the point where I burnt so many bridges that I was running out of options and the only option left was to be on the street. I was depressed and tired and I wasn’t sure I could do this anymore, I wanted real lasting change and not just temporary sobriety. Christ has brought me into redemption, transforming me from an alcoholic and drug addict into a father, brother, friend and productive individual of society.”

Matthew worked in the Kitchen as a cook during most of his program and after graduating in September of 2020 he began to intern as a cook for another 9 months. In June of 2021 he was employed by the mission and serves faithfully in the accounting department today. In 2023, he was named UGM's Employee of the Year.

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)

“I thank Christ every day for the new life and opportunities I’ve been given.”

JoAnn originally joined UGM in 2015 as an administrative assistant; she worked in our development and then in our finance department for six years. After she married in 2023, she returned to us part-time, which was more suitable for her and to fill our needs. JoAnn brings with her a wealth of experience and heart for serving the Lord. She enjoys volunteering at her church and one of her favorite scripture passages is Philippians 2:3-7. JoAnn also delights in playing card games and going on day trips with her husband to explore locally.

Angela joined UGM in February 2024 as the Development Manager. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Sacramento State University. Angela was born in Ukraine, moved to Sacramento, California, when she was two years old, and has lived here since. She speaks fluent Russian, which comes in handy to translate for some of our guests. Her previous job was at Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital which serves many of the clientele that UGM takes care of.
Angela has been passionate about serving the Lord since she became saved in 2012. She has been involved in children’s, youth, and kitchen ministry, and serves her church in many capacities. She has also been overseas on short-term missionary trips, spreading the Gospel. She has been attending City Bible Church for approximately three years and is currently serving in the youth ministry.
Angela comes with a passion for helping people with Gospel-centered care and being a pivotal part of the growth at UGM. Her faith, education, experience, and secondary language are great attributes at UGM, and knows the Lord has placed her here for a purpose.

“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36

Marissa joined the Mission in May 2022, bringing with her a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and over ten years of administrative experience. She came to know UGM through her church, Touchstone Christian Fellowship, volunteering monthly with their worship team for UGM’s evening chapel and dinner service. Along with administrative work, she helps lead worship for the staff and program men in the Friday morning chapel service.

Before joining the staff at UGM, she worked in various office settings as an administrative assistant, but none of these jobs brought the fulfillment she deeply desired—to help people and use her gifts for a purpose. When she joined the Mission, it was clear to her that this was where God wanted her. Currently, she enjoys creating social media posts, helping create the monthly newsletters and receipt flyers, taking photos, creating videos, and bringing new ideas to the Mission. Every task, no matter how big or small, is a rewarding one that serves a bigger purpose: serving God and others.

Outside of work, she enjoys serving at her church as a worship leader, volunteering, spending time with friends and family, and taking care of her 4 cats and 3 bearded dragons. In April 2021, she married her husband Christopher, and together they live to glorify God through every joy and trial that comes their way.

Igor was born in Ukraine but raised here in Sacramento. He comes from a film and animation background, having worked in the motion design industry for years. God blessed him with the opportunity to work with many large clients and studios from his time freelancing.

He is now using those skills for the mission. He is working to update and produce videos and content to show Sacramento exactly what the mission is doing.

He attends and works as a pastoral intern over at City Bible Church and is pursuing a degree in theology over at The Cornerstone Bible Seminary.

Romans 8:38-39

Chris joined UGM as a Chaplain in February 2024. With 4.5 years of service in the Marines, he embodies discipline and dedication. In 2019, the Lord opened Chris' eyes to his sin and need for Jesus Christ as his savior. Recommended for the Chaplain role by Robert Briggs, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Chris provides counseling and teaches Biblical classes to the men in our New Life Program. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at International Reformed Baptist Seminary, bringing a depth of knowledge and devotion to our team. In 2021, Chris married his wife Melinda, and in 2023 they welcomed their first child.

Psalm 46 & Psalm 130

Keegan is excited to join UGM and dedicated to help the homeless community with his cooking experience. His previous jobs were at the Sacramento Int’l. Airport and as head chef at a treatment center. His passion for culinary arts began in childhood, and he gained invaluable knowledge from working with talented chefs. Some of his favorite dishes to prepare include spaghetti, chicken parmesan, and hamburgers. The staff and our homeless guests are delighted he has joined our kitchen team, sharing his talent and passion for cooking with those in need.

Cook and Shift Supervisor
Will Magana

Kitchen Supervisor
Tim Trenum

A native of Sacramento, Donny’s first job was working as a roughneck in the oil fields of Oklahoma back in the late ‘70s. He found the work both financially and personally rewarding, and Donny spent the next 7 years working with his hands at jobs throughout the U.S., even spending some time in the Virgin Islands.

By 1999 he had even tried his hand at gold mining, and in 2000 found himself building houses in the state of Arkansas. Yet all the skills he learned and rewards he earned weren't enough to protect him from the challenges of addiction.

By 2001, a combination of drugs and alcohol had taken its toll on Donny and lead to a series of bad decisions that left him homeless.

On January 8th, 2002 Donny came to The Union Gospel Mission, and 2 weeks later gave his heart to Christ. With renewed determination he enrolled in the rehabilitation program, and graduated on November 22nd 2002 with an entirely new outlook on life.

Grateful for his life changing experiences at the mission, Donny decided to share with others what God had done for him, and in 2003 began his internship as a cook. By the next year he was the head cook at The Union Gospel Mission, and because of his leadership abilities was promoted to ranch manager of Eagles Nest Ranch in August of 2005.

Donny Braninburg is committed to the work he does because of the difference he makes in the lives of others, and The Union Gospel Mission is a better place because he’s here.

One of many Union Gospel Mission success stories, David Lytle is a native Californian and an inspiration to all those around him. After his graduation from high school in 1976, David honed his skills in the construction industry, working in many different capacities and developing well-rounded abilities.

For all his talent, David was unable to overcome his struggles with alcohol and by 1998 he was out of a job and homeless.

Three years went by before David found himself at the door of The Union Gospel Mission, where he found a home and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Like many graduates, David’s experiences at the mission and deliverance from addiction, gave him an overwhelming urge to give back to others.

In 2002 David became a full time employee of the mission and says, “God has me right where he wants me to be.”

Bob was raised in church but hadn't taken God seriously. Substance abuse had become his God, and he knew that he needed serious help with his addiction. He had tried two different rehabs but neither of them worked for him. After he was released from prison the third time, he found himself standing under a tree on Bannon Street. He was told about a recovery (Men's New Life) program at the Union Gospel Mission but had thought to himself, “It’s just another rehab that doesn’t work.” So he went to the Union Gospel Mission and talked to a staff member who helped him get a 7-day bed in the shelter and shared with him that Union Gospel Mission was a Christian-based program.

He needed help fast because he was craving meth to stop the fear of the present and the shame of his past. After his interview with Pastor Hughes, who was the director of the Program at that time, he was accepted into the New Life Program. The first thirty days were rough. Despite considering leaving the program two times, he talked to Pastor Tom Mooney several times a day who encouraged Bob to stay and keep praying for strength to complete the program.

After awhile God started working in Bob. God caused his eyes to open and see where he was before versus now. He realized that it was God’s will for him to be here at the Union Gospel Mission and God who directed him here so he could be around Christian people who truly care for him.

The Word of God is taught here daily. He is now a member of the Last Day’s Harvest Church, Pastor Mooney’s church. He is forever grateful to God for all the pastors here at the Union Gospel Mission and for sending him here where there is truth and hope in Christ Jesus.

Mike Blain graduated from the Men's New Life Program in 2005, interned with the Mission, and eventually God opened the door to a job as Warehouse Manager in 2006.

Born in Martinez, California and living in Pittsburg for 25 years, Bobby worked many jobs throughout his life. Operating machinery, warehouse worker, janitorial services, customer service, landscaping and indoor / outdoor maintenance.

On May 14, 2009 Bobby came to Union Gospel Mission doors. After losing his family, heart and with his spirit broken, homeless, drinking alcohol and with drugs addictions. Bobby enrolled in the Men's New Life Program at the Mission.

“As I found myself hitting rock bottom by losing everything important in my life, I cried out to my Lord Jesus Christ to enter my heart and change me in His way and do His will. He made me the person that my Lord needed me to become. He made me a better friend, a better man, and most of all a better father for my kids.”

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13 NIV)
“Thank you Lord for being my rock and my savior.”