UGM Women’s LifeChange Center – Angela’s House
“I strongly recommend anyone seeking Architectural/Design services to consider CIDA’s Architects, Designers, and Engineers for the opportunity. I have worked side by side with many members of the team to rescue a struggling project that is crucial for our community. Since day one, every individual I have worked with has gone above and beyond to help our project move forward. Without exception it is my belief that the skill and the passion this team has shown will ultimately be the key our projects success. Further the creativity and desire to hear our needs has made the process both efficient and stress free.
On behalf of Union Gospel Mission, we endorse CIDA with the highest marks for flexibility, speed, quality of work, and character. They have sacrificially aided UGM in ways that will be apparent for generations.
CIDA would be a tremendous asset to your project and I recommend them to you without reservation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Carl Parsons
Project Manager
Union Gospel Mission
Description
A safe, restorative home for women and children in recovery
Union Gospel Mission’s LifeChange for Women & Children is a long-standing program providing hope, healing, and recovery for women overcoming addiction, trauma, and homelessness. With the opening of their new home — Angela’s House — the program has expanded its capacity and created a space designed specifically for healing and growth.
As the architectural partner, CIDA worked closely with UGM to translate their vision into a physical space that feels welcoming, secure, and supportive of long-term recovery.
Our Role
CIDA’s design team collaborated with UGM leaders, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the building reflected both the practical needs of the program and the emotional needs of its residents. Our goals included:
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Creating safety and comfort: Individual resident rooms provide privacy and dignity, while shared community spaces foster belonging.
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Supporting program growth: The new facility expands to 52 rooms, tripling UGM’s capacity to serve women and children.
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Designing holistic spaces: Classrooms, counseling areas, a children’s activity center, and a chapel were integrated to support recovery on every level — emotional, spiritual, educational, and vocational.
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Building for long-term sustainability: Durable, efficient systems and thoughtful layouts will keep operating costs manageable while creating a warm, home-like environment.
Project Highlights
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52 resident rooms for women and their children
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Education and job readiness spaces to prepare residents for stability and independence
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Counseling and therapy rooms to support emotional healing
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Commercial kitchen and dining area to nourish body and spirit
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Children’s activity center designed for play and growth
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Chapel for reflection, faith, and community
Collaboration in Action
From early concept design through construction, CIDA partnered with UGM, Precision Construction, and the extended team to make sure the facility truly reflected the organization’s mission. By engaging directly with program staff and future users, we were able to tailor the design to the rhythms of daily life at LifeChange.
A Lasting Impact
The new Women’s LifeChange Center is more than a building — it’s a foundation for transformation. UGM can now serve more women and children than ever before, helping them build new lives rooted in safety, stability, and hope.
CIDA is proud to have played a role in shaping this environment where life change truly happens.
Attributes
Size:
50,500 SF (2.98 acres) – 3+ stories
Location:
Washington County, Oregon
Team:
Owner: Union Gospel Mission
Contractor: Precision Construction
Consultants
JBK Consulting & Design, Inc. (Food Service Design)
HARPER HOUF PETERSON RIGHELLIS INC. (Civil and landscape)
