UCM Annual Report - United Community Ministries

Dear Friends,
One of the most difficult questions to answer is “What does UCM do?” Why?
Because we do so very much! Because we assure that basic human needs are
met—and that tools and support are in place to help people move themselves
toward more stable lives. But we also give what can be the most effective tool of
all—the hope and knowledge that there is a large community of people who really,
truly care about—and work hard for—the success of each and every individual who
walks through a door at UCM.
Perhaps the better question is “WHO is UCM?” We are social workers, counselors,
teachers, fundraisers, accountants, volunteers and funders. We are those with
passion and compassion in our hearts. It truly matters to us that this organization
moves people from the fear of not having food for today—to the ability to care for
themselves and their families tomorrow.
You are likely reading this Annual Report because you, too, are UCM. You support
the organization through your time, your talent, your treasure. And you know that,
for each individual and each family that you help become stronger, our entire
community becomes stronger. It is the right thing to do—and it is the smart thing to
do.
The greatest testimony to UCM is that this commitment lasts for years, for decades.
Current and former board members, volunteers, employees and program
participants continue to reach out through financial support, helping at holiday time
or in so many other ways. What joy it is when a “BEL Baby,” now a teenager or
even a young adult, returns to UCM’s Bryant Early Learning Center to say hello to
the teachers who impacted his or her life forever.
Throughout this report, we are pleased to share with you descriptions of the UCM
programs that make crucial impacts on so many lives. Please join us in knowing
that, behind every one of these descriptions, are the efforts of tens of thousands,
perhaps hundreds of thousands, of people who have been part of UCM since 1969.
With appreciation,
Douglas J. Kennett
President, Board of Directors
Who We Are
Cynthia N. Hull
Executive Director