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United Community Ministries
Community Connection
December 2010 |
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Dear Friend, 
Record low temperatures and the first snow of the season reminded us all last week of how hard the winter season can be--particularly for those in need. But for me, this is also a season that fills me with tremendous hope and pride in our community. The icy cold winds did not keep community members from dropping off clothing, gift and food donations. And the first snow did not deter our dedicated volunteers from committing more than 600 hours of their time to set up our Share the Joy Holiday Room. Because of this immense community support, this past weekend we were able to distribute thousands of gifts, as well as holiday food to families whom otherwise would face empty stockings and bare tables this holiday season. Looking ahead to the new year, I am energized as I think of the work that we as a community can do to help those who are struggling. Your support has made all the difference and continues to do so. On behalf of UCM's board, staff, volunteers and program participants, please accept my deepest gratitude.
Happy Holidays,
Cynthia N. Hull
Executive Director |
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 The Capitol Steps Are Headed This Way |
 Friends of UCM hosts the annual Capitol Steps benefit on Sunday, January 30 at 5:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. This evening of comedy and satire is always a crowd pleaser, and 100% of the proceeds go to support UCM and its programs.
The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them.
Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded over 30 albums, including their latest, Liberal Shop of Horrors and Barackin' Around the Christmas Tree . They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials.
General seating for the event is $40 and reserved seating with complimentary beverages and food is $70 . To purchase tickets online, click here. Alternatively, checks made out to UCM may be sent to:
Friends of UCM
c/o Nadine Wren
2009 Windmill Lane
Alexandria, VA 22307
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information on how to show your support by becoming a sponsor, please contact Diane Tollefson at (703) 980-2757.
Come out to the Knights of Columbus Hall Sunday, January 30th and laugh with us as we raise money for a very important cause. You won't be disappointed! |
| TANF Helps Hundreds of UCM Families | Over the last few months, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program has been frequently mentioned in the news. Most people know that the TANF program provides financial and other forms of assistance to Americans who need support in these challenging times. What few people really understand, though, is the powerful impact TANF has had on the individuals and families that UCM serves.
Through TANF, UCM's Emergency Assistance Program was able to provide 348 families with $311,423 in funds needed to prevent eviction, avoid having their utilities turned off and receive nutritious food. None of these funds was used for administrative or case management costs.
In addition to providing funds for Emergency Assistance TANF funds helped UCM clients find gainful employment. UCM's Workforce Development Center was able to place 16 individuals into the workforce, at businesses that would not have been able to hire them with out TANF funds. Many of those individuals have been kept on in their new jobs even after the TANF funds for their employment have been fully dispersed. |
| Share the Joy Program Brings Joy to Families in Need |
 | | UCM's Holiday Room offers thousands of toys for needy children. |
This past weekend, UCM's large conference room was transformed into a gift shop where parents could pick out holiday gifts for their children. Weeks of toy drives at local churches, businesses and by community members hade paid off--nearly every cubicle was filled with toys at the ready for restocking the Holiday Room. After more than 600 hours of work by volunteers, families in need received more than 23,000 pounds of holiday food and thousands of presents.
"The UCM volunteers who work on the Share the Joy Program are simply amazing!" said Christine Fiske, UCM's Volunteer Coordinator. "Some volunteers worked from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm just to be sure everyone got what they needed. I was never without an outpouring of help. It was truly a blessing to be able to experience both the generosity and thoughtfulness of those with much to give, and the extensive appreciation and gratitude of those who received!"
Thank you, everyone, for your generosity. Because of you, the holidays will be brighter for so many children and youth in our community.
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| An Organization You Can Trust |
At UCM, $.94 of every dollar you donate goes directly to programs that help people in need. How we use your money is as important to us as it is to you.
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