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United Community Ministries
Community Connection March 2011 |
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Each year as we move into Spring, the human spirit seems to match that of nature in new beginnings. As a flower puts its energy into pushing through the earth toward sunshine and rain and air, we seem to respond to some signal that it is time to find a reserve of energy to move us forward in what we accomplish, as well.
For the majority of people with whom UCM works, times really are difficult. Yet, so often the staff members and volunteers at UCM give them the help and the hope they need to find that reserve of energy at a time in their lives when it is really needed. In this issue, you can learn about Gregory and the role his Case Manager, CJ, played in his journey from homelessness toward light, toward nourishment, toward independence.
Your support now is more important than ever, as UCM works not only to help people stay housed and find employment that pays a living wage, but provides emergency assistance as the process happens; child care so parents can work knowing their children are safe and thriving; and so many other of our supportive programs and services that are helping to stabilize lives.
Many, many thanks for your caring and support.
Cynthia N. Hull
Executive Director
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| In This Issue | |
From Addiction to Independence:
One Man's Amazing Comeback
What's New at UCM's Workforce Development Center
Upcoming Events: Don't Miss Out!
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From Addiction to Sobriety and Independence:
One Man's Amazing Comeback | |
 Gregory grew up in a tough neighborhood in DC. It was not an easy life. At the age of 12 he started drinking, which quickly became an addiction that has haunted him for decades. Gregory came to UCM's Bridge Program directly from a rehabilitation facility, although it was certainly not his first participation in treatment.
UCM's Bridge Program is a two-year transitional housing program for homeless adults with a history of substance abuse and/or mental illness. With hard work, determination and comprehensive support, the journey participants travel while in Bridge can be truly transformational.
"At the time," says Housing Program Manager Cajethan Ekeagwu (CJ), "he was my biggest challenge. Gregory didn't have a job, he wasn't going to Alcoholics Anonymous on a regular basis and he did not have a sponsor." Six weeks into the program, Gregory relapsed and went back to a treatment facility. When released, he wanted to come back to Bridge. "To do so," says CJ, "he needed a very realistic relapse prevention plan."
CJ and Gregory worked together intensively to bring stability to Gregory's life. During weekly home visits and meetings in between, they worked on his treatment plan, budgeting and finances, getting dental help, and assuring he had transportation and food assistance through UCM. CJ was a constant source of support.
CJ believes passionately that "What works for my clients and me is trust. I have to establish a trusting, caring relationship." Gregory responded, saying "Those meetings kept me going. Someone is trying to help you help yourself. Everyone is kind. CJ always went above and beyond the call of duty. It's not just a job to him."
While in Bridge, Gregory learned computer skills, eventually earning a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. He began to volunteer his time at the center where he had trained, which eventually lead to a full-time job. "The people I teach are in the same boat as I was. It's a good feeling to give back to the community. When you touch people's lives there is a reward."
Twelve months after entering Bridge, Gregory graduated. Today he is 18 months sober. "At first I didn't want to leave. But what UCM gave me was a Bridge for life. Bridge is really a community service. We owe the community a service back because I can never say how much UCM helped me. My advice to other clients is to be honest and follow the basics. Spirituality and honesty lead you to hope. Then you are ready to take advantage of the resources that are being offered to you."
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 What's New at UCM's Workforce Development Center?
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There's a lot going on at UCM's Workforce Development Center (WDC), which provides one-on-one job counseling, resume preparation, job skills training, classes in Microsoft Office and keyboarding, ESL classes, job placement services and more. So far since July, the WDC:
· Is on track to exceed its annual goal for job placements.
· Has seen and provided services to 490 individuals
· Has forged new relationships with area employers to better place workers with high
barriers
· Is coordinating a job readiness and internship program for 21 youth
· Is partnering with Head Start to provide job readiness training for parents of children
enrolled in their program
· Is providing retail and customer service skills training in partnership with a grocery store
owner
· Is offering new ESL classes in collaboration with Progreso Hispano
UCM's WDC is providing employment opportunities for those who have lost their jobs or are under-employed, and area businesses get employees who have been trained for job readiness. It's a win-win situation!
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| Mark Your Calendars! | |
Make a date with a friend or spouse to come support UCM at the following events:
· Saturday, April 2, UCM's Spring Gala, April in Paris
· Saturday, April 9, the Aldersgate United Methodist Church Women's Group Fashion
Show, including a wide selection of vendors and a scrumptious lunch
· Tuesday, April 12, restaurant night at Dishes of India
· Sunday, April 10, the third annual Open House Open Hearts auction
· Tuesday, April 26, Hilltop 2011 Charity Golf Outing
For more on any of these events, please visit www.ucmagency.org and click on Events on the left hand column. Or, just click on the quick link above!
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