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Mission

UCM's mission is to assist families and individuals to improve the quality of their lives in a manner that builds their self-reliance and fosters

their ability to function at the greatest level of their economic and social capacities.

UCM is a non-profit, community-based organization founded in 1969 as a grassroots movement to assist low-income families and individuals living along the Route One Corridor of Fairfax County, Virginia, an impoverished area in an otherwise wealthy county.   UCM grew from a small group of concerned citizens offering emergency food and clothing into an organization offering comprehensive programs which not only continue to meet those needs, but also teach independent living skills and support families in their journeys towards sustaining stable housing and leading more self-sufficient lives. UCM is also a leader in developing  community involvement in low-income neighborhoods, which is transformative not only of those communities, but also of the individuals and families who  learn and utilize leadership skills to improve their lives and those of their neighbors.  UCM is one of only five social service organizations in Fairfax County, Virginia accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.

There has been a recent dramatic increase in the number of individuals and families requiring emergency assistance and the resources, support and training necessary to lead toward more stable living conditions.  In Fiscal Year 2008 the organization served over 10,000 program participants from over 4,000 households in twelve UCM programs.  This represents a nearly twenty percent increase in individuals over Fiscal Year 2006.   This trend continues with a 30% increase in people requiring emergency assistance in early Fiscal Year 2009 compared to the same time period in the preceding year.

UCM provides services including emergency assistance, employment placement and training; developmental childcare, youth services, supportive housing services, homelessness prevention and child abuse and neglect prevention. Emergency services include in-kind gifts of food, clothing, furniture, household goods and infant supplies; emergency financial assistance for rent, utility and medical needs; comprehensive information and referral; budget counseling; and holiday help. Self-sufficiency services include job counseling and placement; self-employment and job search assistance; computer skills training; youth services; abuse prevention; supportive services for people in transitional housing; and a comprehensive child development center, called the Bryant Early Learning (BEL) Center.

Several local organizations, including shelter, medical and educational programs, began as UCM projects. 

UCM is a 501(c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible.

        United Way #8199                    CFC #37839