United Community Ministries (UCM of Alexandria)

2016 Valencourt Scholarship Recipients

6/6/2016

Scholarship recipients with Harry Wood, representing our generous donor, Ms. Lois Valencourt

UCM launched the Valencourt Scholarship program in FY 2014 in honor of Lois Valencourt, thanks to her generous bequest after her death. Ms. Valencourt was interested in increasing access to post-graduate education for low- and moderage-income students in the Mount Vernon area. The Lois Valencourt Scholarship Fun program is for low-income, first generation college students who are recent graduates of local public high schools: Bryant Alternative High, Mount Vernon High, and West Potomac High -- and who plan to attend DC metro area schools for post-graduate education.

On June 6, 2016, we announced our 2016 Lois Valencourt Scholars. Each recipient is the first in their families to attend college. They have received $1,500 scholarships that are renewable next year. Three of the four recipients are current participants in UCM programs:

Fernando Acosta - West Potomac High School
Fernando has been accepted to George Mason University. He will pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. Fernando's family came to UCM a few years ago as a client. They have since become UCM volunteers who give back to their community. Fernando has also been a UCM volunteer throughout his years in high school. He is captain of the boy's soccer team as well as mentors students at Belle View Elementary School and is graduating with a 3.8 GPA.

Angela Gallegos - Bryant Alternative High School
Angela is dual-enrolled at Bryant Alternative High School and Northern Virginia Community College, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Development. She is a student in the Project Opportunity program for teen mothers. Angela is a single parent and full-time student. She serves as the head of the Student Leadership Program at her high school.

Tenesha Green - West Potomac High School
Tenesha has been accepted at Marymount University and will pursue a degree in Mass Communications. She is captain of the girl's varsity basketball team and graduates with a 3.8 GPA. Tenesha has received a partial basketball scholarship from Marymount. Tenesha makes her community a better place by making sandwiches at her church for the homeless every month.

Shanae Witherspoon - Bryant Alternative High School
Shanae has been accepted at Northern Virginia Community College and graduates with a 3.3 GPA. She will pursue a degree in Nursing. Shanae is a single-parent, full-time student and has volunteered in the community by talking to youth about the harmful effects of drugs.

"Thanks to UCM, I can be the Best Parent I can be."

6/1/2016

Have you ever felt overwhelmed taking care of your young child? Have you ever been on the outs with your family? Did you ever need a place to turn to for advice? Have you ever been in love?

“It is unbelievable to me how much has happened in the past two years. I was pregnant, not married, and really scared about the future. Now I am a mother, married, and working. Thanks to UCM, my family and I are making it on our own, financially and emotionally. UCM has given me the strength to reach my goals to support our family and be the best parent I can be.” - Camila, UCM Healthy Families Fairfax client

Two-and-a-half year-old Isaac, Camila’s son, has finished his lunch and is almost ready for an afternoon nap. His mother brings over a board book, props him up on her lap, and points at the pictures. “See the dog? What does a doggie say?” she asks her young son. Eager for his mother’s attention, Isaac smiles and imitates the dog with a “woof.”

“He’s looking and enjoys what you are saying,” says Martha Becar, UCM’s Family Support Worker who visits Camila’s home every other week. “His eyes and body language are telling you he is ready to learn! Ask him what else he sees.”

Martha is just one of UCM’s trained staff who provide caring support to dozens of young parents like Camila and her husband Alex, guiding them to positive parenting skills so they can become better teachers for their children. “Camila immigrated to our community at age 14 with her mother and sisters, from the Dominican Republic, about 10 years ago,” explains Martha. “She did not finish high school, as she needed to work full-time to help her family survive. She was 7 months pregnant when she was referred by the Health Department to Healthy Families Fairfax and began working with me at home visits.”

Martha was able to guide Camila with information about her pregnancy, baby development, and parenting. She encouraged Camila to develop a Family Goal Plan which included working toward her GED: “My first goals were to be the best mother I could be and to save money to get a laptop, so I could get my GED online while I was working. Neither of us have had good role models for parents. Ms. Martha taught us both so much about what being a loving family really means.”

Martha referred both Camila and Alex to job coaches. Now working as a painter, Alex plans to enroll in English classes at the UCM Progeso Center, so he can move up for a better paying job. For now, Camila’s grandmother is caring for Isaac while she works full-time at a daycare center. “Our family goal is to get certified to operate a daycare in our home,” she says. “And we are well on the way to that!”

Camila’s story is proof of the changes you can make in real lives for neighbors who are struggling. With your donation to UCM, you enable people like Camila and Alex to build that better future for their family.

We offer help and hope to adults seeking to do better for their children. Our services inspire lifelong changes like Camila describes that break the cycle of generational poverty. You make a critical, direct impact to change lives with your gift to UCM. Together, we stabilize, empower, and engage people to inspire success.

We invite you to be part of the success of people like Camila and Alex. Make your donation today by mail or click here to donate online with credit card. Together, we change lives -- and lift up all our hearts. Thank you!

"Thank You for Believing in Me" - Deneisha's Story

4/19/2016

Community Center teen Deneisha -- second from right -- is pictured at the UCM Spring Gala with (from left) UCM Youth Specialist Nani Swaminathan, volunteer mentor Kathy Lehner, and Princessa Willamson, school mentor.

In 2013, twelve-year-old Deneisha moved to the Creekside Village community with her family. She was a middle school student "with an attitude," in the words of one of her mentors. Deneisha observed the after-school activities at the UCM Creekside Village Community Center, and decided to see what was going on. With the help and support of Deborah FInley, supervisor at the Center, and the many volunteers who support the after-school programs there, Deneisha was able to remove herself from the drama of her old world. She has studied hard to become an honor student, and she is a leader of some of the children's programs at the Community Center. Now a sophomore at West Potomac High School, she remains on the honor roll for the third year in a row. She is on the school's Pom Dance Team and plays on the basketball team.

"Deneisha has transformed herself into the posed, confident and capable young woman she is today with the support of the staff, adult volunteer mentors, and the programs and activities available to her at the UCM Creekside Village Community Center," says Kathy Lehner, long-time volunteer and one of Deneisha's biggest fans.

Deneisha shared her story with the guests at the UCM Gala in April 2016. Here is her story, in her own words:

"My name is Deneisha. On June 14, 2013, my life changed forever. When I walked into the Community Center I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't making the best decisions for myself, nor was I on the right track. What I ended up finding at the Center was an opportunity to meet different people, kids in my age group who had the same goals, and the inspiration to be better each and every day.

"Coming to the UCM Center every day after school taught me to have a better outlook on things, on my self respect, and most important -- to believe in myself, to be my own star in the story of my life. I was now on the right track. I was an honor roll student, and my attendance was excellent. I had a new appreciation for my teachers and for my peers.

Annette Thompson (left) and Deborah Finley staff the UCM Creekside Community Center.

"Being a role model [for children at the Center] has been the most rewarding experience of it all. It makes me feel good about myself that other kids at the Center look up to me now. They confide and trust in me. Through this whole experience I've not just been a participant, but have also gained responsibilities as well. I am proudly the CEO of our group called the Pink and Black ladies. This means I monitor the behavior of our young ladies, making sure they stay out of trouble, and I also help and encourage them in any way possible. I assist with any activities that may be taking place as well. Last, but not least, I am a passionate dance choreographer. I hold weekly dance rehearsals for several dance groups at the Center. I prepare and make sure they perform their best in all performances, including our annual Community Day every May at Creekside Village Community Center.

"I really would like to thank everyone for taking the time to hear my voice. My speech would not be complete if I didn't thank a very special person: Ms. Deborah Finley. Ms. Deborah: If not for your tough love and guidance, I don't know where I would be today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me. Without you, I wouldn't be the young lady and role model that I am today. You are truly a treasure and I wholeheartedly appreciate you. Again, thank you to everyone."

"I'm Excited about my New Resume" - Job Seeker Workshop

3/30/2016

UCM hosts many hands-on workshops and special trainings throughout the year. Here are some comments from participants in a recent Resume Review workshop. When asked if coming to the event was a good use of their time, the most common comments were:

"Oh, yes! My counselor had told me these things, but talking with the consultant emphasized it in a different way and now my resume will be much better -- at another much higher level."
"Absolutely! The consultant took a lot of time to talk with me and explained how to make my resume so much more effective. I'm excited to go make the changes and begin applying for jobs with my new resume"

Participants had the opportunity to receive diagnostic feedback on how to improve or create and deliver an elevator statement (30 second commercial) to highlight the key job-related pieces of information relevant to an interviewer. Clients were also assisted in developing "smart responses" to the most common interview questions. When asked if coming to the event was a good use of their time, the most common client statements were:

"Yes. I'm glad I came. It was very helpful. I'm hoping to interview soon and this helped me prepare. I'm going home to practice."
"My counselor has said similar things to me, but today, it helped me see it differently, and I have a much better understanding and will be better prepared for the interview."

A Fairy tale Gone Wrong: Lillian's Story

1/11/2016

Lillian * is a client with her young daughter in our UCM Journeys transitional housing program for domestic violence survivors. Her friends used to call her “Princess.” Why? Because she had met her Prince Charming and was living a fairy tale life. Lillian’s husband Zachary, an international executive, took them all over the world, staying in 5-star resorts with their nanny and a driver in tow.

But after five years of marriage, Lillian’s fairy tale quickly changed to a nightmare. Her husband had become dependent on prescription drugs and eventually cocaine. That's when the emotional and physical abuse started. Lillian finally took action to leave him once day when they were driving to visit his parents in Virginia, with their then 3-year-old daughter in the back seat. A verbal argument erupted that turned physical. Her husband started beating and then choking Lillian inside the vehicle. Thankfully, the people in the car behind them witnessed the violence and called 911 requesting immediate police intervention.

Her husband was arrested for assault, with a 2-year protective order. However, since at the time Lillian was in the US on a tourist Visa, she was not allowed to work here. Upon their separation, Zachary cut her off from all financial assets, which left her and their daughter without any resources and living on the street. With much perseverance, Lillian was able to secure a bed for her and her daughter at a Fairfax County shelter for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

At that point, she was eligible for and accepted into UCM's transitional housing program. In the duration, Zachary had filed for full legal and physical custody of their daughter. With stable housing and caring compassion of her UCM case manager, the ample resources of the Journey’s Transitional Housing Program, Lillian has obtained the appropriate Visa and immigration status to work in the US. Now in the position to pursue the necessary legal actions to obtain custody of her daughter and full-time employment, Lillian has been motivated and positive while moving forward.

Just recently, with the help of a UCM job coach to improve her resume and interviewing skills, Lillian landed a job as a catering manager at a large Capitol Hill hotel chain. Now financially stable, she is beginning the process to transition out of the UCM program into her own apartment with her daughter -- so that another family fleeing domestic violence can get get the help they need to heal emotionally and attain financial stability.

Yes, It's Scary to Be Homeless..."

12/19/2015

"It was really scary when my Mom was so worried about how to pay all the bills and keep our apartment," Julia told her family's UCM counselor. "My Mom said we'd have to move, and I would need to change schools. I didn't want to leave my school and my friends. It was hard for me and my sister to concentrate at school, especially when we were hungry, which was a lot of the time. But now we're doing great because UCM helped my family when we really needed it. My Mom has a new job she likes, and she smiles more. That makes me smile too." - Julia, age 10

Every child like Julia deserves food to eat and a safe place to call home. Julia’s mother Rita was desperate when the eviction notice came. She had finally found the strength to leave her now ex-husband, because she feared his abusive behavior was going to have a devastating life-long impact on her daughters. Shortly after obtaining her divorce decree, he stopped paying child support. Then, Rita lost her job as an in-home caregiver, and her part-time job cleaning houses simply could not cover the rent. Her daughters, Julia age 10 and Amanda age 6, were struggling too. She was especially worried about Julia, whose grades were dropping because she had difficulty concentrating.

Rita’s Basic Needs program counselor at UCM helped with the overdue rent, food, vouchers to UCM’s Thrift Store, and counseling including for Rita and her daughters to recover from the domestic violence. She encouraged Rita to work with a job coach, which resulted in a better job as a receptionist with a comprehensive benefits package. Now, Rita is moving forward with a positive attitude – and smiling like Julia.

I’m sharing Rita’s story with you because it’s proof of the power you have to help families who are struggling and on the brink of homelessness. With your donation to UCM, you ensure that your neighbors in need can gain the requisite financial stability to build a better future for their children.

Without UCM to help, Rita and her daughters would be facing life in a homeless shelter. Rita’s made a better life for her family. With UCM’s help, she and her daughters now have food to eat, a secure home, and brighter futures. Annually, UCM’s life-changing programs play an integral role in stabilizing the lives of more than 10,000 people. We serve almost 5,000 children a year. Your generosity means a much brighter future for people like Rita and her family who receive life-changing services at UCM every year.

Almost Homeless: Amanda's Story

12/18/2015

It was a scary time for Amanda* and her mom. Her mom was constantly worried about how to pay the bills, buy food and keep their apartment. Moving out of the area, having Amanda and her younger daughter change schools and leaving all of their friends seemed to be the only viable option for the family. While her mom was figuring out how to maintain their current life, Amanda and her younger sister’s academic performances declined. It was increasingly harder for Amanda and her sister to concentrate at school because the majority of the time they were hungry. United Community Ministries was able to help Amanda’s mom find a new job and a new sense of self. Still living in the same apartment, daughters are attending the same school, and are earning impressive grades, Amanda’s mom has been smiling nonstop. Due to her mom’s nonstop smiling, Amanda and her sister have not stopped smiling either.

Sequoyah Friends Builds Community Leadership

11/20/2015

Audrey, her husband and their two children moved to the UCM from Haiti, residing in the Sequoyah community in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria. Audrey had heard about a group started by UCM's Opportunity Neighborhood initiative, called Sequoyah Friends. The leadership training aspect of Sequoyah Friends interested her, but she was too busy with her family and work to make a full commitment.

Then during one of the Parent Teacher Association meetings she attended at her daughter's elementary school, she was disturbed to learn that some parents had a negative view of her ethnicity. “They are lazy and uninvolved in their child’s education,” the other parents complained. Audrey attempted to explain that the conditions in Fairfax County schools are so monumentally better than the schools of her childhood and that “my children have access to so many resources and opportunities already. What else could I add to their experience?”

Not long afterwards, Audrey decided to make it a priority to participate in Sequoyah Friends. In the leadership class there, she was inspired by the passion of UCM's community developer who showed her how to empower others in the community. Shortly after, Audrey was elected to a leadership position in the school PTA and has enrolled in classes at a community college. By participating in Sequoyah Friends, the UCM staff “has taught me to be an advocate,” she shares.

Naomi's Story: Building a Strong Community with ONMV

11/19/2015

Four years ago, Naomi and her husband came to the United States with their young daughter, Macy. At the beginning life was not easy: it was a struggle to earn enough money for basic essentials such as food, housing and clothes. Culture and language differences deepened the family into loneliness and isolation. In spite of these challenges, Naomi was motivated to continue to move forward and improve her skills.

Soon the family moved to Harmony Place, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in the Mount Vernon area. When Macy started school, Naomi immediately began to attend the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings. One day, Macy asked her mother: “Why do you keep attending the PTA meetings if you do not understand what the other parents and teachers are saying?” Naomi wanted to be involved in Macy’s education, but felt powerless. She started to avoid the PTA meetings and stay home.

When Naomi learned from a neighbor about a new local community group called Harmony Friends, she decided to join in. Harmony Friends. facilitated by UCM's community developer, is a community representative group comprised of dedicated, hardworking people interested in contributing to and supporting the needs of the community. Naomi now works with the group on activities to raise funds for community improvement projects while also receiving the emotional support she needs.

With the help of UCM, Naomi also started attending educational workshop on topics like public health, education, empowerment, engagement, and advocacy. Through these workshops, she has learned many of her experiences are shared by others. One of the greatest services for Naomi has been English classes, which has helped her become more independent and more able to communicate and collaborate with others. Naomi is so now pleased she has the skills to help her own family and others. Naomi is happy to be a participating member of this community and is enjoying the benefits of her efforts. She feels motivated to continue to grow, help and learn.

"I am Grateful to UCM for Helping me Build My Skills." - Mariposa's Story

11/18/2015

It was 12 years ago that Mariposa came to the United States. A few years later she was married and moved to the Harmony Place community in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria. She is one of the founding members of Harmony Friends, the community group supported by UCM’s Opportunity Neighborhood Mount Vernon. With encouragement from the UCM Community Developer, Mariposa has continually sought ways to improve and has taken a variety of educational courses including leadership training, Live Healthy Fairfax, Mental Health, First Aid and ACT, a parenting skill workshop.

During one of the Harmony Friends meetings, the topic of school involvement was brought up. This encouraged Mariposa to become more involved in her daughter’s education by actively participating in school functions, Parent Teacher Association meetings, and cultivating relationships with her daughter’s teachers. “I am very grate to United Community Ministries for designating staff to encourage, prepare, and to teach the skills I need at my daughter’s school and my community,” she said.

Since last September, Mariposa has continued to earn the titled of Mother of the Month in Harmony Place by walking her daughter and youngest son to school to participate in volunteer work at least once a week and ensuring her daughter is always at school on time regardless of weather conditions. Her three year old son has been enrolled in the HIPPY program which helps prepare children for elementary school. Mariposa has also been getting the tools she needs to support her younger children when they start school.

A few months ago, Mariposa was selected by the leaders of Harmony Friends to received English tutoring at home with an Opportunity Neighborhood Mount Vernon volunteer tutor. Another volunteer tutor has been assisting her daughter with reading, math and comprehension skills. “I would like to thank all the organizations that are in partnership with UCM, for all the great support for our community families. I am very sure that without you all, my family would not have come this far,” stated Mariposa.

One Girl; One Book; No Problem: Tanya's Story

11/16/2015

What happens when a young girl slips through the cracks at school? Unable to read or write near her grade level, Tanya* was struggling to follow in the steps of her classmates and friends. All the odds were against her; unstable environmental influences, poor behavioral patterns and little to no confidence in herself. Tanya was on the path of destruction, both academically and personally. Attending the United Community Ministries Creekside Community Center afterschool was when her academic troubles were noticed by others. Two older girls at Creekside took on the role of mentor to Tanya. With just a little support, encouragement and acknowledgement, Tanya began to show everyone her resilience to failure. Persevering through her internal and external struggles, Tanya continued her persistence of academic achievement by accepting help from others to improve her reading and writing skills. The positive changes in Tanya’s academic standing were dramatic and immediate; however her exuding self confidence and healthy behavior are the long term changes members of Creekside Community Center see everyday.

Healing after domestic abuse: Laura's Story

10/8/2015

"Violence and abuse was a constant part of my marriage, and I was in denial of the abuse," Laura * told her UCM case manager. A mother of three young childen, she came to UCM after fleeing from an abusive husband of more than 15 years. He was an active military serviceman, and they lived on the base. Laura did not want to discuss the abuse with any one. She was a stay-at-home mom taking care of her children and did not have much contact with people outside of her immediate family.

After she registered in a community college for an associate nursing degree, her school counselor noticed that Laura was sleeping in her car sometimes. She inquired from Laura to know what was going on. Laura shared with her some of the abuse she had been experiencing and why she had left her husband with her children. The school counselor referred Laura and her family to the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, where the Family Liaison connected her with our transitional housing program.

With safe housing and the enabling environment of supportive service provided by UCM, Laura and her family were able to begin to heal and piece their lives back together. Luckily for her, the children did not have to change their schools when they moved to the UCM-provided apartment. She continued in her nursing degree program at a community college. She started babysitting to supplement the temporary child and spousal support income she received from her husband, pending the final outcome of her divorce. Laura's UCM case manager provided as much support as Laura and her children needed.

In May 2015, Laura completed and obtained her associate degree in nursing and passed her board examination. With her final divorce decree and increased child and spousal support, in August 2015 Laura and her family moved out of the supportive housing program into a 3-bedroom market rate housing, after about 7 months in the program. Laura has since started a new job as a nurse at one of the major area hospitals. Her plan is to return to school to study for her Bachelors degree in Nursing, so she can better provide for her children.

Girls Club at Community Center Creates Leaders

4/20/2015

Failing all of her classes, having emotional and physical outbursts were just some of the problem areas teenage Julia displayed when first attending UCM’s Creekside Village Community Center.

Seeing an opportunity to encourage growth and development, center staff persuaded Julia to join the Pink and Black Girls Club which promotes life and character building skills for girls. Julia started to attend the groups’ weekly meetings in the middle of the school year. The groups’ meetings were focused on anger management, self-control and building self-esteem. Through the course of the groups’ meetings, Julia gradually began to connect her behaviors with her thoughts and emotions; she was beginning to understand why she behaved in negative ways and how to change her behavior. In the group, Julia began to share with the other girls her problems and the root of her anger. With time, Julia showed improvement in her grades as well.

At the beginning of each school year, the Pink and Black Girls Club facilitators collect progress from each group member. At the time Julia’s progress report consisted of B’s and C’s, which was a remarkable improvement from her previous progress reports. Julia was also promoted by the other group members and club facilitators to President of the Pink and Black Girls Club because of her involvement in the group and her improvement outside of the group. As more time passed, Julia made the A-B honor roll and was able to maintain an A average in her science classes. Since graduated from the Pink and Black Girls Club, Julia founded and leads the Pink and Black Sorority Sisters which focuses on serving girls ages 13 to 16.

Aira's Story

4/17/2015

"I entered the Healthy Families Fairfax program after having my now oldest daughter when I was 16 years old. I was alone. I was confused, scared, anxious, and I didn’t know the first thing about being a parent. Coming from a dysfunctional family with multiple vices didn’t help either. When I had the opportunity to be a part of the program, I was a little reluctant and skeptical that my Family Support Worker could help teach me and mold me into being a good parent.

"But not only did she help teach me how to be a loving parent and about my child’s cognitive and social emotional development, she provided me with anticipatory guidance and support that I didn’t have. I didn’t know the first thing about setting a goal and here I was with my worker, not only setting goals but accomplishing them. She connected me to different resources in the community that I had no knowledge of and after a while she came to be one of the few people that I learned to trust. For the first time I had someone interested in the well-being of my family. And I cannot thank her enough for that.

"Often I think back to that 16-year-old girl who didn’t know the first thing about being a parent. About the teen me who had the dysfunctional family and limited support. I think about where she would have been -- where I would have been had I not had the Healthy Families program. More important, I think about where my child would have been. I didn’t have the knowledge and resources and support that I needed to be a great parent -- and Healthy Families gave me that."

Making Strides in School - Isaac's Story

4/15/2015

Isaac's mother came to UCM's Creekside Community Center to inquire about their tutoring program. She had received her son's report card and he had performed poorly in five subjects. Because of her hectic work and school schedule, she was struggling to find time to help Isaac with his homework. She was very excited for him to begin the program and made sure that he consistently attended his tutoring sessions. Isaac was placed in the first grade group, where his tutor began providing him with individualized support tailored to address his academic weaknesses.

Thanks to the help he has received at Creekside, Isaac is doing much better with his assignments and has improved in all of the subjects that he was struggling in. He continues to work hard towards further improvement.

The tutoring program at Creekside Community Center is a collaboration between UCM and the Fairfax County Homelessness Liaison's Office. Fairfax County Public School teachers volunteer their time to tutor school-aged children who are struggling in school.

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