United Community Ministries (UCM of Alexandria)

"I Feel Strong and Excited about my Future." - Lorraine's Story

5/1/2018

When Lorraine came to UCM several years ago for help, she was homeless and could not envision any help or hope for the future.

She graciously shared her personal journey to financial stability and good health with guests at the 2018 Give From the Heart Gala. Lorraine lit up the room with her inspiring story: "Without UCM, I would not be the happy, healthy person you see tonight. Thanks to the fresh food at UCM's food pantry, I am able to eat healthy even on my limited budget."

The success of Lorraine and others like her starts with the support of a caring community. UCM is here because we care about families and children. Our goal is to break the generational cycle of poverty. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, together we can empower and transform the lives of people like Lorraine and ensure a stronger community for us all.

Lorraine tells her story in her own words:

"It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I speak to you tonight. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. UCM is heaven sent. Many many years ago, I had a good career as a special ed teacher. Then my life fell apart as I was diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

"I was truly homeless when I first came to UCM. I was deeply depressed and could not envision any help or hope for the future.

"But when I came to UCM, it was like a burden was lifted – my fears and worries began to evaporate, and my situation began to improve. Along the way, I was blessed to qualify for supportive housing that meant I had a safe home. But with my limited Social Security income, I truly can’t afford to pay for food, household necessities, dental needs like my abscessed tooth, and other assistance. I took computer classes at UCM’s Work Center and now use the computers at the Sacramento Center, since I don’t have a computer at home.

"The counselors at UCM are amazing: very welcoming and respectful. They show great compassion and dedication. Without UCM – without your support – I would be hungry. Without UCM, I would not be the healthy and happy person you see standing here tonight.

"About 18 months ago, I was faced with another health crisis and my doctor put me on a strict, healthy diet. On my budget, I couldn’t do it.

"Tonight what I am most excited to share with you is this: Thanks to the healthy, fresh food at UCM, I am able to eat healthy even on my limited budget. I am now off high blood pressure medicine and no longer diabetic. My cholesterol and all my lab work is excellent. My doctor is so amazed and pleased – and so am I!

"I am living proof that when you have healthy food, you have energy. Food is energy. Healthy food is even better. I never thought I could be feeling as good as I do now. And wow, healthy food even tastes great! There are so many fresh produce items I had never tried before – and I like them, like fresh beets and Swiss chard.

"The UCM team has inspired me to take good care of myself. I feel strong and excited about my future.

"How can you thank someone who has touched every part of your life? That’s how I feel about UCM and about your generous support that makes UCM’s work possible. This is a quote I like that sums up my feelings perfectly: 'No one is more cherished in the world than someone who lightens the burden of another.'

"Thank you for your support that helps me and other families. Your generous spirit and abundant kindnesses will always be remembered and with me in my heart. Thank you."

(April 14, 2018)

"We Are Forever Grateful" - Deanna's Story

4/14/2018

Positive Parenting Advice Thanks to Healthy Families Fairfax
Deanna, age 23, and her military husband had just moved to the area when she was newly pregnant with their first child. She shares this thank you to UCM's Healthy Families team:

"Being a part of a military family causes you to move continuously, but for this move we were nervous and didn’t know what to expect in many aspects of parenting. My mother referred me to Healthy Families. I felt very welcomed. From the very first visit to our apartment, my UCM family support specialist Ms. Karen and Nurse Ms. Alicia felt like family to me. They have informed me on so many things for my beautiful baby girl, including information on safe sleep and how it’s important to always make sure she’s laying on her back. Ms. Karen also gave me information on different groups, parks, and recreation places where my family could go to to feel more 'at-home' in the Northern Virginia area. She gave me so many books to read to read to my daughter, both before and after she was born.

"Nurse Alicia informed me about the medical side of my pregnancy. She explained to me what was happening in my body, why I needed to eat healthy, and about breastfeeding and labor. She was so helpful and informative that I wasn’t even nervous when it was time for me to deliver because I knew what to expect! The Healthy Families program has been nothing short of amazing. From the weekly visit, small parties for the kids, to simple texts to check in on us, we’ve appreciated and enjoyed every aspect of this program. It's made an impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful for you. Thank you so much Healthy Families team!"

Every year, our team of Family Support Specialists in UCM's Healthy Families Fairfax program provide advice and teach positive parenting to 150+ parents-to-be and new parents like Deanna during ongoing home visits. Our program is affiliated with Healthy Families America, a nationally accredited program to prevent child abuse and neglect. At-risk families in our area are referred to UCM, typically by the Health Department, regardless of living situation or income level.

Our caring team members educate parents about positive child-parent interactions and healthy child-rearing practices, screen children for developmental delays, assess the home environment for potential risks, help families develop goals, and refer parents to available community resources and services. "UCM's program results are well above expectations,” says UCM Program Manager Jeanne Mitchler-Fiks, LICSW. “The mothers in our program consistently keep their prenatal doctor appointments. This prevents premature births, known to result in an additional estimated $15,000 in medical costs. This is just one measure of positive economic impact in addition to the emotional support provided by our home visits to at-risk families.

Healthy Families improves public health and the quality of life for everyone in our community.

(Testimony at Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, April 2018)

"We are in a Good Place Now" - Monica's Story

5/19/2017

Thank You, UCM
Monica, a former UCM client, shared her personal journey to financial stability and success at the UCM 2017 Give From The Heart Gala. She lit up the room with her inspiring story.

The success of Monica and others like her starts with the support of a caring community. UCM is here because we care about families and children. Our goal is to break the generational cycle of poverty. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, together we can empower and transform the lives of people like Monica and build a stronger community for us all.

Monica told her story in her own words:

"Years ago, I had a family just like you. I was living a life that many others would love to have. My then-husband was an international executive working for the hospitality industry. We lived overseas in five-star luxury hotels and traveled around the world.

"But after 5 years, my marriage changed to an unacceptable situation. That’s when the emotional and physical abuse started. A few years ago, when we here on holiday visiting his family, another episode of physical abuse happened. I didn’t have any choice but to leave, due to a protective order issued by the police -- with no place to go and holding a tourist Visa.

"I was cut off from all financial assets. I was panicked and alone, with no family or friends in the US. I didn’t know anything about the domestic violence help system, or how to get resources to sustain myself and my three-year-old daughter. We did not have a place to live, and I had no work permit. I had to leave everything behind. I had no income. The joint account was emptied by him.

"I was advised by the police to go to a county Domestic Violence Shelter. From there,
UCM was the only organization who believed in me and gave me the opportunity and support I needed. Other agencies denied my applications because my situation was so complicated.

"UCM provided housing assistance, household items, food, furniture, gift cards to buy clothes for job interviews, and more. Everything was provided by UCM -- all basic needs, plus the emotional support and counseling so that both myself and my daughter could get back on our feet. Anything they didn't have, they helped me to find resources to get.

"The counselors at UCM are amazing and very professional. You don’t find caring human beings like them so easily. They encouraged me and counseled me. They were with me at my court hearings. They made me feel that they were my family.

"One of the most empowering people at UCM was my job coach. Once I received my work permit, I started looking for a job on my own with no luck. I applied to so many positions that I knew I could perform based on my professional experience – but nobody called me. fMy main challenge was to adapt my job experience according to the US standards, and to make it look more professional in my resume. At UCM, I received the tips, guidance, and support I needed.

"The expertise of my job coach gave me a lot of confidence. I learned new ways to find a job and to research the right contacts. In less than one week, I already had two interviews – and went back to work in the hospitality industry. And I quickly got a promotion!

"Today, I have a good job in my chosen career. I feel so blessed. We live in a charming apartment where I pay the full rent; no more subsidies or help. We are independent. I am paying our bills. I have full physical custody of my daughter and share legal custody. We are in a good place now!

"My daughter is just like every other happy five-year-old. She is safe and doing awesome. And yeah, she is learning so fast. She loves her teachers at the UCM Early Learning Center, Ms. Lolita and Ms. Alberta. She is ready to start Kindergarten this year. I wish she could stay there forever!

"Because of UCM, I was able to receive a subsidy from the county to help me afford her preschool at the wonderful UCM Center. I am proud to share with you that thanks to my new job -- that I have been paying the full tuition for her and that we no longer qualify for or need the subsidy. I have UCM -- and you -- to thank for that.

"It has been a long journey of hard work, but I am willing to do that hard work. I feel safe. I feel strong and excited about our future. I have hopes and dreams and have set goals that I know I can accomplish. I want to keep studying and growing in my career. I want my daughter to be strong and independent – as you wish for your kids.

"I am so very grateful for all that UCM and its supporters have done for me. I got my hope and my spirit back, so that we can be emotionally and financially stable. And so that my daughter can be safe, healthy, and happy.

"Without your support, I wouldn’t be standing here tonight to share my story and my gratitude. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your generous support that helped me and other families in the same – or worse -- situation to find hope for a brighter future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Martina's Story: Nurturing Healthy Families

4/2/2017

When she came to UCM, "Martina" was 16 years old, 36 weeks pregnant, and diagnosed with clinical depression. She was living with her mother and because she had experienced abuse as a child with her father, she had been referred by the Fairfax County Health Department to the UCM Healthy Families Fairfax program. Designed for families with children pre-birth to age 3, the program teaches positive parenting skills and promotes healthy child development to prevent abuse and neglect via home visits.

Martina's UCM Family Support Worker (FSW), Sophia, started making weekly visits to Martina at her home. Sophia recommended that Martina participate in a Perinatal Maternal Mental program. But Martina refused the services, saying “I’m not comfortable talking with people I don’t know.” Her personality was reserved and quiet spoken, so it was a challenge to have conversations at their weekly visits.

Sophia would start each meeting with Martina by asking: “How are you feeling today?” Over time, Martina began to develop a trust with Sophia and opened up to talk about her feelings and depression. She said she felt guilty about becoming pregnant at such a young age. She was afraid that when her father found out, he would blame her mother. Her parents are now divorced, but Martina had been raised by her father in El Salvador. When he become abusive, her mother had filed for custody and Martina eventually moved to Virginia with her.

During the last weeks of her pregnancy, Martina didn’t attend high school, with the excuse that she was too tired. She was overwhelmed and had low motivation. She was worried she would not love her baby or know how to care for him. Sophia was able to be help Martina process her feelings and fears, encouraging her to discuss her emotions with her mother. Martina discovered her mother was very supportive. Her confidence increased, and she delivered a healthy baby son Adam.

With the support of her FSW, Martina has been able to set goals for herself, including as a top priority to return to school. Child care was a challenge, but Sophia provided information about the county Office for Children and a list of quality providers. She helped Martina with the application for assistance. Martina was so excited when her application was approved, her baby had a safe place with caring providers -- and she could return to school.

Thanks to UCM, Martina has been able to make critical improvements to her family's well-being. She and Adam's father are now living together, so he can help raise their son. He is working a stable job and has plans to attend community college. So far, Martina has completed 11th grade, started a part time job, and secured medical and childcare for her baby.

"Without my UCM Family Support Worker and her advice, I don't know where I would be," she tells us. "I would not be as happy or as motivated. She teaches me how to play with and read to Adam and to enjoy him. I am so lucky we have Sophic in our lives."

Their Success Starts with You

12/1/2016

"Our futures would be very different without UCM."

The lives of twin sisters Avery and Ava have been transformed by UCM, thanks to generous community support like yours.They have experienced more than their fair share of unfortunate family circumstances.

We first met Avery and Ava when they attended the UCM Early Learning Center, where they received quality, affordable preschool education that prepared them for kindergarten. When they were in second grade, their mother lost her job, and their father was stricken with a debilitating illness that left him unable to work or provide for his family.

As children, Avery and Ava dreamed of one day becoming doctors to help their father. The twins also hoped for the day that their mother would get a wonderful new job and they would find a refrigerator full of groceries and gifts under their tree on Christmas. Avery and Ava’s family found critical support from UCM when they needed it most. UCM ensured that the family received emergency groceries, the father’s pain medication and school supplies and Christmas gifts for the twins.

Avery and Ava participated in the after-school program at the UCM Sacramento Neighborhood Center. While there, Staff noticed how sad but academically gifted the twins were. They encouraged them to focus on their dreams of one day becoming doctors who would change the lives of countless patients in critical need, like their father.

Avery and Ava received ongoing academic support and were introduced to activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The staff saw how much happier the twins had become after participating in these programs. Grateful for UCM’s support, they began volunteering at the UCM Early Learning Center.

During their senior year of high school, Avery and Ava were eager to take one step closer to their dream by applying to college. Getting accepted was one challenge; finding the money to pay for it was another. No one in their family had ever graduated from college and their parents could not afford tuition. Despite these obstacles, the twins were determined to excel and applied for the Battelle-UCM STEM Scholarship. They were overjoyed when they learned of their acceptance.

Thanks to Battelle and UCM, the twins are first-year biology students at Virginia Tech – on their way to becoming doctors. Avery and Ava credit UCM for their academic success, leadership, and commitment to service.

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"We're Happier Now, Thanks to UCM." - Jenna's Story

11/7/2016

"We're happier now. We have our own apartment, I like my new school, and my mom has a good job."

Every child deserves food to eat and a safe place to call home. Last year, Ian and his mother Jenna were hungry and homeless, after they fled from an abusive relationship with Ian's father. "I was worried when we had to leave, and my mom had to figure out how to pay the bills by herself," he told their UCM counselor.

Their UCM counselor helped them move into transitional housing and transfer Ian to a high school where he felt nurtured, safe, and supported. They received food to help catch up on their bills. Jenna soon secured a job as an office manager, allowing them to move into a safe, affordable apartment of their own. Several months later, Jenna returned to UCM in need of rental assistance, when her work hours were reduced due to a business downturn.

With her counselor's encouragement, Jenna soon enrolled in our financial counseling clinic to learn to balance their household budget. With her new confidence, she was able to obtain a new job with more security and better benefits, ensuring future success. Ian, now15 years old, is thriving, with good grades and playing sports at his new high school.

Ian and Jenna's story is 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, Jenna's family would be facing life in a homeless shelter. With UCM’s help, she and her son 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.

Thanks to you and your generous support, UCM can continue to assist families in crisis to build a better, brighter future for themselves. Last year, more than 250 families needed rental assistance. For most of them, it took less than $500 to get their lies back on track.

Help us write our next family success story. Make your donation to UCM by mail or donate online via credit card. Thank you for making a meaningful difference for neighbors in need!

(October 2016)

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 studied hard to become an honor student, and she is a leader of some of the children's programs at the Community Center. As a sophomore at West Potomac High School, she remained on the honor roll for the third year in a row. She joined the school's Pom Dance Team and played 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."

(April 2016)

"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."

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