Client Successes

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 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."

"Thanks to UCM, My Family Stayed Safe." - Jane's Story

3/30/2016

When she came to UCM, Jane, a divorced mother of four children living with her, had been employed for 10+ years as an airline ticketing agent. She had received a court notice regarding overdue rent and an eviction date prior to the Christmas holiday. Jane had been working overtime hours trying to keep up with the bills. She also had car repairs, children’s school expenses, and other necessary household expenses to pay.

Trying to make do with only her income, she became negligent in paying her rent on time -- which led to accruing late fees, administrative fees, and court fees. Over the eight months prior to coming to UCM, she had received an $8,000 garnishment of her wages, based on a percentage of her earnings.

Jane was referred to UCM for rental assistance, after Fairfax County's Coordinated Service Planning (CSP) office denied her rental request due to her income and household expenses. They advised her to consider residing in a shelter.

When Jane’s oldest teen daughter arrived home to see the eviction notice on the front door, she immediately sought out and retained employment for the first time. Jane’s teen son also has been seeking work. This allowed Jane to continue trying to secure enough money to pay the rent.

By the time Jane arrived at UCM for rental assistance, her teen daughter had found a job, with an employement offer letter in hand (but had not received her first pay check). With the help of her UCM counselor, Jane devised a monthly budget. Her counselor was able to negotiate with other local supporting agencies to help this family stay in their home for the holidays and through the remainder of the lease. UCM was able to also provide food that meant their limited budget could go toward other household expenses and paying off the debts.

Thanks to generous commuity support, her UCM counselor was able to assist Jane's family with more than $700, leveraging an additional $40 from other local partner agencies. The good news is that the family was able to stay in their home and avoid eviction.

As part of the budgeting process, Jane was forced to withdraw money from her son's college fund. Now that the family is getting back on their feet financially, she is working had t be able to build up that fund before he graduates from high school.

Kathy's Story

3/29/2016

Kathy came to UCM in 2016, without a safe place to live and living out of her car. She had spent some time in a shelter and now was in transition to another shelter. While in the first shelter, Kathy developed a respiratory infection due to the mold in the shelter. She expressed concerns that this would further compromise her health.

Before the car accident that had left her confined to a wheelchair, Kathy had had a good employment history as a successful kitchen chef, in charge of three restaurants. After the accident she was in the hospital for a long time, and lost her job and career. Due to the loss of income, she was unable to pay her mortgage. During this stressful period, her son died, and she became deeply depressed. Her daughter was in college, which Kathy wanted her to continue.

When Fairfax County referred Kathy to UCM, she was looking for a new place to live because the bank had foreclosed on her home. Her only source of income was a disability check each month. With much help from the UCM staff and other agencies, she was able to apply to housing programs. She also qualified for food assistance from UCM, which helped to stretch her limited income to provide for her family.

Kathy's family situation was improving, but a few months later, her UCM counselor heard from a Fairfax County CSP counselor that Kathy was in need of rental assistance again. Mold had appeared in the home in which she had been placed, and she would need to move again. UCM was able to assist Kathy with some funds to help her move and retain her housing voucher. Her situation unfolded very quickly, and she was lucky to find a new place to live.

"It was amazing to see Kathy’s gratitude to life and her acceptance and openness to whatever the future held for her," says her UCM counselor. "Her upbeat attitude, in spite of all the unfortunate circumstances she faced, was amazing to see. She had great kindness and compassion for others, even though her own circumstances were so dire. It is not very often that we see that today. Seeing clients with such an upbeat outlook during times like this are what makes our work at UCM so meaningful."

A Fairy tale Gone Wrong: Lillian's Story

1/11/2016

"I got back on my feet and found my dream job, thanks to UCM. My future and my daughter's future are looking bright."

Lillian was a client with her young daughter in our transitional housing program for domestic violence survivors. Working closing with her UCM case manager, Lillian has made significant progress on the path to emotional healing and financial stability. Thanks to UCM and your support, she has secured a new full-time position as a catering manager at a large hotel chain on Capitol Hill.

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.

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But after five years of marriage, Lillian’s fairy tale had 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 one 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. But 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 place for herself and her daughter at a Fairfax County shelter for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

Finding Help at UCM
At that point, she was eligible for and accepted into UCM's transitional housing program. But her husband 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 transitional housing program, Lillian 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.

"I Got My Dream Job, Thanks to UCM."
This past year, 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 has begun the process to transition out of the UCM program into her own apartment with her daughter.

"I started looking for a job on my own with no luck and only one interview from all my applications," she explains. With the help of her case manager, Lillian was able to get her Visa to work here, but her job search was a bit complicated. "My main challenge was to adapt all my job experience according to the USA standards and make it look very professional in my resume," she tells us. "And I learned my interviewing skills, including the right words and body language, were not very polished either.

"I received all the tips, guidance, and support I needed. His commitment and professionalism as well as his expertise 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 2 interviews!"

Now that she is on her way to financial stability and with her divorce finalized, Lillian is looking forward with a postive outlook. Her new employer promotes from within, and she is optimistic about a good career path there. "My future and my daughter's future are looking bright," she tells us. "Thank you to everyone at UCM who made this possible."

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