
Members of First A.M.E. Church of Alexandria have played a valuable role in changing the lives of families and children at UCM’s community centers since 2014. “It has been the greatest opportunity to partner with Pastor Abraham Smith, Deacon Rev. Wenners Ballard, and the First A.M.E. Church congregation,” says Deborah Finley, supervisor at UCM’s Creekside Village Community Center. “The holistic services approach they provide has given our families and youth a real since of hope and change. We are all so grateful for their ongoing assistance, especially with our Young Men’s Club.”

Activities and events hosted and staffed by First A.M.E. Church include:
The church's Men’s Group is starting a My Brother’s Keeper program in Mount Vernon this fall, with many of our community center youth participating. My Brother’s Keeper is the national alliance that creates pathways to success for boys and young men of color, with a special focus on opening doors to opportunities in the workforce. “Our Creekside young men are especially excited about participating in the new My Brother’s Keeper initiative,” adds Deborah. “This national program has been endorsed by President Obama for its success in helping young men of color stay on track for school and life success.”
(November 2016)
- Creekside Village community festivals: Rev. Ballard was the host for the costume and dance contests at the 2016 Creekside Village Fall Festival on Oct. 28. Participants included 44 children and teens, with 15 parents.
- Field trips and outings: First A.M.E. provided tickets and volunteers for our youth to attend Mystics basketball games, monthly My Brother’s Keeper meetings, and a youth convention. Members chaperoned several summer field trips sponsored by the Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club.
- Thanksgiving turkeys: The church’s Men’s Group will provide families at the UCM Sacramento Neighborhood Center and Creekside Village Community Center with a free turkey.
The church's Men’s Group is starting a My Brother’s Keeper program in Mount Vernon this fall, with many of our community center youth participating. My Brother’s Keeper is the national alliance that creates pathways to success for boys and young men of color, with a special focus on opening doors to opportunities in the workforce. “Our Creekside young men are especially excited about participating in the new My Brother’s Keeper initiative,” adds Deborah. “This national program has been endorsed by President Obama for its success in helping young men of color stay on track for school and life success.”
(November 2016)