United Community Ministries (UCM of Alexandria)

Meet Our New Volunteer Coordinator

9/22/2017

Welcome, Danica Hawkins
We are excited to introduce our new Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator, Danica Hawkins, who joined UCM in August. Danica grew up in the Mount Vernon community and graduated from West Potomac High School. She has returned to our area after three years in France as a teacher in the university system there.

"My passion for volunteering actually started right here at UCM," explains Danica, pictured at left with some of our front desk volunteers. "I volunteered to help The Friends of UCM, setting up for galas, stuffing envelopes for malings, and sorting toys for the Holiday Gift Room. Now in my employee role, I get to engage with and empower the very same community that made me who I am today."

"I want to transition my career towards nonprofit work," she continues. "While in Europe, I volunteered fighting for refugee rights, including working at a shelter for women, families, and unaccompanied minors, distributing hot meals to homeless refugees and helping displaced persons claim asylum."

"Everyone I have met at UCM has been very welcoming," says Danica. "I am enjoying working with volunteers to match up their interests and skills with the priority needs in our program areas."

Right now, we especially need volunteers to assist in the following program areas. These are perfect opportunities for retirees or other adults who can commit to at least a morning or afternoon shift each week:

Food Pantry Operations: We especially need volunteers from 9 am to 5 pm, most weekdays, to help sort food donations, stock shelves, and assist families to select their groceries.
UCM Early Learning Center: Volunteers are needed in all classrooms to interact with the infants and toddlers. "Being at the Center to play with or read to the children for some extra one-on-one attention is so gratifying," said volunteer Jennifer. "It's fun to see them learn and grow." This opportunity is perfect for retired teachers or any adult who likes children.

Danica continues: "Volunteering is an activity that is close to my heart. I believe we cannot truly be part of our community unless we face the good and the bad of it. At UCM we do not shy from the poverty and the need in our neighborhoods. Volunteering is an easy, fun way to be a force of good and to provide positive change."

"We have so many ways to get involved. From our anti-hunger initiatives to the UCM Early Learning Center with our youngest community members, we have ample opportunities for volunteers of all ages to use their talents to give back and change lives. Students ages 14 and older who need to ear community service hours are always welcome, too, including after school on weekdays."

Danica can be reached at danica.hawkins@ucmagency.org or direct phone 571.255.8993.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can make an impact >>

(UCM E-news, Sept. 2017)

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'Tis The Season: Support UCM Where You Work

9/12/2017

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Does your employer sponsor an annual workplace giving campaign -- such as a United Way campaign, or the Combined Federal Campaign for federal employees? Workplace giving to UCM is an effective and easy way to make a real difference for families in need.

Workplace giving is a means by which employees donate to the charities they care about, primarily through payroll pledges. Once a year, you decide which causes are important to you and contribute an amount of your choosing, often through paycheck deductions.

To Support UCM via Workplace Giving

Combined Federal Campaign: designate code 37839
United Way: designate code 8199
Or check with your employer's Human Resources Department for details on your office campaign.

We also welcome the opportunity to speak at your workplace charity fair or other event. Email us at info@ucmagency.org.

Make Your Gift Go Even Farther!
Many employers offer gift programs that match employee charitable contributions dollar for dollar or even operate "Dollars For Doers" programs, where your volunteer time can translate to a financial gift to UCM. Talk with your Human Resources Department about the charitable gift programs that your company offers.

Don't have a giving campaign at your office with payroll deduction? Setting up a recurring gift with your credit card is a convenient option to help neighbors in need.

However you choose to give, we appreciate your support.

(UCM E-news, Sept. 2017)

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Community Partner Spotlight: Saint Luke's Episcopal Church

9/10/2017

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The outreach activities of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church extend a helping hand to the community of Mount Vernon in a variety of ways, touching the lives of many, including UCM's clients.

The annual Mount Vernon "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" Community Food Drive is an example of how members of Saint Luke's empower our community. Led by teens from the church -- most recently Will Shute, 2017 graduate of West Potomac High -- the summer food drive engages the entire community to help our neighbors most in need, with scores of volunteers who serve as street coordinators. The total food collected by Saint Luke's over the last two years was 7,500+ pounds. Nearly $5,000 was raised to support UCM's anti-hunger initiatives, including the purchase of healthy, perishable items, such as fresh eggs.

We alsoappreciate the significant funds donated every year by the Saint Luke's Outreach Committee. This has included proceeds from the annual Fall Festival, community Spaghetti Dinner, and the spring British-Style Car Boot Rummage Sale. Every summer, the church generously donates new backpacks filled with school supplies to the UCM Early Learning Center for Pre-K students who are leaving for Kindergarten. "The stuffed backpacks are always a big hit with the students and families," says Torria Baker, Center Director. "It is such a thoughtful and welcome gesture of kindness."

"All of us at UCM -- and especially our client families -- are truly grateful for the dedication and support of everyone at Saint Luke's to help vulnerable neighbors in need," says Alison DeCourcey, UCM Executive Director. "Every year, their generosity puts food on the tables of more than 4,000 families in crisis, an average 500 families each week. That support means these families can share meals around their tables and have the nourishment they need as they build better lives for themselves. The supplemental groceries that UCM provides helps ensure that adults have the sustenance they need to stay focused and strive to succeed in the workforce, and that children have the nourishment they need to learn and thrive."

Thank you to Reverand Tuck Bowerfind, the Outreach Committee, and everyone at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church!

(UCM E-news, Sept. 2017)

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