UCM E-news Nov. 2017

A community of Support at Progreso Center

11/9/2017

Thanks to our dedicated volunteer teachers, hundreds of non-English speakers receive comprehensive, affordable and accessible ESL and citizenship instruction every year at the Progreso Center for Literacy & Citizenship.

"With UCM’s help, people with limited skills and literacy can acquire skills necessary to function and thrive in today’s labor market,” says Cristina Schoendorf, Progreso Center Director.

UCM is fortunate to have so many creative and dedicated volunteers who truly care about helping adult learners improve their literacy skills -- inspiring teachers like Maria Vorel, pictured with her student, Freddy, who recently passed the US citizenship exam.

“Thanks to my Progreso teachers, I passed my exam and am proud to finally be a US citizen,” says Freddy, who immigrated from Honduras to Virginia 20 years ago and works in construction. He visited the center recently and shared his experience to encourage current students. Congratulations, Freddy!

(UCM E-news, Nov. 2017)

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"Where Will We Sleep Tonight?"

11/8/2017

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It may seem surprising, but hundreds of families in our community are at risk of losing the place they live, of actually becoming homeless. Some people are out of work or have had their hours cut. Others are facing medical bills or other unexpected expenses. Our neighbors urgently need your help. Every year, UCM provides rental or utility assistance to nearly 600 families who are at risk of homelessness.

No family should have to experience the fear of losing their home without a place to turn for help. For many, that place is UCM.

Join us in helping our neighbors in need who urgently need your help. Families like the Jonas famiily, who had unexpected car repair expenses and needed a mere $300 to make their rent payment for July. Because of UCM's help -- your help -- that meant they could avoid eviction and keep a roof over the heads of their two school-aged children. The Jonas' made their rent payment and were able to get back on track for the next month, reducing stress and maintaining stability for their family.

We are not always able to help everyone in need. Please support families like the Jonas' with a donation to our annual Heart to Heart Campaign.

Your support can be a one-time donation or recur monthly:

Your gift of $100 (or $8.33/ month) will feed a child a healthy breakfast and lunch at the UCM Early Learning Center for 1 month.
Your gift of $300 (or $25/ month) will help keep the electric, gas, and water on for a low-income family for 1 month.
Your gift of $1,000 (or $83/ month) will pay rent for 1 month for a family in crisis.

For a family on the brink of crisis, you can keep them safe in their home this winter.
Donate now to help ensure that our neighbors sleep soundly tonight.

Thank you for your support!

(UCM E-news, Nov. 2017)

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Community Partner Spotlight: Lamda Kappa Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha

11/6/2017

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In recognition of National Childhood Hunger and Awareness Day in October, the Lambda Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., hosted an event to package and donate healthy snack packs to feed local children. They provided several hundred packages filled with healthy snacks, which will provide brain power for youth who participate in after-school programs at UCM's Creekside Village Community Center and Sacramento Neighborhood Center.

As part of the sorority's Community Impact Day on Oct. 13, more than 60 sorority volunteers and family members gathered to learn about the impact of local childhood hunger from area nonprofits, including UCM. They spent several hours to sort and package snack items that were purchased with grant funding from the national sorority's Educational and Charitable Foundation.

"In Fairfax County, 27% of children attending public schools qualify for free or reduced lunch," explains Danica Hawkins, UCM Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator. "Here in Southeastern Fairfax County, the statistics for schools in UCM's service area indicate a 2 to 3 times higher incidence of children living in poverty." Danica is pictured at left with Lambda chapter representative Felicia.

She continues, "We are grateful to the Lambda Kappa Omega chapter for choosing UCM for their Community Impact Day project. We appreciate their concern for proper nutrition and their help to ensure children get the healthy food they need for critical development and to concentrate for learning."

If your group or business would like to host a collection drive or other event to benefit UCM's families and children, email Danica at volunteer@ucmagency.org.

We welcome company, organization, church, or local club groups who are interested to volunteer together, such as managing Food Pantry operations for a morning or afternoon. Learn how you can help>>

(UCM E-news, Nov. 2017)

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A community of Support at Progreso Center

"Where Will We Sleep Tonight?"

Community Partner Spotlight: Lamda Kappa Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha

UCM E-newsNov. 2017

UCM E-news
Nov. 2017