UCOM
By Shawn Keener, UCOM program director. Reprinted with permission. Earlier this year, United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) in Wyoming, Mich, invited 20 neighbors from diverse cultural backgrounds to gather quarterly and share their thoughts and hopes for the future. “Getting to know our neighbors” and “building a stronger support system” were just some of the…
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By BettyBeth Johns, workforce development director, United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM), Wyoming, Mich. Reprinted with permission from the UCOM Communicator, Spring 2022. Elizabeth Nyiransaba glides through her day, chatting with everyone who crosses her path: smiling and singing and asking questions about everything from why some people are always “tigers” (crabby) to what sort of…
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By Bruce Roller, executive director of United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) in Wyoming, Mich. Reprinted with permission. Yes, I am a racist. This is evidenced by the fact that I can’t even let that statement stand alone. I need to give a little definition so that you don’t think of me as being a “bad“…
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The CHHSM Board of Directors, meeting online June 7-9, focused a large portion of its meeting reviewing the commitments made by the Board, staff, and members in the June 2020 statement on the pandemic of systemic racism. At the top of the list was the final report of the organization’s recently completed Race, Diversity, Equity,…
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For frontline nonprofits like United Church Outreach Ministry in Wyoming, Mich., colder weather and the holiday season always means finding new ways to meet the basic, ongoing needs of clients. But with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic throwing a spanner in the works, adaptability has been key. “UCOM is nothing if not flexible,” says the Rev.…
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The staff of United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) in Wyoming, Mich., recently received a special honor. Heart of West Michigan United Way surprised the UCC-related organization with a United Way Partner of the Year Award. While UCOM receives funding from United Way — it had already received $60,000 for each of three years, 2020-2023 —…
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by BettyBeth Johns, community development manager, United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) in Wyoming, Mich. Alexandra’s UCOM journey began with a small letter-sized poster hanging in the food pantry: If you want to learn to take charge of your financial future, sign up for FREE financial literacy classes here at UCOM. Something sparked in her. She…
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Old and young, new neighbors or long-time residents — every Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., they don walking shoes and meet at United Church Outreach Ministry’s (UCOM) offices in Wyoming, Mich., for a jaunt around the neighborhood. The walking club was the brainchild of UCOM staff. When a weekly “Sit and Be Fit” class led…
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As far back as anyone can remember, UCC-related Pilgrim Manor — a United Church Homes older adult community in Grand Rapids, Mich. — has run a special giving tree project each December. But choosing nearby United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) as the beneficiary has given the project special meaning to both partners. “The partnership with…
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In keeping with the United Church of Christ’s 3 Great Loves initiative, CHHSM’s child, youth and family service ministries often are on the front lines in providing support and care to migrant and immigrant persons. While challenges such as language and cultural barriers are unique, CHHSM members are finding that many of the needs immigrant…
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Students Offer Solutions for Workday Relief at Cedar Community - CHHSM
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By Carrie Sturn, marketing director, Cedar Community. Used by permission. The Assignment West Bend East and West High School (Wisconsin) seniors Gianna Hemauer, Owen Kolkema, Alex Lance, Monique Schna...