Chris' Be The Safety Net & Help a Neighbor

One of the more vivid memories I have from volunteering at UCHM happened at Christmas a couple of years ago. A customer at the food pantry was hoping to get enough food for a Christmas dinner for her family. Her expectations were low, not expecting to have any meat for her family's holiday meal. She selected some of the  canned goods and produce we had available, but when we offered her frozen meat, she broke down in tears - tears of joy and of relief. It's something so many of us take for granted, but not everyone in our community has that luxury. I don't think I'll ever forget that moment or that customer, and I think it puts an exclamation mark behind why we do the work we do here. 

When I retired, I wanted to do something meaningful with my time. I found that and so much more when I began volunteering every week in UCHM's food pantry, United Market. As I learned my way around the organization, I began helping out with some basic building maintenance, which led to me joining the Building & Grounds Committee, and eventually joining the Board of Directors earlier this year. I've grown to love this place, this community, and all it does to help folks in need. It truly is my "happy place". 

Many of the patrons of our food pantry are regulars who come every week. Over time, I've gotten to know many of them, their stories, their struggles, and their circumstances. That's when it really hits home just how important the services UCHM provides truly are. Whether it's addressing food insecurity, emergency rent or utility assistance for those facing eviction or utility shut-off, activities and socialization for seniors, or summer camps and after school programs for kids, every service addresses a need in our community.

What makes UCHM's mission so meaningful I believe can be summed up in one word; Community. We're not just a part of the Crescent Hill community, the Crescent Hill community and its residents are a part of us. We don't just help them. They help us too, with time and volunteerism, donations, and the folks in this community look out for each other, too.  I believe "community" is a verb, and nowhere is that more true than the community in which UCHM is a part. I'm grateful to be a part of it.

United Crescent Hill Ministries is the safety net. Our four-day-a-week food pantry gives neighbors a place where they can find groceries. Our rent and utilities assistance means families can stay in their homes with the lights on and water running. Our program for seniors creates connections for people who, too often, can find themselves isolated and alone. Our children's programs give kids safe place to play and learn. 

United Crescent Hill Ministries does all of that and more. For more than 50 years, we have worked to be the safety net for our 40206 neighborhood and Louisville.  

Now we're asking you to be our safety net. The $30,000 we raise in this campaign, means we will be able to meet the needs of nearly everyone who comes through our doors. Last year, we had to turn away about 500 people when we ran out of funds.

By being our safety net, you're saving a neighbor.