Our Impact
Monroe County United Ministries
We end generational poverty for the people we serve through self-sufficiency coaching, basic and financial assistance, and affordable high-quality early learning.
Megan's* journey through the Monroe County United Ministries Your Path Program is nothing short of inspiring. A single mother facing the daunting challenges of domestic violence, divorce, and single-handedly providing for her daughter, Megan's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community support. When Megan first stepped through the doors of the MCUM, she was in crisis mode, overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. She had visited the food pantry once, struggling to make ends meet and unsure of how to provide for herself and her daughter.
But with the guidance of her dedicated mobility mentor and the unwavering support of the program, Megan began to shine. Over the course of 10 meetings, she transformed from a woman weighed down by her circumstances to a shining star, empowered and equipped with the tools she needed to thrive. The program instilled in Megan a newfound sense of confidence, enabling her to tackle tasks with self-assurance and determination. Together, they established a savings account for her daughter's future, ensuring that Megan could provide a stable and secure foundation for her family. Through budgeting and financial literacy sessions, Megan gained invaluable knowledge about managing her finances for her business. Armed with this newfound understanding, she took control of her expenses, knowing exactly where her money was going and how to make it work for her.
As a result, Megan experienced a remarkable increase in income, allowing her to not only meet her basic needs but also to invest in her future. She plans on expanding her business, hiring employees and laying the groundwork for further growth and success. With an eye towards the future, Megan now dreams of homeownership, diligently saving in her Individual Development Account (IDA) to turn that dream into a reality. Through her perseverance and the support of the Your Path Program, Megan has not only overcome adversity but has emerged stronger, more empowered, and ready to embrace a brighter future for herself and her daughter.
*Name changed for anonymity
As a participant in the Monroe County United Ministries Your Path Program and a parent at Compass Early Learning Center, Ramona* is on a journey towards economic empowerment.
While juggling her job and training to excel in her work, Ramona is also actively working towards securing stable housing for her family. With the support of Section 8 assistance and her involvement with Habitat for Humanity, Ramona is determined to own her own home within the next three years.
Through the Your Path Program, Ramona is diligently saving in her Individual Development Account (IDA), laying the foundation for her family's future. Ramona's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support in achieving one's goals.
*Name changed for anonymity
In 2003, Quinn* was enrolled in our Compass Early Learning Center, allowing Quinn’s grandmother to work to support their family. 15 years later, Quinn's family was tragically evicted from their home. Facing financial hardship and post-traumatic stress, they left school as soon as they were 18 to enter the workforce. Quinn eventually returned to MCUM as a Your Path participant with the goal of earning their high school diploma. Their hard work, planning, and regular meetings with a Self-Sufficiency Coach paid off when they passed the High School Equivalency test. Equipped with their new education credentials and goal-setting toolkit, Quinn is excited to start a new life in Chicago with their partner.
*Name changed for anonymity
In the heart of our community, amidst the trials of poverty, lies the inspiring story of Don* and Meredith*—a couple whose resilience and determination shine. Their journey, though marked by hardship, is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and support, paving a path towards prosperity.
Living in an unsafe trailer park, Don and Meredith found themselves caught in a cycle of adversity. Don’s recent health challenges—a toe amputation and a heart attack—only compounded their struggles, leaving them grappling with financial burdens and uncertainty about their future. Amidst these challenges, the looming stack of an unpaid Duke Energy bill threatened to darken their path further, hindering their efforts to secure a safer home.
Recognizing the urgency of Don & Meredith’s situation, MCUM stepped in to offer a lifeline—the payment of their Duke Energy bill. This simple act of support alleviated a significant source of stress for the couple, allowing them to breathe easier and focus on their long-term goal of secured stable housing.
With their energy bill paid, Don & Meredith embarked on the journey to find a new home—a sanctuary where they could rebuild their lives free from the shadows of insecurity and danger. Empowered by the support they received, they approached this challenge with unwavering determination and hope.
As they continue their journey, we stand alongside them, committed to providing support and guidance every step of the way. Don and Meredith’s story is a testament to the profound impact of collective action and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity, paving a path towards prosperity for generations to come.
*Names changed for anonymity
When the pandemic struck in 2020, Monroe County United Ministries had to shut our doors in response to the public health crisis. In order to continue providing our basic needs services, the Self-Sufficiency Center offered food bag deliveries so disadvantaged community members would not go without assistance. After the most intense period of quarantine ended, we realized that our deliveries also served those who are homebound due to age or medical condition, as well as those without reliable transportation. To ensure no one was left behind, we continued offering delivery to make our services accessible to anyone in need.
Our newest Self-Sufficiency Coach, Alysha Bell, is responsible for coordinating our delivery services. When asked about the interaction that stood out to her the most, this is what she said: “I received a call from an elderly woman who struggled to navigate our online order form. She had just had surgery and was not very mobile, much less able to get groceries. She also had a wide range of food sensitivities that significantly impacted her health. Despite these barriers, I was sure we could help. I worked with her to identify foods in our pantry that she could eat, and made sure we sent her food and supplies every month to cover her needs as she recovered from her surgery. She was so appreciative of the deliveries, and she told me she is glad there were people out there who truly cared about her quality of life.”