Local Outreach

At University Circle United Methodist Church, we are constantly finding ways to become involved in the life and growth of Greater Cleveland – to use our skills, talents and resources to help improve the lives of those who make this changing city their home.

These are just some of the avenues open to you to use your abilities and caring spirit to help others:

Rebuilding Together Cleveland – The mission of Rebuilding Together Cleveland is to preserve and revitalize houses and communities, assuring that low-income homeowners, particularly those that are elderly and disabled and families with children live in warmth, safety and independence.  Annually, UCUMC offers crews to remodel and repair a specific home in the community at no charge. Contact: Bob Taylor 

UPCaM (United Protestant Campus Ministries) – As one of the local sponsors of this on-campus ministry, UCUMC supports this group in its mission to develop Christian faith, leadership, and community that inspire spiritual inclusion, learning, and service on our Cleveland college campuses. Contacts: Susan Achberger; Marilyn Sutton

Interact Cleveland (InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland) promotes mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices as well as discovery of the values and beliefs shared by many faith traditions. One of the ways our church helps this group is by participating in their "Homeless Stand-Down" (HSD), collecting and providing basic household and personal care items. HSD, a 3-day event, provides more than 2,000 people facing homelessness and poverty with access to: 55 social service providers, 15 health screenings, haircuts, massages, winter and non-winter clothing, breakfast, lunch, an RTA bus pass, live entertainment, professional portraits and personal care kits. Contact: Doug Blank 

Neighborhood Lunch – The last Sunday of each month, lunches are prepared and served in our Great Hall to anyone in the community needing a substantial meal. Help is always needed with food donations, preparation, service and cleanup. Contact: Jennifer Bier 

Willow Elementary School Tutoring and Assistance Program – As part of its First Church heritage, University Circle UMC continues a long-time relationship with Willow School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Members volunteer to tutor students in several subjects, while our church contributes enough new books at Christmastime to provide each student in the school with a new book. We also contribute uniforms, warm outerwear and other needed clothing items. Contact: Dan Maly.

Shelter Ministry – Once each month volunteers from UCUMC provide an evening of physical and spiritual nourishment to the homeless women and children of the City and County's emergency overnight shelter, engaging them in the singing and hearing of favorite hymns and gospel songs. Contact: Ms. Pat Nelson