PHOTOS: United Community Ministries Holds Open House

Area residents learned about volunteer opportunities at United Community Ministries and what services the nonprofit offers locally Wednesday during an open house.

Members of the public also met with the organization’s new executive director, Shirley Marshall. Marshall said she envisions UCM as the the “premiere resource center of South County for people in need.”

“We don’t always do direct service,” Marshall said. “Some of our work is direct service, but we also do referrals. So, if people have a need, we either can help them meet it or we can help get them connected to whom they need to see to get their need met.”

UCM operates a food bank that serves 100 to 150 families daily. It also offers other forms of emergency assistance, employment services, a thrift store, housing programs and early childhood programs. UCM also operates two community centers, in the Sacramento and Creekside neighborhoods.

Fore more information on UCM, visit the agency’s website at www.ucmagency.org.