In this day and age of the iPod, the iPad, the iPhone and many more ‘i' mentalities to match there are many members in our communities who have the ‘we' mentality; a mentality that encompasses serving and reaching out to others. Though our news programs may not cover it as much, there are grass roots organizations reaching out and making a difference all around us. One such organization is Union Communion Ministries of St. Louis, Mo.

Union Communion Ministries was started by several community churches in the Delmar-Union area. The organization is currently supported financially by Union Avenue Christian Church, Pilgrim Congregational Church (DOC) and Westminster Presbyterian Church (USA). All three churches are heavily involved in the work that Union Communion Ministries does in the community. Its mission is to partner with neighbors and congregation members to seek to improve the quality of life in the community surrounding the corner of Union and Delmar. The organization works to confront poverty, hunger and educational disparity which are often rooted in racism and classism through holistic approaches including direct services, systemic change and community building.

2012 will mark the organizations 45th anniversary. Originally the organization was called Joint Community Program Inc. which later became Joint Community Ministries and this served as its name until five years ago when the organization made a shift in its services. Under Joint Community Ministries more direct services were the focus. The organization was heavily involved in providing utility assistance and over the years offered programs such as cub scouting, a daycare facility, summer camps as well as senior programs. The organization has shifted its focus over the years to the needs of the community. As resources have become available to fill certain areas of need, the organization looked for and continues to seek to fill community niches that are not being met.

Part of the community building efforts of the organization includes an annual concert series called the Ivory Park Concert Series. This year the event will kick off on Sunday June 27th at 6 p.m. in Ivory Perry Park located at 800 N. Belt. The concert is not a gospel event but is geared towards the community and family.

"The whole premise behind the concerts is community building; providing an opportunity for neighbors to come together and for those from outside the community to fellowship with one another. The concerts are a very unique experience," says Archilla Buford (pictured above) Executive Director of Union Communion Ministries.

The Union Avenue Association Breakfast is yet another outreach program conducted by Union Communion Ministries. Through this event, every other month the organization rotates throughout the Union-Delmar area and organizes a breakfast with local business owners and service providers in the area. The meeting is spent sharing information and exploring ways to collaborate on projects in the community.
"We bring people face to face. Many times it is so common for people to be working in the same neighborhood and not ever have an idea that somebody else is doing the same thing or that somebody else has a piece that could connect successfully", says Buford.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~Ephesians 2:10

Presently Union Communion Ministries is gearing up for a summer leadership camp which is a two fold project in that it will be a free summer camp for children ages 6-13. The camp will operate out of both the Westend Community Center as well as the Westminster Presbyterian Church. The camp averages 30 children and takes place over a five week time span. Each day students will receive breakfast and lunch. In partnership with the University of Missouri Extension's Urban 4-H club, teens ages 16-19 will participate in leadership training and will in turn be employed as camp leaders under the directions of adult staff.

On August 13th, the organization will be hosting a back to school health fair at Union Avenue Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Book bags and school supplies will be handed out to participants from the community. Last year the event drew over 700 participants. In addition to the school supplies, physicians will be available to offer physicals for children. During the holiday season, the organization will distribute Christmas baskets. Families last year received food baskets as well as personal care packages which included items such as tooth brushes and paste, shampoo, soap and lotions. In 2009 Union Community Ministries partnered with the Alderman of the 26th Ward as well as Life Center International Church to put on a Christmas Party for the entire 26th ward. In cooperation with Life Center International Church who annually distribute Toys for Tots; Union Community Ministries again reached out and filled a community gap by supplying gifts for teens an age group that is often overlooked.

Union Communion Ministries is currently developing an advisory committee wherein they are seeking a diverse group of individuals and families who are interested in helping to determine and develop the organization's programming for 2011. The organization wants to know from people in the community where they feel the doors are still closed and from there they hope to plan the best way to help.

"There is an attitude of love behind all that we do. We care about the neighborhood. We care about the people in the neighborhood and we strive to do our best to improve the quality of life of those within our reach, says Buford.