Neydi Ramirez, the Communications and Special Events Coordinator for the Greater Easley Chamber of Commence, presents plaque to Melanie Johnson recently for the 35 years of the United Christian Ministries.
Jeff Holt | The Easley Progress
EASLEY — Recently, the United Christian Ministries celebrated their 35th year with a banquet at Southern Wesleyan University. They had a great buffet, a couple of heartfelt speeches (from Melanie Johnson and Teresa Nash) and they filled up the dance floor with plenty of rhythm.
But beyond it all, Melanie Johnson took center-stage in reflecting on the progress that United Christian Ministries and the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind it all. Johnson took some time to answer a couple of questions about her journey with the United Christian Ministries.
Q: You just celebrated your 35th anniversary of the United Christian Ministries and you were presented an award. What does that mean to you?
JOHNSON: Celebrating the 35th anniversary of United Christian Ministries and being presented with an award is a deeply humbling and meaningful experience. It represents not only the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the ministry over the years but also the incredible impact we’ve had on our community. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and partners who have walked alongside us in our mission to serve those in need. The award is a symbol of the lives we’ve touched, the hope we’ve provided, and the love we’ve shared. It inspires us to continue our work with renewed passion and commitment, knowing that together, we can make an even greater difference in the years to come.
Q: You had a couple of featured speakers – Melanie Johnson (Executive Director) and Teresa Nash (Former Executive Director). Can you talk a bit about them and what they do for your organization?
JOHNSON: As the Executive Director I strive to lead with a vision that aligns with our mission of providing hope and assistance to those in need. I am deeply committed to the well-being of our ministry as I work to ensure that UCM continues to be a beacon of support in our community. Under my leadership, we have expanded our programs, strengthened partnerships, and adapted to the changing needs of those we serve.
Teresa Nash, who served as my predecessor, laid much of the groundwork that UCM stands on today. During her tenure, she was known for her tireless commitment to helping those in need and for building strong, lasting relationships with local churches, volunteers, and community partners. Teresa’s leadership helped to shape UCM into the respected and effective organization it is today.
Q: If someone wanted to donate something or just be a part of your organization, what would you say to them?
JOHNSON: If someone is interested in donating or becoming a part of United Christian Ministries, we are always grateful for any support, whether it’s financial contributions, donations of goods, or volunteering.
By donating, you’re directly helping individuals and families in crisis, providing them with essential services like food, rental assistance, and utility support. Every contribution, no matter the size, has a meaningful impact.
If you want to get involved as a volunteer, there are many ways to help. Whether it’s greeting clients, assisting in our food pantry, or helping with administrative tasks, your time and energy are invaluable to us. Volunteering with UCM not only supports our mission but also connects you with a community of caring individuals who are passionate about making a positive change.
Q: What does the near future look like for United Christian Ministries and do you have any goals you are currently trying to reach?
JOHNSON: The near future for United Christian Ministries is filled with both opportunities and challenges as we continue to adapt and grow to meet the needs of our community. We are committed to expanding our services and finding new ways to support those in crisis, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise and more individuals and families find themselves in need of assistance.
One of our immediate goals is to secure additional funding for our rental and utility assistance programs. As housing costs increase, we are seeing more clients who need help to stay in their homes. We aim to ensure that we can provide substantial support to these families, ideally covering an entire month’s rent for those in urgent need.
We are also working towards upgrading our client services by investing in an electronic database system. This will improve the efficiency and security of our operations, ensuring that we can serve our clients more effectively while safeguarding their information.
Another important goal is to hire a part-time receptionist/data entry clerk. As our long-serving data entry clerk retires, we see this as an opportunity to create a more consistent and supportive environment for our clients and staff by combining this role with the receptionist position.
Overall, our vision for the future is to continue strengthening our organization so we can serve more people, more effectively. We are focused on securing the resources we need to meet the growing demand for our services and on building a sustainable foundation for the years to come.
Q: Can you tell one story of your own that holds near to your heart from working at the United Christian Ministries?
JOHNSON: Several months ago, I was assisting a mother and her adult daughter with food assistance. As we wrapped up, I asked how I could pray for them. The daughter, to my surprise, shared that she was a recovering cocaine addict but feared she was going to hell because she couldn’t quit smoking cigarettes. I never expected such a response. I reassured her that the only thing that would keep her from salvation is if she refused to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I encouraged her to give herself grace, acknowledging that overcoming a cocaine addiction is an incredible accomplishment. I expressed how proud I was of her and promised to pray that she could overcome her nicotine addiction and find complete freedom. This experience reminded me that we never truly know what struggles people are facing. Sometimes, we say we’ll pray for someone and then forget to follow through. At UCM, our volunteers make it a priority to ask clients if they can pray with them right there, ensuring that they receive the spiritual support they need in that moment.
Q: Can you talk about when it all began and where it is right now?
JOHNSON: United Christian Ministries began with a shared vision among church leaders from various Christian denominations who recognized the power of unity in addressing the community’s needs. With a commitment to collaboration, they officially founded UCM on May 17, 1989, pooling their resources and establishing a system to effectively serve those in need.
Our journey started in a small building on S 2nd Street, where we operated out of just a few rooms with limited space. However, two years later, when the abandoned West End School became available, we moved in as one of the first tenants, significantly increasing our capacity to serve our clients.
A pivotal moment in our history came in 2001 when UCM partnered with The Pickens County Free Medical Clinic (now the Samaritan Health Clinic) under the “Good Samaritan Alliance.” This collaboration strengthened our ability to provide comprehensive support to those in need. By 2003, we secured a grant to purchase our current building, further solidifying our presence and commitment to the community. Today, UCM continues to grow, serving as a vital resource for those in need, driven by the same spirit of unity and collaboration that inspired its founding.
Today, we are located at 303 Dacusville Hwy in Easley, operating at maximum capacity as the needs in our community continue to grow. Despite the challenges, God always provides, and we are blessed to share our building with another agency that shares our passion for helping those in need. This partnership not only allows us to maximize our resources but also enhances our ability to serve the community more effectively. We continue to stand strong, driven by the same spirit of unity and collaboration that inspired our founding.
Reach Jeff Holt at 864-855-0355.