WE LEAD

Willful Empowerment - Learning Equipping Accomplishing Developing

Welcome to UCM

At UCM, we've crafted a unique approach where faith, community, and empowerment intersect to inspire enduring change. For over 54 years, we've been dedicated to strengthening our community by fostering the spiritual growth, leadership skills, and civic responsibility of our youth. Through a blend of love, education, and hands-on learning, we empower young leaders to break the cycle of violence and make a profound, positive impact on their communities.

Help Spread Holiday Cheer: Gift Donations

Needed for Christmas Giveaway!


We are excited to invite you to be part of something special this Christmas season! UCM is seeking donations of new, unwrapped gifts or gift cards to bless our youth participants and their families. These gifts will be thoughtfully chosen by the young people we serve, allowing them to experience the true joy of giving as they share these presents with their loved ones.

Your generosity will make a meaningful difference, bringing light and hope to families while empowering youth to embrace the spirit of Christmas through acts of love and kindness. Together, we can make this season unforgettable for the next generation, showing them the power of faith, community, and giving from the heart.

Will you join us in spreading the joy? Every gift matters.

This Christmas season, we’re not just giving gifts—we’re sharing warmth, love, and the joy of community! In addition to our gift giveaway, we’ll be serving up hot soup, chili, cider, and festive snacks to keep everyone warm and cheerful. Youth participants will have the chance to pick out special gifts for their loved ones and wrap them at our free wrapping station, spreading the spirit of giving in a way that’s personal and meaningful.

Your donation will make a lasting impact, ensuring that every family in our community feels the joy of the season. Together, we can make sure no one goes without this Christmas. Every gift matters, and every act of kindness helps brighten the holidays for those in need. Let’s make this a season to remember!

Please check out our Events Calendar to sign up and volunteer for an event of your choice.

EVENTS CALENDAR


How You Can Help:

We are currently seeking donations of new, unwrapped gifts or gift cards to be given away at the event. These gifts will be chosen by youth participants to give to their families and friends. Your donation will make a meaningful difference, helping young people celebrate Christmas with the joy of giving.

Gift Ideas:

  • Toys for children

  • Children’s Clothing (all ages)

  • Books

  • Gift cards

  • Personal care items

Event Details:

  • Date: December 14th

  • Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

  • Location: Urban Christian Ministries, 967 Jefferson Ave

In addition to the gift giveaway, we’ll be serving soup, chili, cider, and snacks to keep everyone warm and festive. Youth attendees will be able to pick out gifts for their loved ones and wrap them at our free wrapping station. Your donation of gifts or funds will help us ensure that no one goes without this holiday season. Every gift helps brighten the holidays for our community members in need.

Drop-Off Locations

Urban Christian Ministries

For more information on how to donate please contact us at 716-335-7827 or [email protected].


For more information on how to volunteer, please contact our Outreach Coordinator at 716-335-7824 or [email protected]

Thank you for helping us make this holiday season brighter for everyone! Your generosity will spread joy and hope to many families in our community.

From the Executive Desk…

For 54 years, Urban Christian Ministries (UCM) has been a beacon of hope, empowerment, and transformation, dedicated to equipping youth and supporting families throughout Western New York and beyond. Our legacy—from the cherished Budget Shop to the impactful summer camp experiences—has touched countless lives, sowing seeds of faith, resilience, and purpose in our community.

In addition to our local efforts, UCM has a rich history of mission work, extending our ministry to communities in need both near and far. Through mission trips and outreach, we have brought the love of Christ to underserved areas, providing support, encouragement, and tangible assistance. This work has enriched the lives of those we serve and deepened the faith of our youth, who have seen firsthand the power of compassion and service. As we look to the future, we are eager to continue and expand our mission work, reaching new communities and empowering our youth to live out their faith in impactful, life-changing ways.

As we look ahead, the future shines brightly. UCM is excited to re-align with our founding purpose and to renew our commitment to our mission. While change often brings challenges, we believe in the good work that God is doing in and through us as we return to our roots. Though we have evolved and no longer host a food pantry or a front porch ministry, UCM remains deeply rooted in our call to empower youth, helping them discover their God-given purpose and equipping them to lead with integrity, compassion, and courage.

We hold close to the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise guides us as we build programs that not only serve the immediate needs of today but also lay a foundation of hope and strength for generations to come.

It is essential that we stay connected to our community, attuned to its needs, and responsive to its challenges. We are deeply grateful for each of you—our partners, supporters, and participants—who have journeyed with us, shaped our ministry, and continue to walk alongside us. With your support, we are excited to serve, creating programs that bring lasting, transformative change.

Thank you for being part of the UCM family. Together, we will continue to be the light and love of Christ in our community and beyond, shaping tomorrow's leaders and embracing our divine purpose.

In His Service

Rev. Denise Walden-Glenn

Executive Servant Leader, Urban Christian Ministries

Our Partners


Our partnership is grounded in the belief that unity and support are the most essential and foundational elements in empowering our youth. By working together, we create a strong, supportive community where young people can thrive, overcome challenges, and realize their full potential. Our collective commitment to nurturing and guiding them lays the foundation for a brighter future, and we are dedicated to standing together to ensure every young person has the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

Mt Ararat Temple Of Prayer
Open Buffalo
The Community Health Center of Buffalo
Randall Church
Say Yes Buffalo
Real Talk Bridges
The John R Oishei Foundation
Buffalo Futures
Breaking Barriers of Buffalo NY
United Way Of Buffalo
Cake Crazy Bakery

Urban Christian Ministries

Business Email

Business Address

967 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo NY 14204

Business Number

716-882-9472

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