Fayetteville Urban Ministry

Emergency Assistance (EA). The original reason that FUM came into existence (1974) was to address the widespread needs of people suffering in crisis situations throughout the county. Starting from a basement, this program grew into a department to serve thousands of lives. Now the program provides food through a fully stocked food pantry, offers clothing through a large clothing closet, and delivers financial assistance for families and individuals in crisis situations. For the past fiscal year 2010-11 we served more than 5,000 family members, and more than 300 from the homeless community. It is simply amazing what a bag of food, clothing, and a dollar can do for our community when donated. “Someone’s junk is truly someone else’s treasure”. Your small gift may mean the world to someone in need!

The Nehemiah Project. We started in August of 1993, repairing the homes of low-income home owners, and using volunteer groups from local churches. In 1994 the program assumed the Emergency Home Repair Program for the Community Development Department, City of Fayetteville. Nehemiah partners with many contractors and other programs as a vital resource for this community’s elderly and low-income population. This program’s effectiveness is unmeasured as it ensures that the elderly and low-income home owners are housed in safe and comfortable living conditions. Each year, the program will assists approximately 170-200 elderly and/or low-income home owners. Imagine being on a truly fixed income, suffering the loss of a significant other, and not having the ability to work full-time. Each of us has, or will face crises like this in our lives. “If you build it, they will come,” and we shall continue to march forward.

Adult Literacy Program. In Cumberland County, 24% of the adult population reads under a 5th grade level. Established in 1976, the ALP assists adults with low literacy levels in the areas of reading, writing, math, English, GED preparation, and computer skills. Trained volunteers from the community work with 150-185 adult students each year. It takes approximately $320 to complete a student match and begin the process of improving a life. Literacy is a skill that will affect not only the adult student, but also their children and generations thereafter. It is fundamental for creating better health care access, lowering crime rates, and ensuring safer family environments. Literacy is a gift you can give that can never be taken away. It’s something that will make a lasting difference in our
community. “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Frederick Douglas

Find-A-Friend Program (FAF). The FAF program has been in existence since 1982 and was one of the first mentoring programs that Governor Hunt established in North Carolina. Since then it has flourished and added multiple afterschool components to keep kids fully motivated and enriched through wrap-around support services. Our program helps modify youth’s behavior positively at school, home and in the community. The FAF program was named a “Champion for Children” in 2009 by the Breaking the Chain of Child Abuse Committee & Child Advocacy Center for its successful reputation. Serving almost 200 at risk-youth per year, with over an 80% success rate is what the program has accomplished over the past several years. It costs tax payers over $120,000 per year to house 1 juvenile in confinement, and the cost to our community is limitless when a youth yields to the temptations of chronic truancy, crime and anti-social behavior. It takes less than $1,500 to sponsor a youth in FAF to participate in 1 full year of prevention services which includes a free Summer Achievement Camp. “Our community grows stronger if our kids are learning within the village, versus incarceration”. Do the math!

>>The Fayetteville Urban Ministry mission is to “show God's compassion for our neighbors in need, and thus build our community together”. *Help us continue to transform and re-avenue lives at no cost for 100% of our clients!