In addition to the social action and justice work of our primary mission groups, UUCR congregants lend their time and expertise to a variety of Roanoke-based service organizations. We welcome your participation! Opportunities include:

• Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM): Founded in 1971, RAM is an interfaith nonprofit that advocates for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and hunger. Volunteers from UUCR help prepare and serve lunch and process food donations on the last Saturday of each month.
  • Contact: Bill Bestpitch (he/him)
• Family Promise of Greater Roanoke: Founded in 1997, Family Promise is a local nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing, counseling and support for homeless families with children in the Roanoke Valley. UUCR and many other churches in the Roanoke Valley supply volunteers to make the program work. UUCR volunteers provide meals and act as hosts at the group home, the Alexa House, for three or more days, typically five times a year. UUCR volunteers have supported Family Promise continuously for more than 20 years.
  • Contact: Jerry Trammell (he/him)
• Pack-a-Snack Program: As a member of Congregations in Action, UUCR joins other local churches in gathering food to send home with students in Roanoke whose families are experiencing food insecurity.
  • Contact: Bonnie Evans (she/her), bevans@uuroanoke.org