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TROY — The United Community Family Services/Chaldean American Ladies of Charity provides services and programs for those in need, particularly immigrants and refugees.
The nonprofit was established in 1961 under the name Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, with 20 women aiming to support families and individuals in need. In 2016, the board expanded their name to United Community Family Services to further show the organization’s dedication to supporting the community and families in southeast Michigan.
Around 5,000 people have been served through various programs and services offered by the UCFS/CALC, located at 2033 Austin Drive in Troy.
Many of the items and program resources come from donations from community members and organizations as well as grants.
Donations can be dropped off at their Troy office or be made through their website, ucfamilyservices.org. Furniture is a huge need for the UCFS/CALC, and they also have an Amazon wish list available for other needed items.
“We want them to feel the U.S. is a welcoming country,” UCFS/CALC President and CEO Kristin Olmedo said.
The Troy space provides clients with access to a food pantry, clothes and household items. In terms of their food pantry, for 2024, currently over 300,000 pounds of food items have been distributed, and it is expected that those numbers could reach 500,000 pounds by the end of year.
“We’re getting more fresh food, and we’re really keeping up with numbers,” UCFS/CALC Grants Manager Courtney Morrow said.
Over 30,000 basic need items have also been distributed so far, and that could reach 60,000 by the end of the year.
In terms of clothes and furniture donations, clients can speak with their case manager to discuss what they need and make appointments for more personal shopping experiences. Clients can come in to pick out the clothing items they need, while furniture items can either be delivered or picked up.
“We help clients with whatever they need,” Olmedo said. “Most of our clothing and furniture is used, though car seats, bedding and strollers are new. We want to make sure clients are set up for success and what we give to them will last.”
The location also provides programs related to gaining U.S. citizenship and employment, and accessing education and community resources to serve kids, adults and senior residents.
“We’re extremely led,” Olmedo said. “There are surveys to get feedback, and we take all that information and make changes based off it. One of the things we’re most proud of right now is clients doing laser hair removal certifications. We’re really excited, and a few already have booths.”
The UCFS/CALC works with volunteers in various areas of the nonprofit, and some of their clients have continued to work with the organization as volunteers or employees. Diana Al Akona, a ShareHouse Driver with the UCFS/CALC, has lived in the U.S. for 16 years and started working with the nonprofit organization last year.
“It’s heaven for me. I love it here,” Akona said. “I make sure to meet clients where they are as one of the staff members they can communicate with.”
For more information, call (248) 528-0130 or visit ucfamilyservices.org.
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