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Time, Talent and Treasure of a Servant’s Heart

Nov 29, 2016 | UA News

Article by Urban Alliance staff. 

Urban Alliance recently sat down with UA Board of Directors member, UAServe Champion and UAGive Champion Kevin Searles, to hear more about what motivates him to give so much of his time, talent and treasure to serving the Greater Hartford community through Urban Alliance.

As a former Windsor Police Chief, Kevin Searles has seen firsthand how countless organizations are making a difference in their communities. When asked what sets Urban Alliance apart, he was quick to answer.

 “Urban Alliance is different because they are motivated by outward mission and community growth, not self. I feel happy and fortunate to be able to be part of the work of Urban Alliance.”

Kevin is especially passionate about serving children and their families. And, through UA’s Next Generation initiative, he’s been able to do just that, by volunteering weekly at a local after-school program.

For Kevin, volunteering with Urban Alliance is one way he gives back, but not the only way. He is also a UAGive Champion. “UA uses the money they receive for programs and opportunities to really make a difference in communities,” he explained. “Supporting the work of Urban Alliance will bring a sense of being part of work in action.”

When asked how he would encourage a friend or family member to support Urban Alliance, he said, “If you can donate money that would be helpful. Or, you can give some of your time and reach out to other folks with them. Guess what? That is what I am doing, too!”

There are many ways to make an impact through Urban Alliance just like Kevin Searles. Want to get started? Browse UAServe volunteer opportunities or join Urban Alliance’s #UAGivingTuesday campaign by planting hope, giving generously and growing community impact.

Here’s how:

  • Plant the seed of hope by making a one-time gift.
  • Give monthly to stretch your gift over time.
  • Grow your impact by starting a personal fundraising page and giving others the opportunity to create change, too!

Your gifts of time, talent and treasure will help increase and support the collective impact of dozens of Christian outreach ministry programs as they help people in our local community achieve lasting change in their lives. 

The staff at Urban Alliance are familiar with Pastor Frank because he is a regular attendee to many of the trainings Urban Alliance provides on subjects like domestic violence, addressing childhood trauma, and better counseling techniques. “That’s been so valuable to me to be able to bring that back, not only in my counseling but also in my teaching and preaching ministries, “ shared Termine.

Pastor Frank was also one of the original members of the Micah group, a group of pastors that meets at Urban Alliance to discuss and strategize about challenging issues that face the church today. One of those earlier discussions on justice, incarceration, and returning citizens was particularly memorable. “We all lamented the fact that these men and women were coming out of prison into our churches and just kind of being thrown there,” said Termine, “We could do better than this.” That discussion planted the seeds that eventually led to the creation of Second Chance Churches – an opportunity for churches to provide support and mentoring to returning citizens that continues today.

When we asked Pastor Frank what he would say to another church that was unaware of Urban Alliance, he said, “If you are looking to get out in the community and make a difference in the community, Urban Alliance is a super way to do it. We’re a small church … we can’t do everything. Urban Alliance is a pathway to get our people involved in ministries that are already doing it, doing it well, and just need extra volunteers.”

Pastor Frank Termine’s story embodies many things we are trying to accomplish at Urban Alliance: supporting organizations in the communities they serve with training, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. Pastors and non-profit leaders face a wide range of challenges and, therefore, need a wide range of help and resources. Your support can help turn stories of struggle into stories like you find at Calvary Church.

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