Urban Family Update

Member Group : Urban Family Council

In This Issue
From the President

Upcoming Events

Traveling Mercies

United Way – A Great Way to Give

Great News!!!

Quick Links
Impact Thrift Store
New Life Thrift Shop
UFC Website
United Way of SEPA
Press Releases

Mission
Urban Family Council exists to build healthy families by providing education about, and advocating for, life, marriage and family.
MENTORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
You want to give back to the community, and you have the desire to help others, but you ask yourself, "Do I really have the time?" We have your answer!

Becoming a UFC mentor is simple and requires only four hours a month. Roles of a Mentor may include being a teacher, motivator, role model, coach, and door opener. You and your mentee will build a lasting relationship that will change his/her life and yours! You have the time, and the skills that will positively impact a generation. Now ask yourself, "Am I ready to Make a Difference?"

Right now there is an urgent need for mentors to children of incarcerated parents. Call 215-879-2485 today to learn more.

A LETTER FROM THE HEART
As I watched the celebration after the Phillies game the other night, I saw something extraordinary. I watched people of all ages and from all backgrounds hug one another, sing together, dance in the streets together and even cry together. It did not matter what church they attended, what faith they were, or if they had any faith at all. There was no discussion about political party affiliation or which candidate you were voting for. It took the Philadelphia Phillies to win a championship for people to forget their differences and come together.

Our goal here at UFC is to promote that same type of atmosphere for the thousands of youth, fathers, mothers, teachers and families we encounter through our various programs. Imagine families, neighborhoods, politicians and individuals from all walks of life coming together like I witnessed, while watching the Phillies celebrate their world championship after a yearlong quest. This is the prize we seek here at Urban Family Council.

Christopher A. Pender, Sr., MHS
President, Urban Family Council

Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance. Choose wisely!
Upcoming Events – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
Annual Spring Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction
Thursday, MARCH 26, 2009
Presidential Caterers
East Norriton, PA
Traveling Mercies
by Nicole Pender

God escorts you through an overabundance of stages and obstacles throughout your life. It is now, in my college years, that I begin to understand that the ultimate plan that God has sequentially mapped out for my life will come to pass despite my minor infractions along the way to meeting my goals and fulfilling my destiny. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

God has a plan for my life. For a while, I could not understand God’s plan. Why did God want me here now? What worth could I possibly be to God? It took me a while to put some of the pieces of the puzzle together, but I came up with this: I need to be here right now in order to hear God. With all that’s going on in the world right now, I am at a point in my life where God is calling me and everything around me to be still. So here I am. A willing vessel, open to the many possibilities of God. With no affiliations to being perfect, I just ask God daily to be that "it factor" in all of my decision making. I am not perfect, in fact, when I sit back and examine my life, I can’t help but become overwhelmed with emotions of sorrow mixed with exhilaration. This odd combination of feelings is triggered by memories of disappointment and failure, followed by triumph leading to success. Physically, I have been blessed beyond belief. My parents, Chris and Deborah, have supplied me with more than a sufficient amount of tangible commodities in my childhood to last me a life time. They have prepared me as much as man could possibly do before allowing me to venture off into one of two worlds. But now I feel that it is mainly on me. College is a world within its own. Not a day goes by where I don’t find my self thanking God for the self-assurance and determination that He continues to replenish within me day by day. In college you see a lot, you may be exposed to a lot, but what I have come to realize is that it is only what you allow to take hold of your soul and your mind that over time damages your spirit. A strong spirit and walk with God outweighs any hindrance that I come up against any day.
Proverbs 13:20 says, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer them." So I choose to walk alone, or walk with only those who carry with them the spirit of the Lord. In the end, I am a firm believer that God has it all under control. After all, I made it thus far, very undeserving, but Christ saw me differently. So I thank Him. Day in and day out I give Him praise for what He has already done, and what is to come. I give Him praise!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
UNITED WAY Can Be Your Way to Give to UFC
Consider donating to UFC through the United Way of Southeastern PA. Your payroll manager can help you schedule a monthly deduction using UFC’s Donor Choice No. 8393.
Great News & a Wonderful Opportunity!
We have recently be afforded a wonderful opportunity to take over the Youth Net Center (YNC) at Olney High School. YNCs located throughout the city are Faith and Community Based Partnerships developed to improve atmospheres in schools and provide tools for students to succeed. Urban Family Council will have a major presence in this school, and be able to connect with students throughout the entire school year. The YNC staff of facilitators is committed to providing students with excellence by providing opportunities for them to reach their highest potential and realize their goals and dreams. This program is focused on enhancing student’s confidence academically and socially so that they feel comfortable in school and in their community. We will be running various programs during and after school every day. If you would like more information on the Youth Net Center at Olney HS, please call 215-879-2485.
Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Urban Family Council | 4950 Parkside Ave., 4th Floor | Philadelphia | PA | 19131