Nonprofit hires first development director

Nonprofit hires first development director

Karrie Brown. Courtesy United Church Outreach Ministry

A faith-based nonprofit in the area has named its first development director.

Karrie Brown began the role this month for United Church Outreach Ministry, which provides material and educational assistance to help clients meet basic needs, improve quality of life and promote self-sufficiency.

UCOM offers programs including a food pantry, wellness, clothing pantry, basic financial skills, healthy cooking and nutrition, gardening, workforce development, income tax prep and more. The nonprofit is an agency of the United Church of Christ and is completely supported by private donations.

The nonprofit has spent the past several years moving toward a new model of service that has included expanding initiatives and programs, according to Bruce Roller, UCOM executive director.

“With these new services for neighbors, UCOM needs to ensure that funding is available and that it grows to match the needs we meet,” Roller said.

In her role, Brown will work to raise funds and spread community awareness.

“People are not just looking for resources; they are also searching for hope for a brighter future. UCOM walks alongside their neighbors to improve their quality of life,” Brown said. “I look forward to gaining additional funding for UCOM’s ongoing financial stability so that we can continue to serve the ever-changing needs of the community.”

Brown spent the past year as the executive director of The Pantry and previously was an administrative assistant at Heritage Hill Dental.

She has a master’s degree in organizational management from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Grand Valley State University.