FR O M O U R LEA D ERS H I P
I never was much of a movie buff growing up, though a few flicks did catch my attention over the years. One is the 1985 blockbuster, Back to the Future, featuring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as “Doc” Emmett Brown. Admittedly, it was easy for me to get confused through the whole story/ sequel/prequel trilogy, but some of the one-liners are truly classic. Here’s one of my favorites: “Don’t worry. As long as you hit that wire with the connecting hook at precisely eighty-eight miles per hour the instant the lightning strikes the tower… everything will be fine.” – Doc Brown That sounds like the magic of social work to me! Many of those who come to United Ministries hope that their stars will align and that somehow this time things will come together, and they’ll accomplish their life goals at long last. We see it a lot around here, when participants, volunteers, and staff work together to help make transformation happen for individuals, families, neighborhoods, and the larger community. For many people it’s true—everything will be fine—thanks to United Ministries’ life-giving services and empowering opportunities. Throughout 2020 United Ministries will be journeying “back to the future”! We’ll spend a year celebrating what can be accomplished when a small, ecumenical emergency assistance partnership grows into a dynamic, multifaceted agency that seeks to alleviate 4
poverty and create opportunity for our friends and neighbors in Greenville. At the same time, we will be future-focused in our work, refining our efforts and expanding the reach of our programs to help everyone thrive in Greenville. Our potential is limited only by our imagination: (Marty) “Hey, Doc. You’d better back up, we don’t have enough road to get up to 88.” (Doc) “Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!” From our roots in devoted downtown congregations to our branches in the vibrant West End of today, United Ministries has exemplified Greenville’s goodwill and generosity for a half-century now. We are a beacon of light and a haven of hope for some of Greenville’s poorest—and most prosperous— residents. In many ways, we aspire to live out the timeless wisdom of old Doc Brown:
Indeed, the future of United Ministries is still being written, and you can help us script it well. This year, together, we truly have a Golden Opportunity to make the future the best it can be!
Tony McDade Executive Director