Creating Smiles for Neighbors in Need

The dentists and supporting staff at Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry devoted a full day of work on Saturday, Feb. 20 to provide emergency dental services at their office for clients of United Community Ministries (UCM). Services valued at more than $10,000 were donated that day to alleviate the pain of 19 clients suffering with serious dental problems and who lack health insurance. Pictured (from left) are Richard Dobber, UCM Director of Social Services, with Dr. Zeyad Mady who also serves as a UCM Board Member, Dr. James Geren, Dr. Haley Hausser, and Dr. Jason Marrazzo. “We appreciate the opportunity to help our community through collaboration with UCM,” says Dr. Geren.

We all know dental procedures tend to be expensive. And dental infections can often lead to more serious infections and deteriorating health overall – even including death. “Most of the patients served today have been on our UCM waiting list for many months,” explains Rogelia Campos, UCM Basic Needs Counselor who coordinates the patient appointments. ‘Our waiting list to get our clients in to area dental clinics is hundreds of names long -- and we add another two or three people in pain almost every week day. These people are in pain and do not have health or dental insurance, and they could never afford to pay. One gentleman who had his dentures repaired told me he was so relieved and grateful. He was smiling the biggest I have ever seen him, and I could see his new confidence on his happy face. It is so heart-warming to see his and everyone’s big smiles today.”

"Thanks to our generous partners at Mount Vernon Center for Dentistry, everyone received compassionate care and such tremendous relief, at no cost to them. We appreciate everyone on their team for their caring support,” says Richard Dobber, UCM Director of Social Services. "Until I met Dr. Geren and Dr. Mady, I never knew how caring and compassionate dentists can be,” Dobber continues. “We welcome other dental practices and medical providers to collaborate with UCM to assist with our clients’ health situations. The more people who join us at the heart of community, the more people we can assist on the path to financial independence and self-reliance.”

Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry also donates proceeds from its annual Smiles for Life teeth-whitening program, which takes place every spring to benefit the children at UCM’s Early Learning Center. “UCM – and especially our client families – are so fortunate to have them as a caring partner,” says Nichelle A. Mitchem, UCM Executive Director. “We were thrilled that Dr. Mady accepted our invitation to join the UCM Board of Directors for 2016. Because of the efforts of generous donors and community partners like Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry, UCM is able to actively work to ensure a brighter economic future for vulnerable children, youth, and families in our community.”

United Community Ministries (UCM) mobilizes the power of community to equip, educate, and empower people to measurably improve their lives. For the past 46 years, UCM has provided a vital connection between people in need and the people committed to helping them thrive. Services include:

· Immediate Help. For families and individuals in crisis, UCM provides counseling, food, financial aid, and referrals to other resources.

· Children’s Programs. UCM provides the next generation with essential education and enriching experiences, including full-day early care and learning, new parent education, and after-school programs for youth leadership development and computer access.

· Workforce Development. UCM helps adults increase their employability with job counseling and computer training and with ESL and citizenship classes.

In Fiscal Year 2015, thanks to generous community support, UCM provided life-changing assistance to 10,200 individuals in 4,000 families in the Alexandria portion of Fairfax County. This included 5,000 children – more than any other private nonprofit agency in the Huntington-Mount Vernon area.

Learn how you can donate, volunteer, and advocate to improve the quality of life for neighbors in need at www.ucmagency.org.