GOLDSBORO, N.C.— United Way of Wayne County announces the transition of assets from United Church Ministries (UCM), a long-standing faith-based nonprofit that faithfully served the Wayne County community for more than four decades.
United Church Ministries officially closed its doors in December after years of dedicated service made possible through strong partnerships with the faith-based community. Like many nonprofits, UCM experienced a significant decline in donations and volunteer engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and found it challenging to recover to pre-pandemic capacity. In 2025, UCM leadership began formal discussions to dissolve the nonprofit, with an official vote taking place in October 2025 and a final resolution approved in January 2026.
“While this is certainly a bittersweet moment, it is also an opportunity,” said Lisa Lamm, Executive Director of United Church Ministries. “UCM was founded in 1983 by First Baptist Church and Dr. Leon Smith, and it has been sustained for decades by the unwavering commitment of our churches, volunteers, and leaders—especially longtime director Elaine Lamm. Knowing that our remaining assets will help strengthen United Way’s UCAN program allows us to honor that legacy by continuing to support individuals and families in crisis. The mission that began more than 40 years ago will live on through this connection.”
“United Church Ministries has been a pillar of compassion and support for individuals and families in crisis across Wayne County for more than 40 years,” said Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of United Way of Wayne County. “Their legacy of service, rooted deeply in faith and community, has made a lasting impact.”
United Way of Wayne County will accept any remaining assets from UCM and assign them to its United Community Assistance Network (UCAN) program. UCAN provides direct assistance to individuals and families experiencing personal crises, ensuring that the spirit and purpose of UCM’s work will continue through meaningful, local support.
In addition, the United Way of Wayne County Board of Directors has expressed a strong interest in maintaining an arm or connection to UCM’s mission by strengthening collaboration with churches and faith-based partners throughout the county. This effort reflects a shared commitment to honoring UCM’s history while adapting to current community needs through collective impact.
“We see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity,” Archibald added. “By working alongside our faith partners, we hope to continue the heart of UCM’s work—meeting people where they are, during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
United Way of Wayne County extends its deepest gratitude to the leadership, volunteers, donors, and faith partners who sustained United Church Ministries for decades. Their dedication has helped shape a stronger, more compassionate Wayne County, and their legacy will live on through continued service to those in need.
For more information about UCAN or partnership opportunities with United Way of Wayne County, please contact Executive Director, Sherry Archibald.
