Our Purpose Our Vision
Our Mission
Urban Christian Ministries is committed to sharing and modeling the love of Christ in all we do, cultivating and nurturing the future generation of leaders.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the purpose and potential of every young person is realized and celebrated by empowering and equipping them to actively exercise their faith as the foundation of participating in civic life and contributing to creating vibrant and healthy communities.
Guiding Scripture
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
At the core of UCM’s mission are values that shape our work and guide every interaction
Compassion: We lead empathetically, serving each person with respect and care.
Humility: We honor the dignity of others, reflecting Christ’s love through every act.
Respect: Recognizing the worth of every individual, we create an inclusive, supportive community.
Integrity: Rooted in honesty and accountability, we build trust within the community.
Service: Answering the call to serve, we place the needs of others above our own.
Truth: Grounded in the gospel, we share God’s truth and love with everyone we reach.
History Timeline 1970's
In 1970, God stirred the hearts of His people to create a vision for addressing poverty and youth violence in the inner city of Buffalo. This vision began to take shape when the Buffalo Bible Institute merged with Houghton College, leading to the establishment of an initiative focused on reaching the city’s underserved communities.
Shortly after, Rev. Frank Kik of Knox Presbyterian Church delivered a powerful sermon highlighting the pressing needs of the inner city. This sermon sparked a dialogue among community leaders and pastors, and through much prayer and discussion, the vision for a new outreach ministry began to take form. As a result, Arthur Billups and his wife, Georgia Billups, were called to serve as the missionary couple in charge of the newly established Ellicott Center in August of 1970.
Under the Billups’ leadership, the center grew and flourished, offering Bible clubs, tutoring services, and sewing lessons for the community. Mr. Billups also made valuable connections with pastors throughout Western New York, and after six years of dedicated service, he stepped down due to health reasons.
History Timeline 1980's
God’s provision brought Audley McLean and his family to Buffalo, stepping into leadership and helping to move Urban Christian Ministries (UCM) forward. In the following years, UCM relocated to 14 North Street, expanding its programs to include the Nicodemus Press, prison ministry, and the Budget Store. New initiatives such as a children’s choir, a basketball team, counseling services, and Bible courses were added. Summer camp programs also launched, providing youth with opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.
in October 1983, during a special program, Audley McLean passed the leadership mantle to Clifton Powell. Under Powell’s leadership, UCM expanded further with the creation of the S.C.A.L.E. program, coordinated by Karen Smith, which gave inner-city youth the opportunity to apply for and attend college. Peter Gawron became the director of the Teen Awareness Program, further strengthening the ministry's reach.
However, by 1986, UCM faced significant financial challenges that led to a period of leadership transition. For four years, the organization operated without an executive director, managed instead by its board of directors. Despite these hardships, UCM continued its work in the community and, in 1989, moved once again—this time to 30 East Utica Street, where it would continue to serve the Buffalo community.
History Timeline 1990's
As a result of much prayer and steadfast accountability, UCM celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1990. Serving God and His children for two decades was no small feat, requiring significant fasting and prayer. The milestone was marked by the hiring of Eugene Coplin Jr. as the new executive director.
During this time, UCM’s programs included Kids of Galilee, tutoring, My Brother's Keeper (the prison outreach), Summer Camp, and My Sister's Keeper. Calvin Kern also launched a sports ministry called S.C.O.R.E. In addition, Kathy Jeffreys was promoted to full-time secretary.
As a result of much prayer and steadfast accountability, UCM celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1990. Serving God and His children for two decades was no small feat, requiring significant fasting and prayer. The milestone was marked by the hiring of Eugene Coplin Jr. as the new executive director.
During this time, UCM’s programs included Kids of Galilee, tutoring, My Brother's Keeper (the prison outreach), Summer Camp, and My Sister's Keeper. Calvin Kern also launched a sports ministry called S.C.O.R.E. In addition, Kathy Jeffreys was promoted to full-time secretary.
In 1991, Eugene Coplin handed the leadership reins to his brother, Rev. William Coplin. With this transition, UCM’s activities expanded, including partnerships with Community Sentencing Services, the News Neediest Food Distribution, and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program. UCM also held drug awareness seminars, which made for a busy schedule for Rev. Will Coplin.
With support from Deputy Speaker Arthur Eve and Senator Anthony Masiello, UCM moved to its current location at 967 Jefferson Avenue in May 1992. In 1993, a team from National City Missions came to live and work at the new facility for nine weeks, helping to enhance the summer programs. Outreach teams from various states and Wesleyan Church groups began to serve in urban ministry at UCM.
In 1994, Mark and Elise Vincett launched their Wilderness Weekends program, designed to challenge teens through rock climbing, camping, and hiking, offering both a wider outreach and deeper relational experiences. UCM also expanded its impact by launching two new initiatives in 1995: Block Club Basketball (BCB), an anti-violence project, and a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. The BCB program was further expanded in 1998 with the addition of Kick It to the Curb, a youth-focused outreach aimed at introducing younger children to Christ.
History Timeline 2000's
In 2000, UCM celebrated 30 years of service to the Buffalo community. By this time, its programs had grown to include a food pantry, community sentencing services, a Comprehensive Employment Work Plan (CEWP), a women’s prison Bible study, the News Neediest Food Distribution, a summer youth employment and training program, and a clothing boutique.
In 2002, UCM hosted its first community forum following the tragic shooting that claimed the life of one of its youth. This forum later evolved into the annual Our Community Picnic in 2003, which brought together healthcare providers, colleges, and military service representatives. That same year, the Buffalo Bills Alumni provided inspiration and a Thanksgiving dinner for UCM’s program families.
The Present
Now in its 54th year, Urban Christian Ministries (UCM) continues transforming lives while undergoing a powerful revitalization. The Reigns of UCM have been passed from Pastor Cleveland Howell and are now under the leadership of Rev. Denise Walden-Glenn, UCM’s first African American woman Executive Servant Leader (CEO). The organization has returned to its roots, renewing its focus on empowering youth and families through faith, leadership, and community engagement.
Answering God’s call during a pivotal moment, Rev. Denise brought a fresh vision centered on restoring the ministry’s impact. She is known for cultivating leaders, helping individuals discover their purpose, and equipping them to make a difference in their communities. Her focus quickly turned to UCM’s most enduring program: the week-long youth camp, Restore, Renew & Revive (formerly Camp Bliss).
For decades, this camp has provided transformative spiritual retreats for youth led by former participants inspired to give back. Recognizing the volunteers' dedication, often funding the camp from their pockets, Rev. Denise ensured its sustainability and set a vision to expand its reach. Plans are underway to evolve the camp into a year-round initiative that engages youth and their families, addressing poverty, violence, and systemic barriers.
UCM is also rebranding and strengthening its organizational capacity, launching a new website, and expanding its social media presence to connect with more youth and supporters. Daily, the ministry serves 27 youths through leadership training, community projects, and faith-based mentoring.
We are excited that UCM is alive with renewed energy and purpose. Its hallways echo the voices of young people discovering their potential, and its programs reflect a commitment to building a brighter, faith-driven future. With God’s guidance, UCM is poised to create a lasting impact for future generations.
Urban Christian Ministries
Business Email
Business Address
967 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo NY 14204
Business Number
716-882-9472
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