People behind The Purpose
Team Members
Rev. Denise O. Walden Glenn
Executive Servant Leader/CEO
Bio
Rev. Denise Walden-Glenn is a faith-driven leader committed to empowering others through civic engagement, restorative practices, and leadership development. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”, she dedicates her work to addressing social and racial inequities, fostering healing, and equipping individuals to thrive.With over a decade of experience, Rev. Denise has led transformative programs focused on experiential learning, youth advocacy, and community health. As a certified leader in restorative justice and community development, she inspires others to see themselves as agents of change, using their God-given purpose to create a just and peaceful society.Her leadership has earned her numerous recognitions for innovation and impact. Whether facilitating peace-building or mentoring future leaders, Rev. Denise embodies servant leadership, working to cultivate purpose, equity, and unity in her community and beyond.chrf
Yestaidae Ruttlen
Outreach Manager
Bio
Greetings, I'm Yestaidae, and I am committed to the service of God and His bride. As Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40. I center my work around faith, hope and love believing that true community impact comes from a heart of compassion and service. Giving God my “yes” came with the challenge of finding my place within nonprofit ministry, especially in an organizing role. Since stepping into a leadership role in November of 2023, it has been a journey of growth, purpose, and faith. Now serving as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at Urban Christian Ministries, I find that God continues to stretch and grow my capacity. I bring my background in hospitalityinto every position, which has been a vital asset in fulfilling the ministry’s mission. With a heart for connecting with people and building relationships, I work to cultivate spaces where young people and communities feel seen, valued, and empowered. My aim is to embody UCM’s mission by sharing and modeling Christ’s love and helping to nurture the future generation of leaders.
Christopher Glenn
Operations & Program Manager
Bio
Christopher is a devoted man of God, a husband, and a father to three biological daughters, five sons, and a daughter through marriage, along with many spiritual sons and daughters who affectionately call him "Pops." He has committed his life to supporting the physical and mental well-being of youth, driven by his God-given purpose to share the love of Christ with the younger generations. In May 2024, Christopher answered his calling at Urban Christian Ministries, where he brings his expertise as Operations Manager and Program Director, combined with a deep passion for working with children. His aim is to enhance the operational and programmatic efficiency of UCM. Christopher has earned certificates in several areas, including Ministering to Suicidal Desperation, Creating a Low-Stressed Environment, Minimizing Crises, Family Relationships and Mental Health, Understanding Depression, and The Science of Confidence and Self-Esteem. Above all, Christopher is dedicated to serving God, his family, and all of God’s people, especially the youth. He is committed to developing leaders who will advance the Kingdom of God during these challenging times, effectively transforming our community.
Ricardo “Rico” Brown
Facilities
Bio
Ricardo "Rico" Brown is a man whose life has been transformed by grace. During many years of incarceration, Rico developed a relationship with God. He emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Rico believes this was God's way of giving him a second chance, and he is determined not to let that opportunity go to waste. Today, he works at Urban Christian Ministries, where he serves as the janitor, but he views his role as a ministry in itself. He takes great pride in ensuring the ministry is presentable, welcoming, and uplifting. He believes a clean space helps encourage staff and the youth who frequent the building. For Rico, cleaning is more than a job—it’s an offering to God and a way to show respect for the people who come to the ministry. He often shares his testimony with others, especially young people, encouraging them to find hope and purpose through faith. His work is a daily reminder that no task is too small when done for the glory of God. Rico is deeply committed to serving his community, knowing that God has called him to make a difference, no matter the role. His story is one of redemption, faith, and the power of second chances.
David Walden
Facilities Support
Bio
My name is David Walden, and I am the Facilities Lead at Urban Christian Ministries. I am also a certified Peer Advocate and Community Health Worker with extensive experience in organizing and community engagement. In addition to my work with UCM, I bring five years of expertise in construction, specializing in drywall, painting, and remodeling. I am here because I want to be a be a light for the youth in my community. The one principle I live by is: "I am my brother’s keeper." My mission is to support young people in reaching the goals they set for themselves and to inspire them to see and achieve their full potential. Through my work and example, I aim to create a path for them to follow that leads to purpose, growth, and success.
Roxanne Cumberlander
Receptionist
Bio
Hello! My name is Roxanne Cumberlander. I have been at Urban Christian Ministries since 1996! I am the founder of the clothing boutique. Fast forward to 2024, I am now the Office Administrator and Program Support of Wear Your Crown Ministry. I set the atmosphere every morning ushering in God’s holy spirit to rest rule and abide here in the office! I am now under the leadership of Rev. Denise, a true vessel of God. It’s all about the youth, giving them a safe place to be heard, seen, loved and respected. Also giving them the opportunity of Christianity and to help guide them.
Board Members
Pastor Tommy McClam
Board Chairman
Bio
I serve on Urban Christian Ministries board to allow God to use me to be a catalyst for spiritual change in the life of young people, and our communities.
Daysi Ball
Board Vice Chairman
Bio
I serve on the (UCM) Board because of my unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and passion for addressing the root causes of social and economic inequities. I am guided by my faith and a heart to serve God. My dedication to fostering economic growth, creating pathways to education, and cultivating generational wealth aligns seamlessly with UCM’s focus to break cycles of violence and poverty while addressing social determinants of health rooted in the love of Christ. UCM is working to support vibrant, thriving neighborhoods. I am honored to contribute my expertise to UCM’s vision of equipping youth to lead and transform their communities.
Crystal Benjamin
Board Treasurer
Bio
I decided to be a Urban Christian Ministries Board member to innovate and participate in creative wealth building ideas to keep the ministry growing and going. I also decided to impact and encourage legacy leaders to stay focused and fulfill their destiny-purpose.
Kathy Jefferys
Board Secretary
Bio
Serves on the UCM Board because she is part of it's legacy, and it is part of hers. As one of the longest-standing members of the UCM family, both as a former employee and board member she works to ensure we not only continue serving youth but also uphold the history and legacy of UCM’s 54 years of impact. Over the years, she has faithfully served UCM in various capacities, including Office Administrator, Acting Executive Director, Board Secretary, and Acting Board Chair, to name a few. Her life has been dedicated to service, and UCM has always been at the heart of that calling.
Ashlee Watson
Board Member
Bio
I serve on Urban Christian Ministries board to bring a representation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I serve because innovation and dimensions are activated in me to share with the next generation to invite them into a healthy relationship with Jesus.
Alan McCraken
Board Member
Bio
Serves on the UCM Board because he believe in its mission and its dedication to create transformative change in our community. He offers his time, talent and treasure to serve where God calls him. As a standing member of the UCM Board and a vital part of its legacy, he is dedicated to faith-driven service. His unwavering faith and heart for service is inspirational and support UCM as we continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and the broader community.
Gina Plair
Board Member
Bio
I am on Urban Christian Ministries Board because I’m passionate about the positive atmosphere at UCM and the impactful work we do for the community.
Janisha Whitlock
Board Member
Bio
I serve on the board to be an advocate for youth and to bring a different perspective of the younger generation.
Michael Turner
Board Member
Bio
Urban Christian Ministries has done so much for me my whole life. I just wanted to give back some of what UCM gave me. I want youth to experience what I did and to see what I saw and to feel the way I felt growing up. That is my reason for joining the board.
Pastor Robert Tucker
Board Member
Bio
Pastor Tucker joined Urban Christian Ministries to serve in a capacity that prepare’s policies, produces change and promotes partnerships that will bring purpose driven lives to our future generations. Also to see the youth of the future become the leaders of the now.
Emeritus Member
Pastor Cleveland “Perry” Howell
Emeritus Member
Bio
Is a dedicated faith leader, changemaker, and visionary whose life exemplifies unwavering commitment to the call of God. A former CEO and board member of UCM, Pastor Howell has served in various capacities throughout his long-standing relationship with the ministry. He considers it a profound honor to love and invest in the youth and community he holds dear. "UCM celebrates Pastor Howell’s enduring dedication to empowering youth and strengthening the community, honoring his invaluable contributions and ongoing support as a cherished member of the UCM family.
Margo Lunieski
Emeritus Member
Bio
Has served on the UCM Board because she loves its unwavering dedication to youth and community. As a woman of faith, it is important to live a life that reflects what we know to be true, and that truth has driven her to UCM's mission. She has embraced this opportunity to contribute to meaningful impact through her faith, leadership, and commitment to empowering the next generation and strengthening the community.
Marilyn Law
Emeritus Member
Bio
I love the ministry and I love to help. Joining the board was another way to help. I felt it was a responsibility and it was a joy.
Urban Christian Ministries
Business Email
Business Address
967 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo NY 14204
Business Number
716-882-9472
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Urban Christian Ministries