About Us
Founded in 1989 by a group of local churches, United Christian Ministries of Jackson County aims to support individuals facing urgent physical, financial, social, or spiritual difficulties in gaining independence. We operate a food pantry, distribute personal and household supplies, and offer assistance for overdue utilities, heating, rent, and RX copays to residents of Jackson County. We work with various local support organizations to better serve our community. Our team consists of three staff members and over 40 volunteers.
Pounds of food distributed
2025: 244,422
2024: 236,184
2023: 152,000
2022: 128,000
2021: 76,000
2020: 70,000
2019: 40,000
UCM relies entirely on donations from churches, businesses, and individuals, as well as grants. We accept monetary donations and pantry items. Our grantors include Jackson County, Dogwood Health Trust, Great Smokies Health Foundation, Nantahala Health Foundation, North Carolina Community Foundation, WNC Bridge Foundation, Rotary Club of Sylva, Church of the Good Shepherd (Cashiers), Food Lion Charitable Foundation, WNC Community Foundation, Balsam Mountain Trust, Sisters of Mercy, and others. Many local businesses, civic groups, and churches support UCM through financial aid and by collecting items like canned food for clients. Community support is vital for our success.
Staff:
Executive Director: Ann Selby Nicholson (aselby@ucmsylva.org)
Assistant to the Director: Andi Green (agreen@ucmsylva.org)
Board of Directors
United Christian Ministries is governed by a board of directors. This board consists of representatives from 15 local congregations and agencies, who are elected annually to provide oversight and support for our ministry. Each member serves a three-year term. UCM aims to have broad representation from local churches and agencies to help shape our ministry's vision.
Current Board of Directors
Officers: Josh Sutton, Chairman; Dwight McMahan, Secretary; Marcia Jones, Treasurer
Board Members at Large: Chad Cagle, Evie Caron, Jacke DeLeeuw, Karen Doucette, Frances Hess, Dwight McMahan, Peg Shafer, Annette Sutton, and Emily Taylor