To the Editor:

Cynthia Hull, our dear executive director, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. To those who know her, Cynthia is a passionate advocate who has dedicated her life to the service of others, most recently in her nearly five years at United Community Ministries (UCM). She is a woman who believes in a shared humanity that binds us all together. For Cynthia, this humanity underscores the responsibility that all of us have to work together towards a better community, in particular for those who need help to move from poverty, hunger and homelessness to a life of hope and greater prosperity.

In recognition of Cynthia’s contributions to our community, and at the suggestion of Supervisor Gerry Hyland, UCM has established the “Cynthia Hull for UCM Fund” as a living tribute in her honor. Donations to the fund will support the work of UCM, which serves over 13,000 men, women and children each year.

Contributions to the fund may be sent to UCM at 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306. Please note Cynthia Hull Fund in the memo line.

At the same time as we recognize Cynthia for her tireless and selfless dedication to UCM and others, she has expressed her certainty that UCM will continue to be our community’s safety net and a driving force behind the health of southeastern Fairfax County well into the future. UCM’s deputy executive director, Elizabeth McNally, will assume the role of acting executive director during this time of transition. We will move forward in the spirit of shared teamwork and core values that Cynthia so embodies, with UCM’s staff, volunteers, funders and countless community advocates continuing to serve in the best interests of UCM’s program participants.

Douglas J. Kennett, President

UCM Board of Directors