Your support will continue to improve the quality of life for our residents'.

United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) Foundation provides benevolent support for those in need and funding for programs that enrich the lives of the UCHS family.

  • Benevolent Fund - Supporting for those who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their resources

  • Spiritual Life - Enhancing the services offered by our chaplains

  • Campus Enrichment - Renovating or adding to our communities, improving technology, providing art and music therapy classes, and much more

  • Grant a Dream (TM) Fund - "Going the extra mile" to provide residents with longed-for experiences

  • UCC Family Fund - Giving benevolent support for long-term employees of the United Church of Christ and its sister ministries

  • Employee Assistance - Providing for UCHS employees during unexpected emergencies

  • Employee Education - Granting funds for staff members seeking further education

Legacy Giving

There are as many different ways to support UCHS Foundation as there are needs for your support. Planning a gift is more than just finding a need. 

Click the button below to explore a section that offers a variety of methods that will enable you to be a partner in our mission to carry on Christian ministry in the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. The donations that come from these ideas can add life to the years of those we serve by providing senior living and health related communities, benevolence assistance and service programs of outreach into the wider community.

Legacy Giving provides the resources necessary to sustain excellence and preserve the future of UCHS Foundation.

Learn more about legacy giving

Julius Society

The Julius Society is named in honor of Julius W. Abernethy and his wife, Maye Morrison Abernethy, whose initial gift planted the seed that grew to become United Church Homes and Services (UCHS). The Julius Society honors friends like Julius and Maye who are committed to sustaining our work into the future by leaving a legacy gift. These generous donors are recognized at a special event each year at three locations, on our donor walls, and in the UCHS Annual Report.

View Julius Society Members

Julius Society 50 x 50

An elite Julius society campaign, called “50 x 50,”  was unveiled at this years Julius Society dinners. The goal is to raise fifty new Julius Society members, by our fiftieth anniversary in 2021. Each new member will be listed in the Julius Society 50 x 50 group and receive a special 50 x 50 lapel pin. 

If you would like additional information on this elite group of Julius Society Members--please contact Nancy Beard at 828-465-8008 or by email [email protected]

check out the 50 x 50 logo!

https://www.uchas.org/client/uchas.org/files/images/page/photos/50%20by%2050%20logo.jpg

History

2001
UCHS Foundation established.

2002
United Church of Christ (UCC) Family Fund created to provide for individuals closely associated with the UCC or its sister ministries.

2003
First UCHS Foundation Golf Tournament held.

2005
The Julius Society founded to honor legacy donors. 67 people were listed who had given a legacy gift from the founding of the organization through 2005.

2007
UCHS Foundation led a capital campaign to build a new Community Center at Abernethy Laurels. Over $1 million was raised.

2010
Julius Society topped 100 members.

2011
UCHS Foundation spearheaded a capital campaign at Piedmont Crossing and raised $332,000 for a Healthcare project.

2012
Laurels Boutique, a resale shop for gently used clothes and accessories, opened. All proceeds from the store benefit the Abernethy Laurels Capital Fund. To date, the shop has raised over $10,000.

Annual “All Hands on Deck” Employee Campaign began, raising $15,579 from 148 staff members at all UCHS locations.

2013
Julius Society reached 194 members.

UCHS Foundation Golf Tournament celebrated its 10th consecutive year with a net result of $25,000 raised.

2014
UCHS Foundation began the Defining Our Future, Honoring Our Heritage capital campaign to build a new Healthcare Center at Abernethy Laurels with a goal of $3.6 million.

2015
Julius Society increased to 243 members.

$3.4 million toward the Defining Our Future capital campaign goal was raised by Sept. 30.

UCHS Fall Newsletter

Click the link below to view our current Philanthropy Newsletter.

https://www.uchas.org/client/uchas.org/files/documents/fall%202018%20web.pdf

Annual Report

United Church Homes and Services - Kaleidoscope

United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) is proud to be on the forefront when it comes to providing lifestyle opportunities for older adults. Incorporated in 1961, UCHS has a rich tradition of commitment to enriching the lives of those we serve. We are a not-for-profit, church-affiliated provider of senior living opportunities, programs of outreach and benevolence assistance. Our staff is guided by principles of appreciation and respect for each individual. UCHS operates 11 locations across North Carolina and Virginia. 

The UCHS Annual Report is a collection of stories from shining stars within our communities. Take a journey through their eyes and explore how UCHS has touched their hearts and lives.

Download The Annual Report

Events

Upcoming 2018- 2019 Foundation Events:

 

2018 Holiday Campaign  and Giving Cards

The holidays are quickly approaching. Send a holiday greeting card to those you know--for as little as $5. Instead of searching to find the perfect gift, donate in their honor and share with them the warmth and joy that philanthropy brings.

Make your life a breeze this season; Please send the recipients name and address and we'll handle the rest. Each recipient will receive a beautiful holiday card, with notification that a donation was made in their honor. Your tribute will be acknowledged in next years annual report. 

Please send your payment and recipient information to: 

UCHS Foundation 100 Leonard Ave. Newton, NC 28658 
Or you can pay online at https://www.uchas.org/foundation#donate-here 
**please list recipient information in the comments section on the donation screen**

 

2019 Valentine Giving Cards

Avoid standing in front of the overpriced Valentine's Day Card section; Let us save you  time-by sending a card to the special people or pets in your life--for as little as $5.

All you need to do is provide us with the recipients name and address, we'll send a customized Valentine's card, and notify them that a donation was given in their honor. Your donation tribute will be acknowledged in next years annual report. 

Please send your payment and recipient information to: 

UCHS Foundation 100 Leonard Ave. Newton, NC 28658 
Or you can pay online at https://www.uchas.org/foundation#donate-here 
**please list recipient information in the comments section on the donation screen**

 

3rd Annual Davidson County Luncheon

April 12th, 2019 at The Commons on the Greens in Lexington, NC 

Stay tuned for more details about this event. 

 

4th Annual 5k and Mutt Strut

May 18, 2019 at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC 

 

16th Annual UCHS Foundation Golf Tournament​

June 10th, 2019 at Catawba Country Club in Hickory, NC. Contact us in March to reserve your team spot.

 

FY 2017-2018 Events:

 

2nd Annual Davidson County Philanthropy Luncheon

Held Thursday May 10, 2018 at 11:30--at Commons on The Greens, Lexington, NC

This year's even was a huge success--with over two hundred in attendance. We had a net of $38,098, with 92% in attendance giving a gift. Mr. Dwight Hedrick was our honorary guest--for his many years of service to UCHS.

 

3rd Annual 5K & Mutt Strut at Abernethy Laurels

Held Saturday May 18, 2018

This year's event brought in a net of over $16,000--which was used to purchase a new travel bus for Abernethy Laurels residents. 

 

15th Annual UCHS Foundation Golf Tournament

Was held on June 11, 2018- Catawba Country Club Hickory, NC

This year's tournament was our most successful year yet and was sold out two months in advance. We netted over $33,000 and gave away some fabulous prizes--including a two night and three day on Lake Lure, with golf for two. 

Mark your calendar for next year's tournament and book your teams in advance, to ensure you don't miss out on the fun. 

    1st Annual 4 PAWS 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run--at Lake Prince Woods

    Sponsored by The Suffolk Humane Society & Lake Prince Woods was held on Saturday August 25, 2018.

    What an exciting day for attendees and their furry friends. We were able to raise $8,650 in sponsorships for this year's event. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Suffolk Humane Society. Stay posted for the date of next year's race. 

     

    2017-2018 Event Sponsors

    Event Photos

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    Davidson County Philanthropy Luncheon

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    Davidson County Philanthropy Luncheon

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    Lake Prince Woods 5k

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    Lake Prince Woods 5k

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    Lake Prince Woods 5k

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    Festival of Tables- Abernethy Laurels

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    Festival of Tables

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    2017 Festival of Tables

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    Abernethy Laurels 5K

    15th Annual Golf Tournament

    A special thanks to our presenting sponsor Sodexo and to all our other sponsors that helped make this year the best one yet!!

    2018 Golf Tournament Sponsors

    Foundation President, Nancy Beard

    • As a child her journey began with a small UNICEF donation box. She's spent the majority of her life outpouring her love of philanthropy, always giving of her time and heart to better the lives of others.

    Foundation Office Manager, Stephanie Fortner

    • At the age of five she learned the joy that philanthropy brings, as she shared her gift of song,  on a chair at the nursing home. She's continues to share today with her contagious smile and overwhelming desire to give, rather than receive.

    President and CEO

    Lee Syria

    (828) 465-8012

    Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Shull

    (828) 465-8006

    Chief Operating Officer

    Aimee Reimann

    (828) 465-8017

    Chief Quality and Compliance Officer

    Steve Paterson

    (828) 465-8022

    Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer

    Joy Cline

    (828) 465-8014

    Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cathy Cooper

    (828) 465-8535

    President, UCHS Foundation

    Nancy Beard

    (828) 465-8008

    Foundation Board of Trustees

    The UCHS Foundation's success is in large part a credit to our Board of Trustees. The board is filled with people that possess outstanding qualifications and strong dedication to improving the lives of our residents and employees.

    2018-2019 UCHS Foundation Board Executive Committee

     

    • Rev. Brad Thie – Chair
    • Rev. Larry Bolick – Vice Chair
    • Rev. Sarah Snell – Secretary
    • Mr. Henry Simpson – Treasurer
    • Mrs. Jacquelin Edwards– Additional Member
    • Ms. Lee Syria – UCHS President & CEO, Additional Member
    •  

    2018- 2019 Board Of Trustees Members

    • Mrs. Selena Arney, Newton, NC
    • Rev. Lawrence Bolick, Salisbury, NC
    • Mrs. Jacquelin Edwards, Suffolk, VA
    • Mrs. Edith Grimes, Conover, NC
    • Mrs. Kathy Hedrick, Lexington, NC
    • Dr. R. Leroy Howell, Suffolk, VA
    • Rev. Jerry Rhyne, Concord, NC
    • Mr. Henry Simpson, Suffolk, VA
    • Rev. Sarah Snell, Thomasville
    • Rev. Brad Thie, Durham, NC
    •  

    Ex-officio

    • Rev. Dr. Edward Davis, UCC Southern Conference Minister, Burlington, NC
    • Ms. Lee Syria, UCHS President and CEO, Newton, NC
    • Mrs. Nancy Beard, UCHS Foundation President/Assistant Secretary, Board of Trustees, Newton, NC

     

    ​​Staff Liaisons

    • Mr. Gary Shull, CFO, UCHS; Assistant Treasurer, Board of Trustees
    • Ms. Stephanie Fortner, UCHS Foundation Office Manager