It was originated under the name St. Andrews Outreach during the torrential valley rains, flooding and Love Creek slide of 1982. Annette Marcum spearheaded and coordinated efforts working from St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Ben Lomond. A program was established to provide direct aid and assistance to victims of the flooding and other storm damage in the area. During the disaster, Marcum realized
that low-income residents in the valley had many unmet needs. In 1985, under her leadership, area churches and community volunteers came together to create a food distribution site for valley area residents in need. In 1987, a coalition of county government and community organizations was formed to establish the original Valley Resource Center, a permanent food pantry. In 1989 the Loma Prieta earthquake ravaged the valleys and VCUM’s disaster program again provided immediate direct aid assistance to the victims. Over $800,000 was raised for relief with a 1% administration cost. Since the 1982 disaster, Valley Churches United Missions continues its “Missions of Love” in its permanent site in Ben Lomond. VCUM is a nonprofit organization which receives no government funding. It has raised and distributed over twelve million dollars in assistance. Valley Churches United Missions' programs reach out to over 500 families each month and provide emergency food, crisis rent, utilities, medical, school supplies and disaster relief. The organization is powered by 97% volunteer community members, with only three paid staff; this enables us to keep our overhead very low. Valley Churches United Missions serves neighbors in need in the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley and Bonny Doon. Many, many volunteers have contributed countless hours over the years resulting in a thriving community outreach agency.
