UNITED NEIBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER UNCC, INC
813 452 8713
OUR
STORY
MR Diem Duverlus a Haitian-born immigrant known as James, has actively engaged in numerous youth programs both in his native homeland and since his relocation to the United States in 2000. His dedication to community service transcends borders, as he has continued to volunteer with various organizations in the Pinellas County area, contributing to home renovations and collaborating with local officials.
In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Mr. Diems orchestrated a humanitarian effort, assembling a team to aid orphaned children and provide assistance to Haitian communities, exemplifying his belief that altruism begins at home, now manifested in St. Petersburg, FL. His ongoing commitment includes distributing hygiene kits, compiling directories of supportive organizations, and dedicating two weeks of his annual vacation time to volunteer work within our community.
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In 2019, faced with his mother's early dementia diagnosis, Mr. Diems encountered challenges accessing support services due to the closure of a longstanding immigrant assistance organization. Motivated by this gap in services, he collaborated with a local pastor to establish the United Neighborhood Community Center (UNCC), a 501(c)(3) organization offering a spectrum of aid, including educational programs, food distribution, utility and housing assistance, transportation services, clothing provision, and medical clinics.
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His compassionate leadership and tireless dedication have earned Mr. Diems Duverlus the esteemed recognition as our hometown hero for 2023. We express gratitude for his 25 years of unwavering service, and extend our appreciation to the pastor of PCC for embracing the vision of UNCC. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth and impact of this vital community resource.
Mr. Diems' upbringing in Haiti, marked by personal loss and resilience, instilled in him a profound sense of duty towards helping others. Despite facing adversity, he remained steadfast in his commitment to community engagement, recognizing the inherent fulfillment in lending a hand to those in need.
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As an immigrant navigating the complexities of residency in the U.S., Mr. Diems intimately understands the challenges faced by the Haitian community and the critical importance of accessible support services. Observing the closure of Catholic Charities, he recognized the imperative for a local resource to fill the void, thus embarking on the establishment of UNCC.
Since its inception, UNCC has served over 500 immigrant families in need, with a commitment to expanding its reach to accommodate the remaining 1000 families awaiting assistance. It is Mr. Diems' unwavering dedication to uplifting his community that distinguishes him as a true hero in our midst.