Ascension Leadership Academy is organizing a fundraiser to help the United Christian Advocacy Network City Mission complete asbestos abatement of its building that will soon become a shelter for women and children.

The academy teaches people to overcome barriers in life, while supporting other organizations that impact local communities.

“We work to instill responsible leadership and inspire potential action in people,” Alexandria Bazan, an active participant of the academy and a fundraising volunteer, said. “It’s a program that’s crafted for people committed to elevating their own lives.”

Bazan said part of the academy’s training is learning about intentional and responsible leadership.

As part of the program, participants are challenged to identify a compelling cause and inspire change for other people.

“We understand the value in supporting other people who maybe don’t have that foundation of support for themselves,” Bazan said. “We work to find causes that are incredibly meaningful and make an impact within those.”

The UCAN City Mission is one of the causes that Ascension Leadership Academy has identified and opted to help financially.

The academy has started a fundraising campaign for the mission, which will culminate in a virtual fundraising event Thursday.

“Right now, it’s going great,” Bazan said. “We are one fifth of the way to our goal. Things are full speed ahead. We’re really excited and looking forward to hitting our goal.”

Bazan said the Aug. 11 virtual events will feature musicians and other forms of entertainment. The goal will be to raise additional funds through the event to reach the pledged amount of $50,000.

“We do believe and anticipate it will be reached,” she said.

During the event, Ascension Leadership Academy will present UCAN with a large check for its asbestos abatement and renovations for the women and children’s shelter.

Bazan said raising money for the UCAN is a priority because construction on the women and children’s shelter has been halted due to the asbestos problem.

“Each day that their construction is halted is another day where women and children are left without a place to go,” she said.

By raising funds for the UCAN City Mission, the academy hopes to aid the ministry’s efforts to combat homelessness and provide a safe place for people in need.

Bazan said inspiring people to come together and support a cause like UCAN makes a powerful impact on the community.

“What we’re optimistic about is that our impact will be the catalyst of what they need to move forward and help the women and children who so desperately need it,” she said.

Stevanie Mead, Ascension Leadership Academy community service captain, said UCAN is an important foundation in the community and has an important task that must be carried out.

“It’s important that women and children have somewhere to turn to in a pivotal time of need,” she said. “We must get this asbestos removed so women and children have this life-saving safety net,” she said. “We must get this asbestos removed so women and children have this life-saving safety net.”

As the fundraiser continues and the Aug. 11 event draws closer, the academy is encouraging people to attend the virtual event or donate online at www.classy.org/event/ascension-leadership-academy-supports-ucan-city-mission/e418772.

The academy is also looking for people willing to volunteer or provide free services for UCAN’s asbestos removal. Additionally, the organization is searching for an industrial refrigerator the UCAN could use for its ministry.

“We are approaching everything with urgency but also a sense of excitement,” Bazan said. “We just hope that this inspires more people to realize the amount of impact that just one person can create for so many other people.”

Jeff Rotunda, UCAN City Mission executive director, has been appreciative of the work Ascension Leadership Academy is doing on behalf of the ministry.

“This tremendous support has taken me by complete surprise and words can’t describe what an incredible blessing it is for this community,” he said.”Times are getting tougher as more and more families are in need. This support couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time.”