United Methodist Social Ministries in the Desert Southwest Conference is a missional network connecting and engaging the hopes and passions of the United Methodist congregations of the Desert Southwest Conference and the communities they serve across Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona. UMSM has nearly forty years of experience providing services and valuable assistance, as well as living out the historical vision of the United Methodist Church, which is based in a commitment to social justice, serving the needs of the community, and addressing issues like poverty, hunger, healthcare, and disaster relief. The UMC believes in putting faith into action through acts of compassion, advocacy, and service. UMSM takes seriously our part in this vision by building partnerships with congregations and community agencies to address pressing needs including homelessness, affordable housing and emergency services.
Our Mission:
To empower and strengthen the communities we serve by making connections, seeking justice, and building capacity.
Our Vision:
A ministry of C.A.R.E.
Connecting – Creating connections of social care by building partnerships that have greater impact on the local community.
Advising – Assisting and advising programs of social concern, whether through education, development, or implementation.
Recognizing – Telling the stories about how meaningful and intentional connections between people and/or organizations can change lives and inspire hope.
Endowing – Providing financial resources, as well as social and intellectual capital, to the congregations and communities that we serve.
Our Impact:
UMSM makes a difference in communities and individual lives, in congregations and the agencies where we partner. We have demonstrated an impact over the years through:
- Providing weekend emergency services
- Help and resources for the unhoused
- Moving people/families out of poverty and into self-sufficiency
- Creating Affordable Housing
- Assisting our churches and faith-based communities as they seek meaningful and faithful ways to utilize their resources for the good of their surrounding communities
Our Partners in Ministry
Open Table Movement
A major initiative of UMSM’s Network of CARE is the coordination of a county-wide Open Table movement in Southern Nevada.
The initial focus of Open Table in the Desert Southwest is serving young adults transitioning from foster care. Each Table has six to eight members who commit to helping a Young Adult for one year. They meet weekly. The group acts as a team of supporters and advocates, using their professional and personal experiences to provide guidance in a non-judgmental space.
NCG – Nevadans for the Common Good
Nevadans for the Common Good (NCG) is dedicated to educating and training citizens to participate in public life. Diverse institutions work together to build relationships, find common ground on issues, and act in nonpartisan ways to improve life for all Nevadans.
SAWs – Servants at Work Team
SAWs© builds high-quality, removable and reusable wooden ramps for low-income, permanently disabled individuals who use wheelchairs, scooters or walkers. Our work is transformative for the ramp recipient and their caregivers as well as for our volunteers who witness the joy-filled moment when an individual regains freedom. UMSM serves as a hub/affiliate of SAWs for Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona.
How You Can Make a Difference
Contact Us to donate or get involved