About UMSM
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