United Methodist Women (UMW) has had a strong purpose
for over 150 years: we are organized for mission

  • We seek wholeness for ourselves and for others, especially women, children, and youth.
  • We seek to be followers of Jesus Christ as we live our faith in acts of justice and mercy.
  • We are catalysts for needed change.
  • We are mobilizers of human and material resources.
  • We are creators of new arenas of participation throughout the church and the world.
  • Ours is a “sisterhood” of Faith, Hope, and Love in Action.

“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.”  –Romans 12:4–8

UMW CIRCLES

DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MANY UMW CIRCLES HAVE COMBINED INTO ONE
AND MEET MONTHLY ON ZOOM.

UMW BALCH GRANTS

    UMW Balch Grants Support Programs Near and Far

    The Jane E. Balch Memorial Fund was established by Durward Earl Balch in memory of his mother (1885–1974) who was a lifelong member of Hennepin Avenue UMC and was active in the work of the United Methodist Women. The fund was established for Hennepin’s United Methodist Women to further their support of mission projects across the United States and in the world.

    Hennepin Avenue UMC’s United Methodist Women are pleased to share our 2024 Jane E. Balch Memorial Fund grant recipients. This wide swath of nonprofit organizations provides specialized services to women, children, and families. These small grants represent our vote of support for what they do.

    With a grand total of $11,000 awarded to area organizations.

    The Bridge for Youth - Their Marlene's Place (transitional living) and Gloria's Place (emergency shelter) programs directly benefit pregnant and parenting minors and their young children who are currently or at risk of becoming homeless.

    Emma Norton Services - Provides permanent supportive housing for women and families who were formerly homeless and are challenged by mental illness, substance use, both, and/or disability. The grant will be used to purchase items for Emma's Store, where residents develop and practice financial literacy skills.

    The Lift Garage - Helps low income families and individuals in the Twin Cities access affordable car repairs. Over 75% of their clients are women, often single parents. Having a working car can be essential to getting children to child care, obtaining and maintaining  a job, and preserving household stability.

    Avenues for Youth - Supports youth ages 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or other unstable housing situations. Their Young Families program connects small families with rent subsidized apartments while they receive support with education, job training, parenting classes, healthy eating programs, and financial management. The Balch grant will be used to buy furniture for the apartments.

    American Indian OIC's Youth Employment Services (YES) Program- Provides education and career path opportunities to BIPOC youth ages 14-24 who are struggling with graduating from high school and preparing for the work world. The grant will be used to buy a Cricut cutting machine for design students to use on t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, stickers, etc. for many years to come.

    Wildflyer Coffee - A social enterprise dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness by providing employment opportunities coupled with skill building programs. The Balch grant will go towards the renovation of the Minneapolis cafe.

    Simpson Housing Services My Time Project - Special programs for 60 families who are the most vulnerable and have the highest barriers to housing stability, including disabilities, long term homelessness, domestic violence, and intergenerational poverty. They partner with the Hennepin County Coordinated Entry System.

    Open Arms of MN - A nonprofit organization that serves free medically tailored meals to individuals suffering from HIV/Aids, Cancer, MS, ALS, COPD, End Stage Renal Disease, and Congestive Heart Failure. The Balch grant will go towards their special Thanksgiving meal for each of their clients and their families.

    Cornerstone Emergency Services - Serves adults and families in imminent danger as a result of domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking. Because their shelters are often full, they need funding for hotel rooms. Costs are increasing, even with negotiated rates.

    Southern Valley Alliance - The only domestic abuse agency serving all of Scott and Carver counties. All services are culturally specific, trauma informed, and responsive to each client's specific needs. The Balch grant will be used for client emergency assistance - transportation costs, emergency cell phones, and toiletry items.

    OC Ministries of the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church - Lunches at the Richard Ormsby Elementary and Secondary School in Baiwalla, Sierra Leone.