United Methodist Women’s predecessor organizations established social service programs across the United States at the turn of the 20th century in response to the needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities— newly arrived immigrants, freed Blacks, the working poor, and indigenous peoples. Many of these programs survive today as independent, autonomous non-profit agencies referred to as National Mission Institutions. Located across the United States, United Methodist Women, national office assists these organizations through grants, technical support, and member involvement. The nearly 90 National Mission Institutions are empowering women, caring for children, educating youth, housing the neglected, advocating for social justice issues, creating economic opportunities and changing neighborhoods.
Click here for a map of their locations and to see a list by state of National Mission Institutions. Contact them and plan a visit or service day. Build a relationship and learn more about UMW's mission story!
The Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner is administered by United Methodist Women. Deaconesses, who are laywomen, and home missioners, who are laymen, are called by God to a full-time vocation in service with those who are marginalized and in need in the world today. This community of laity has responded to the call of God in their lives and has been commissioned by The United Methodist Church to full-time ministries of love, justice and service.
United Methodist Women often gather at the basic level in or near United Methodist Churches; there are groups in every state as well as abroad. These groups actively improve their churches and communities, advocating for change on every level. Additionally they contribute to the larger scope of the national and international work of United Methodist Women. This membership of 800,000 women is the backbone of the organization and of many United Methodist Churches