We are UMOS

What began in the 1950s as separate ministries of the Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic Church, and the Wisconsin Council of Churches to address the basic needs of farmworkers was formally incorporated in March 1965 as a new nonprofit, UMOS. Today, as UMOS celebrates its 60^th anniversary, the nonprofit employs more than 800 human services professionals who help thousands of individuals and families every day build better futures for themselves across over 50 programs, services, and locations in Wisconsin, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota.

Helping Families Become Self-Sufficient

Since September 1997, the State of Wisconsin has partnered with UMOS to administer Wisconsin Works (W-2). UMOS has been helping parents in poverty overcome barriers in their lives, so they can gain employment, support their families, and move from dependency on public benefits to economic self-sufficiency. Not only is UMOS helping parents become employed, the organization’s team helped parents obtain high-wage jobs and exceeded the state’s goal by 136%. The team also helped them maintain those jobs for at least six months and 155% of that state goal.

Helping Children Become Ready for Success in School

For three decades, UMOS has been offering early child care and development as part of federally funded Head Start programming.  In more than 30 centers across rural communities in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Texas, the nonprofit serves children of seasonal agricultural workers under five years of age. Today, UMOS helps at-risk families overcome barriers while fostering the cognitive, social, behavioral, and physical development of over 1,800 children, thus enabling them to thrive in school and life.

Helping Agricultural Workers Gain Greater Skills

From its earliest days, UMOS has served lower-skilled, seasonal agricultural workers.  While seasonal agricultural workers play an essential role in feeding the nation, many are paid extremely low wages and are unable to support themselves and their families. The nonprofit continues to provide a variety of educational, vocational, and supportive services to increase this workforce’s skills, credentials, and earnings.

Helping Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Take Control of Their Lives

There are a number of organizations that may offer services to victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.  But, what happens when those adults and children suffering from such abuse are isolated from help due to cultural and linguistic differences?  That’s where UMOS’ culturally and linguistically responsive services make the difference in building trust, resilience, and hope.

Helping Families to Avoid Disruptions in Household Utilities

With temperatures that can range from the 90s to well below zero in Wisconsin, having access to utilities can have serious health consequences for families and seniors, alike. After years of inflation across so many household costs, it is harder than ever for many to pay their utility bills.  Partnering with state and local government agencies, UMOS administers the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program for residents in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Marquette Counties, helping prevent service disconnections and repair/replace furnaces.

Helping Families Avoid Hunger

As we all know, inflation has taken a real bite out of family budgets.  The situation is even more challenging for low-income individuals and families who are unable to buy enough groceries to feed themselves.  By partnering with such companies as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, and Breadsmith as well as many nonprofits, including Feeding America, area churches, and schools, the UMOS Food Pantry continues to provide up to 140 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, bread, and dairy. The organization even distributed formula and diapers to new parents.