United Methodist Children’s Services was organized in 1962 and has been serving women, children and families for 45 years. Perry Huyck has been the Executive Director for 26 years and was instrumental in the purchase and move into our current location at the corner of 40th and Lisbon. This location allows us to offer an array of services in a location on a major bus route.

Growing Tree Children’s Center

Our state licensed childcare center with a capacity of 60 children, serves children from our Transitional Living Program as well as the surrounding community.The majority of children are from families who participate in the W-2 Welfare to Work Program.
 

Transitional Living Program

Our Transitional Living Program provides safe, affordable housing, on-site social services and childcare, with a comprehensive program designed to enable low-income, single parent families to become economically self-sufficient. The program has the capacity of 16 families. The women agree to set and work on specific individualized goals while participating in the program. Goals often relate to education, employment, finance, and personal issues. 20 women and 36 children received housing and supportive services in the Transitional Living Program in 2006.
 

Family Resource Center

We distribute emergency food resources and clothing to low-income individuals and families through our Family Resource Center. UMCS is a member of the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee Food Pantry Network and the largest emergency food pantry site in Milwaukee County based on the number of people we serve. We receive food from the Hunger Task Force, Second Harvest, the United States Department of Agriculture stockbox program and private individuals and groups. During 2006 over 26,000 people including 8,778 children were direct recipients of emergency and supportive services through our Family Resource Center.
 

Funding

Our nearly $1 million budget ($996,577) is funded through a variety of sources. The Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church provides $145,250. Individual United Methodist Churches and United Methodist Women provide $101,000. Foundations and other grants provide $193,000. In-kind donations of food, clothing and other supplies total $250,000. Program fees and reimbursements cover $211,000. Individual donors account for $90,000.