New Era Begins at UMOM Centers
UMOM’s leadership announced it has taken over operation of six programs that bring help and hope to homeless youth and young adults.
The programs were formerly part of the Tumbleweed nonprofit service organization and are new additions to UMOM’s longstanding work as Arizona’s largest shelter and service provider for homeless families.
In December 2016, UMOM became of aware of financial difficulties encountered by Tumbleweed, an organization that provided services to homeless youth since 1972. Recognizing the significant community value of Tumbleweed’s programs, UMOM CEO Darlene Newsom, her executive team and UMOM’s Board of Directors decided to enter into Tumbleweed’s Chapter 11 restructuring process in federal bankruptcy court. In late April of this year, the court approved the plan to absorb nearly all Tumbleweed’s programming and staff.
“It was the right thing to do,” said Newsom. “At UMOM, we’ve worked hard over the years to be fiscally healthy and a strong partner to the communities we serve. That strength gave us the capacity to absorb and continue the Tumbleweed programs.”
Although it is extraordinarily difficult to accurately count the number of homeless youth in Maricopa County, we know – from a variety of sources – that each night, many hundreds of teenagers and young adults are on the street.
“That’s our motivation behind all of this,” said Newsom. “The need is just too great.”
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton applauded UMOM for its leadership and service to the community.
“Darlene Newsom and UMOM have been a godsend to families facing homelessness in Phoenix, and now they have stepped up for our community in another vital capacity,” said Mayor Stanton. “By taking over these essential services, UMOM is giving scared and vulnerable young women and men in crisis a helping hand when they need it the most.”
UMOM Board President Karen Johnson of Midwestern University said, “Standing back and doing nothing was never an option. We already work with hundreds of families and many more individuals. Expanding to include programs for youth and young adults is a natural extension for us, and a perfect match for our vision to be a leader in breaking the cycle of homelessness.”
Nearly all Tumbleweed staffers will transition to jobs at UMOM, although there will be some changes in duties and assignments. UMOM also purchased Tumbleweed facilities that support the six programs UMOM will now operate.
