NOMADS On Mission of Active Divine Service Also sometimes known as “Northern Old Methodist Avoiding Deep Snow” A Ministry of the United Methodist Church

Who are NOMADS? Mission Volunteers (mostly retired) Mostly United Methodists Have their own RVs and are willing to travel at their own expense to work projects Work on NOMADS teams for United Methodist Organizations across the country

NOMADS Host Agencies United Methodist Organizations apply to become a NOMADS Host Agency Host Agencies furnish: Work to do and necessary materials Safe place to park RVs, water, electric, and a way to deal with sewer NOMADS furnish: NOMADS teams to accomplish the work

History Started 1988 in the Rio Grande Valley, TX 1988-89 fall/winter 5 projects - 24 NOMADS All volunteer organization until 2000 when they contracted with an Administer 2001 joined with United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries Now over 1000 members, working 150 projects annually Began Disaster Response Projects in 2006, up to 10,600 hours of donated labor annually

What do NOMADS do? Travel to projects at own expense Provide own RV for self sufficient living (some Agencies provide housing for members who do not have RVs) Furnish most of their own tools Provide labor for NOMADS projects Begin work days with group devotions Meet the needs of the Hosting Agency … and have fun doing it!

Types of NOMADS Projects Three Week Work Projects Disaster Response Projects (NOMADS may work for as little as 1 week) Drop In Projects (NOMADS make arrangements directly with the Host Agency)

Typical Project Work Repair, remodel, and painting New construction Landscaping, maintenance, cleaning Repair homes for elderly, poor, etc. Sewing, office/clerical, organizing, etc. No steep roofs or heavy concrete work

Typical Project Work New bathroom for Pharr UMC classrooms Pharr UMC remodeled old SS rooms to add a new bathroom New bathroom for Pharr UMC classrooms

Typical Project Work Pharr, Texas New computer lab for Pharr, Texas UMC New computer lab in Pharr UMC New tile for old floors

Typical Project Work Rio Grande, TX, Community Outreach Program New window gets caulk New paint job

Typical Project Work Thomasville, GA Vashti Center for kids Remodeled bathroom

Typical Project Work Vashti Center, Georgia Dining Hall windows get new paint Admin bldg. gets paint

Funding Needs Grants Funding Program to help Agencies in need purchase building materials Funding supports NOMADS work to get disaster victims back into their homes NOMADS Administrator Annual Contract Operational expenses (including web site) _____________ 84% of expenses in 2009 were for direct support of NOMADS project work Budget for 2010 is $247,000

Funding Sources Member and Alumni Dues Individual Donations Direct to NOMADS via www.nomadsumc.org or check Via local church Advance Special #982658 Often in memory or in honor of individual NOMADS Church and Sunday School Donations Agency Donations

NOMADS Contact Info Website – http://www.nomadsumc.org Write to: Carla Kinsey, NOMADS Administrator P.O. Box 3508 Shawnee, Kansas 66203 Email: director@nomadsumc.org Phone: 1-866-4NOMADS (1-866-466-6237)

How You Can Help Please help support NOMADS: - Pray for NOMADS members and those for whom we work - Tell others about NOMADS and help recruit NOMADS members and Agencies - Consider joining NOMADS - Donate to NOMADS

New NOMADS Agencies If you are a United Methodist Organization who can use NOMADS help, apply to become a Hosting Agency at www.nomadsumc.org Click on “Request Help”