United Methodist Community House in Grand Rapids, an EngageMI Ministry Partner, recently opened a new center for older adults and expanded services for children.
JOHN E. HARNISH
Michigan Conference Communications
The year was 1902. A group of women from Methodist Episcopal churches in the Grand Rapids District organized a club to do settlement work with immigrants coming to the city, including some Syrian families. Irene Cummings, a deaconess, was chosen as the supervisor.
In a vacant store building on Ellsworth Avenue, these women developed a program for early elementary-age girls offering classes in Bible study, citizenship, cooking, sewing, and handicrafts. By the second year, two evenings a week were devoted to a program for boys.
Ten years later, they purchased property at 314 Wealthy Street with financial support from the Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Methodist Community House of Grand Rapids was born. Read more about their fascinating history.
In January 2000, after a century of service, the United Methodist Community House (UMCH) Board of Directors developed a strategic plan with a renewed mission to “increase the ability of children, youth, families, and adults to succeed in a diverse community.”
Today, the Community House is actively partnering with organizations like the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Clark Retirement Community in the ongoing development of programs to serve the community.
After more than a century of ministry, UMCH has evolved from a cozy, mom-and-pop agency to a leading nonprofit with cutting-edge concepts in service to children and adults. Chief Executive Officer Carla Moore says, “Innovation, creativity, and flexibility are the keynotes as we cast our nets wider than ever before.”
On June 27, 2025, the Community House cut the ribbon for the first phase of an expanded facility with a focus on the needs of older adults as well as additional services for children. They are currently serving about 80 children per day and plan to grow to 140.
UMCH will offer classes, social activities, and expanded dining options to create a healthy community. Moore said, “Our goal is to expand our offerings for seniors in congregate dining, physical fitness, and other wellness-related activities as we continue to serve families and children.” The older adult center will also include space for virtual appointments with care providers and insurers for individuals who might otherwise miss their appointments.
One of the creative new avenues of service for older adults will be computer labs, gaming lounges, and a special “age-u-cate” program for persons dealing with memory loss, including training and support for their caregivers.
The second phase of the project will be the renovation of the existing facility to add a walking track and exercise space, a flex-lounge, and additional office space. In total, the project will cost about $25 million, much of it coming from public funds. However, support from philanthropy, churches, and groups like United Women in Faith (UMF) will be critical to their success. The Community House is UMF’s only National Mission Institution in Michigan.
On June 28, the Michigan Conference United Women in Faith gathered with the leadership of Community House for a time of dedication, reflecting the commitment of United Methodist women going back to 1902. District Superintendent Jodie Flessner and Sharon Smith, president of the Michigan Conference UWF, who also serves on UMCH’s board of directors, took part in the dedication.
Smith noted, “Methodist women were here at the beginning in 1902, and we are still committed to the ministry of the Community House. We thank God for the privilege of sharing in the work and look forward to the future with hope.”
A grand opening of the new facility for current clients was held on July 14, and the facility was opened to the broader community on August 4.
UMCH CEO Moore said, “Community House has always had a heart for children, and that continues with a variety of programs for all ages. But with an aging population, the needs of older adults become more acute. We believe we are ready to ‘serve the present age’ in ministry to all people, of all ages, across Grand Rapids. That’s what it means to be the Community House.”
United Methodist Community House is supported, in part, by generous gifts from United Methodist churches in Michigan through the EngageMI mission engagement program. Learn more about the EngageMI program and how your local congregation can take part.
Last Updated on August 12, 2025