The Hope Grows campaign aims to renovate the former First United Methodist Church. Last January, NUMAS acquired the former church building to expand shelter and support services for homeless women and children.

NUMAS currently operates a 90-day program, which connects families to education, resources, employment, mental health services and housing within the community. After a 90-day stay, NUMAS Haus remains in contact with guests for two years to offer additional support if needed.

Currently, NUMAS Haus has shelter space for three families at one time. The expansion would allow NUMAS to create five additional bedrooms and two transitional units. The first phase of the renovation process will cost roughly $1.1 million.

Early in the campaign process, NUMAS received a total of $350,000 from three donors. Rooms and Rest Furniture donated $50,000; Mickelson Media Foundation donated $100,000 and Roger and Carol Ryberg donated $200,000.

Picture taken in the future auditorium. L-R: Tim Knaak (Board Vice President), Thor and Cindy Beth Mickelson (Founding Donors), Tom Henderson (Board Member) and John Gag (Board Member)

“Rooms and Rest is honored to team up with NUMAS Haus to support families in need within our community,” said Room and Rest Furniture co-owners Paul Scheman and Tricia Janni. “We believe in giving back and making a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors. We hope this contribution helps NUMAS Haus continue its vital work and provides a sense of stability and comfort to those who need it most.”

“When you think about the world and ask if New Ulm is a place of need; well, you look at these stories and I think it’s really compelling that there is such a need and NUMAS Haus is responding to that need and you feel like your dollar is really making a difference,” Thor Mickelson of Mickelson Media said. “That’s huge.”

“You should read some of these success stories, they’re very touching,” Roger Ryberg said. “NUMAS Haus works. The residents are encouraged to take courses, get guidance, get a job if they didn’t have one, learn how to live; and thankfully testify how NUMAS Haus has changed their life.”

NUMAS Haus executive director Nichole Schmiesing said these three donations have helped funding for the project move forward with donors following their lead.

“We’re extremely grateful and astonished at the community support,” Schmiesing said. “No gift is too small and we appreciate what the community is doing. It’s absolutely remarkable.”

Picture taken in the newly acquired building. Back Row: John Gag (Board Member), Tim Knaak (Board Vice President), Kirk Smith (Board Member) and Paul Scheman (Co-Owner Rooms and Rest) Front Row: Nicole Schmiesing (Executive Director) and Tricia Janni (Co-Owner Rooms and Rest)

This has given NUMAS confidence to begin with small construction. In Jan. 2025, NUMAS will begin construction on a new sprinkler system for the former First United Methodist building. The hope is to start some construction before raising the full $1.1 million to avoid cost increases.

A special free Christmas concert by recording artist Mark Schultz will be held at New Ulm High School at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 hosted by NUMAS Haus, Ivy House, and First Choice Pregnancy Services.