UNITED METHODIST APPALACHIAN MINISTRY NETWORK
Serving Apalachia Communities Since 1972
Strengthening Communities Across Appalachia Through Faith, Justice, and Compassion
For more than fifty years, the United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network (UMAMN) has partnered with churches, leaders, and ministries to support grassroots resilience, economic transition, housing stability, and community empowerment throughout Appalachia. Our mission is rooted in Christ's call to love our neighbors, seek justice, and uplift communities facing hardship. Through grants, leadership development, advocacy, and partnerships, UMAMN helps local ministries meet real needs with real compassion. Together, we are building a beloved community across Appalachia, one relationship, one ministry, one act of grace at a time.
Grassroots Strength & Cultural Renewal
Across Appalachia, strength rises from the ground up. UMAMN partners with ministries that celebrate local culture, uplift community voices, and build networks of mutual support rooted in faith and compassion. Appalachia's history is rich, diverse, and often misunderstood. UMAMN supports ministries that reclaim overlooked stories, preserve cultural identity, and help communities heal from historical divides. Mutual aid is woven into Appalachian life. UMAMN collaborates with ministries that share resources, respond to crises, and build collective strength across county and state lines. Grassroots ministry is where the church shines brightest. UMAMN helps equip leaders, strengthen local networks, and encourage ministries that bring hope, dignity, and unity to Appalachian communities.
Economic Transition & Community Opportunity
Appalachia continues to navigate the challenges of economic transition. UMAMN stands alongside ministries working to build a more just, sustainable future for the region. UMAMN provides grants, leadership development, and advocacy support to ministries addressing economic hardship. Economic renewal must come from within. UMAMN partners with ministries that support workforce development, small‑scale manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and community‑driven innovation. UMAMN encourages ministries that integrate environmental stewardship, economic justice, and community empowerment. Together, we help Appalachia imagine, and build a brighter future.
Housing & Community Resilience
Safe, stable housing is essential for thriving communities. UMAMN partners with ministries that repair homes, assist families in crisis, and support long‑term disaster recovery efforts. Many Appalachian families live in aging homes that need critical repairs. UMAMN supports ministries that provide volunteer labor, materials, and emergency assistance to ensure families have safe places to live. Flooding, storms, and environmental challenges continue to impact Appalachian communities. UMAMN collaborates with ministries that train volunteers, equip churches, and strengthen long‑term recovery networks. Housing is more than shelter, it's stability, dignity, and hope. UMAMN helps ministries build resilience through partnerships, training, and grants that empower local churches to respond quickly and effectively to housing needs.
Why UMAMN Matters
Appalachia is a region of deep faith and enduring resilience. Yet many families still face hunger, poverty, limited access to services, and economic instability. UMAMN stands in the gap - offering practical support, spiritual care, and advocacy that uplifts entire communities. Since 1972, UMAMN has partnered with churches and leaders across Appalachia to strengthen communities through justice, mercy, and hope. UMAMN supports ministries addressing hunger, poverty, education, housing, leadership development, and community resilience. UMAMN believes in a beloved community where poverty, hunger, and discrimination are eliminated, and where every person can flourish spiritually, socially, and economically.
How to Support UMAMN
UMAMN's work is possible because of faithful partners like you. Your generosity strengthens ministries across Appalachia. When you decide to support United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network.
You may do it in different ways one is "Giving Through the Advance: @ Appalachian Ministry Network (Advance #982041) This is the best a most efficient way to support UMAMN.
You may also Mail-In Donations: to the following address:
United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network
Attn: Angela Kirtdoll
301 North Fifth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
Share this mission in your congregation and community. Pray for Appalachia. Your prayers strengthen ministries and families across the region.
TOGETHER, WITH YOU WE CAN SPREAD THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST ACROSS APPALACHIA. AWARENESS, CONNECTION, GIVING AND PRAYER TOGETHER WE BUILD HOPE, JUSTICE, AND BELOVED COMMUNITY
With Love,
Pastor John C. Baney
Angela Kirtkdoll
UMAMN TEAM
There are many different ways in which a beloved community is interpreted the following is the rubric of a Beloved Community of which we are building.
Dr. King envisioned a world where everyone strives to benefit the common good. He spent his life working to make economic and social justice a reality for all communities. This philosophy came to be known as the Beloved Community. Within the Beloved Community,
• There is zero tolerance for poverty, hunger, and homelessness
• All forms of prejudice and discrimination are eliminated
• There are international standards for quality of human life
• Economic and social justice are seen as vital for a healthy
society
• Conflict is resolved using peaceful and non-violent means
Dr. King believed when individuals collaborated in the pursuit of equality, equity, and justice, society as a whole would become stronger. King's Beloved Community is justice, not for any one oppressed group, but for all people. As Dr. King often said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." He felt that justice could not be parceled out to individuals or groups, but was the birthright of every human being in the Beloved Community.
