Emma Norton: 1917 Campaign, Bishop Lanette Urges Support, 2024 Goal, Closing Ceremony, In-Kind Donations Update

by Marion Hansen

Final Push for Restoring Waters 

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:18

         Emma Norton, a UMW member and philanthropist from Winona, donated funds to United Methodist Women in 1917 which resulted in the formation of the “Methodist Home for Girls” (Emma Norton) as a National Mission organization.

         Through the years, these services continued to develop and transform lives. In 2024, the latest edition, Restoring Waters will open, providing supportive housing for 60+women, individual and small families and a new organizational headquarters. The 1917 was developed to complete the funding for the building project. Campaign. Kudos to Minnesota/Dakotas UMC Bishop Lanette Plambeck for the idea and for asking the faith community to give generously (see below).

         Please consider a “second mile” gift for this effort. You can support Restoring Waters through donations of any amount however you might want to consider $19.17 or $191.70 or $1917 and so one. Approximately 500 gifts of $1917 would close the gap!

         Contributions for this effort should be sent to: Emma Norton Services, 670 Robert St. North, St. Paul, MN 33101, or online. Checks should be made out to Emma Norton with Restoring Waters-Faith Campaign, in the memo line.

Bishop Urges Faith Community to Join Campaign

       In a letter and video to Minnesota Annual Conference, Resident Bishop Lanette Plambeck invited all to join her in supporting Emma Norton’s Home + Healing Campaign for Restoring Waters to “provide stability, healing, and trauma-informed care for more than 60 women, individuals, and small families who have experienced homelessness.”

     The Bishop encouraged us to:

• Invite an Emma Norton staff member to speak at your church or during a special forum or committee meeting. 
• Consider including “Restoring Waters” in a special offering.
• Establish a matching fund from your church to encourage congregational donations.
• Honor Emma Norton's founding year by making a gift to the 1917 Campaign.
• Share a short video about Restoring Waters during a service or special event (here is a great option), or include information in your church newsletter or bulletin.
• Keep Emma Norton, its campaign, and the residents and families it serves in your prayers.

 

 Watch video invitation from Bishop Lanette. 

Emma Norton 2024 Goal

        Each year at our UWFaith Conference Annual Meeting each District makes a Pledge to Mission and sets an Emma Norton Goal.

         MN UWFaith received a Mission Giving Award 2023 in recognition of reaching 102% Mission Giving for 2023.

        This year’s pledges are Big Waters $6,800, North Star $6,500, River Valley 10,000, Southern Prairie $10,000 and Twin Cities $9,000. These dollars go to overall support for women, children and youth receiving services through Emma Norton Services. 

         Monies to reach this goal are raised through the efforts of individuals and local units that are then sent to their District Treasurer (or in the case of North Star to the Conference Treasurer) so they are included in reaching our respective goals. 

         United Women in Faith has been one of the most consistent supporters since Emma Norton was founded. We are proud to continue that legacy of giving and support and are a critical part of their programming and general operating funding each year.

 

Honoring the Legacy: Closing Ceremony & Dinner March 21 

       With the move to Restoring Waters fast approaching, Emma Norton invites you to say goodbye to Emma Norton Residence. Over the past 50+ years, this building has served as a home and place of healing for hundreds of people, and they want to honor that history. 

       Thursday, March 21, ENS will hold the Emma Norton Residence Closing Ceremony with Dinner from 4 to 6 PM, at Emma Norton Residence. Please RSVP to Victoria Virasy-Ertelt at vvirasy@emmanorton.org. For questions, please contact Shawna Nelsen-Wills at 651-251-2632 or snelsen@emmanorton.org. 

 

Logistics Change  

            As they prepare for the move to Restoring Waters, they have significantly less staff capacity for receiving and processing donations. For the time being, they are asking that all donations be brought to Emma’s Place, during the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday. They also ask that you call ahead to schedule a donation drop off time, to ensure that someone is there to receive it, and that the donation fits their needs. Schedule a donation with Victoria by email at vvirasy@emmanorton.org or by phone at 651-251-2662.