UMOM News & Media Mentions
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UMOM Moments: Big Changes are Here!
Big changes are here! Read on to find out what's been going on with UMOM this month and what's coming up next!

Innovative Partnership Brings 96 New Affordable Family Housing Units to Phoenix
Nearly 100 families in Phoenix have a new, affordable place to call home. UMOM New Day Centers, the City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, the Phoenix IDA and its partners are proud to celebrate the grand opening of La Esperanza Terrace. This landmark affordable housing development was made possible through an innovative, first-of-its-kind agreement between the Isaac School District, the Phoenix IDA, UMOM and the City of Phoenix. This 96-unit development will provide affordable housing for low-income families for decades to come.

UMOM Moments: Spring, Volunteers, and More!
April has been a great month for UMOM, and we're not done yet! Read on to find out what's been going on with UMOM this month and what's coming up next!

UMOM’s Meaghan Rodeck Leads with Strategy and Heart
From marketing to mission-driven leadership, Meaghan Rodeck brings clarity, structure, and joy to UMOM’s evolving strategy.

Taking Risks with Trust and Transparency
Risk-taking, trust, and transparency are critical for organizations to both survive and thrive during times of uncertainty.
On the latest episode of “It Happens at STN”, UMOM COO Monique Lopez and CASS CEO Nathan Smith explained why leading through uncertainty requires taking calculated risks. From aligning teams around shared goals to building cultures of transparency and trust, they share lessons and encourage bold, values-driven decision-making.

The Evolution of Side Hustles in the Workforce
With the gig economy reshaping employment, organizations are learning to embrace this shift, setting clear expectations while allowing employees to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
On the March episode of “It Happens at STN”, UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder, COO Monique Lopez, and Francisco Avalos, Senior Public Policy Manager at Lyft, explored how companies can adapt to a workforce balancing traditional roles with side jobs.

Navigating Abrupt Change Requires Leadership to Stay Focused and Adaptable
In leadership, uncertainty isn’t a possibility – it’s a guarantee. And, when it comes, leaders don’t have the luxury of panic.
The latest episode of ‘It Happens at STN’ tackled this reality head-on with UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder and COO Monique Lopez. They shared how leaders can manage unexpected crises while staying disciplined in their strategic vision.

UMOM Celebrates Transformative Progress in 2024 and Looks Ahead to a Promising 2025
UMOM New Day Centers capped off a year of remarkable milestones, including the grand reopening of two state-of-the-art facilities that added an additional 192 beds and 42 rooms to UMOM’s campus furthering their ability to serve families experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. These achievements reflect UMOM’s 60 years of unwavering commitment to restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and addressing homelessness in the community.

Social Enterprise & Revenue Opportunities for Nonprofits
On the latest episode of “It Happens at STN”, UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder and COO Monique Lopez got into the details of social enterprise: what it is, and what it means for nonprofits like UMOM in terms of revenue opportunities.

Fernandez Bjork: From Foster Homes in Alabama to a Life Dedicated to Advocacy
Fernandez Bjork explains how a social worker, an adoptive family, and serving the country instilled in him a passion to serve.

Leading in Times of Division
In the “Leading in the Moment” segment of November’s episode of “It Happens at STN”, UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder and COO Monique Lopez, along with Valley Leadership CEO Dave Brown, discussed “agreement” versus “alignment” and how being open to difference of opinion can sometimes bring benefits for the team as a whole.

UMOM & Mayor Kate Gallego Celebrate Renovated Shelter Units
On November 11, 2024, Mayor Kate Gallego and the City of Phoenix joined UMOM in celebrating the grand reopening of UMOM New Day Centers’ Annex building, featuring 20 shelter units with a capacity of up to 8 beds each. With over 300 families on a waitlist for emergency shelter in Maricopa County, these renovated units will help UMOM address the growing needs of multi-generational and larger families.

Building F Grand Reopening
On October 30, 2024, UMOM celebrated the grand reopening of the renovated Building F on our New Day Centers campus. Funded by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Building F introduces 22 family shelter rooms equipped with six beds each, providing 96 new emergency beds.

UMOM Highlights the Impact of Long-Time Volunteer and Phoenix Resident, Steve Hudson
UMOM New Day Centers, the largest family and single women’s shelter in Arizona, is proud to highlight the exceptional contributions of one of its most dedicated volunteers and Phoenix resident, Steve Hudson, whose commitment to workforce development and mentorship has been instrumental in transforming lives.

The Million-Dollar Question: Preparing for Sudden Change
On the latest episode of “It Happens at STN”, UMOM CEO Jackson Fonder and COO Monique Lopez discussed the “million-dollar” question: how best to handle sudden change, especially when it comes to a significant loss or gain in funding.

UMOM’s 60th Anniversary Gala: Thank You for Shining Bright!
We want to thank everyone who attended UMOM’s 60th Anniversary Gala. We’re thrilled to share that thanks to your support, we exceeded our goal of $750,000!

Navigating Workforce Development in the Digital Age
On the debut of “Leading in the Moment”, a new segment of “It Happens at STN”, UMOM’s CEO Jackson Fonder and COO Monique Lopez joined a panel discussion on what’s behind Arizona’s labor shortage and how to fix it.


