Every six months the 100 Women Who Care group meets to decide which non-profit should receive a combined donation of $10,000. Each woman in the organization pays $100 to be involved in the event.

With this donation, members can write down the name of a local nonprofit on a slip of paper. Once everyone is signed in, three nonprofits were chosen at random to be considered for the donation.

This year NUMAS Haus, Turner Hall and Oak Hills Living Center were considered for the donation. Each of the three nonprofits was given five minutes to tell the women about their organization.

Jenny Gag and Mary Henle spoke on behalf of NUMAS Haus. Gag explained that NUMAS Hause serves as an emergency shelter and support services for homeless women and their children in the Brown County Area. Henle said there is a waiting list to get into NUMAS Haus. There is a need for room to expand.

Staff photos by Clay Schuldt NUMAS Haus, located off Center Street, serves as an emergency shelter and women for their children. The nonprofit was recently awarded a $10,000 donation from New Ulm’s 100 Women Who Care organization.

The women attending the event were convinced, with NUMAS Haus receiving the most votes.

NUMAS Haus executive director Nicole Schmiesing said she and the NUMAS Haus board were beyond thrilled and humbled to be chosen by 100 Women.

Schmiesing said receiving a large donation like this helped a great deal as it can open up further opportunities and jumpstart other programs.

Schmiesing said the NUMAS Haus board would need to discuss all the options on how to use the donation. The money could be used to expand resident support programming or purchase items for the shelter. There is a constant need for general operating support.

NUMAS Haus has been taking in women and their children since August 2016. In addition to providing shelter for up to 90 days, clients receive special programming to help them obtain stable housing. This is through financial education, employment assistance and connection to mental health support.

“The impact people make at the shelter is real,” Schmiesing said “whether it be through donations, volunteer work, or some other means, the community’s embrace is unbelievable and the reason we can move our families to stable housing.”

The 100 Women events are held every six months. During Sunday’s event, 12 different nonprofits were nominated, with NUMAS Haus being the top choice by members present.

With additional members signing up, New Ulm’s 100 Women Who Care organization now has 120 members.