Celebrating 60 years of United Methodist Children’s Services and Embracing the Work Ahead in 2024 and Beyond

While the past year once again contained its inevitable fair share of challenges and surprises, 2023 was another year of bountiful blessings for Rooted & Rising. It was a year in which we were able to honor the agency’s rich history in a special way, but also take stock of the present moment and embrace the challenges and opportunities that await us in the New Year and beyond. 

In October 2023, as you likely know by now, we concluded a multi-year consultative process and officially changed the agency’s name to Rooted & Rising – Washington Park. However, one of the biggest highlights of the year occurred the month prior, on September 21st, with an open house gathering to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of United Methodist Children’s Services’ remarkable legacy and commitment to service. 

In preparing for the anniversary, we had a lot of fun digging through old file folders, cataloging photos from different eras, reminiscing about various colorful characters and recounting some of the ups and downs from the past 60 years. That process also served as a valuable reminder for us that although the locations, programs and services provided have evolved and expanded over the years, the agency’s core mission to humbly serve and love our neighbors has remained intact – an accomplishment in and of itself that is indeed worth celebrating!

This anniversary-inspired trip down memory lane hammered home some other key points for us as well. We gained a greater understanding and appreciation for all those who came before us and put in countless hours to help the agency put down its own roots while continuously adapting to the changing needs of the community we serve. There’s no doubt that the Rooted & Rising team continues to honor that legacy by putting in the work on a daily basis and building for a brighter future, but we wouldn’t be where we are today without the inspired vision of our founders back in 1962, the leadership and guidance of the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin from those earliest days, and the steadfast support of so many individuals and partners throughout the years.

Looking back also helps us recognize that while there is very little that we can accomplish on our own, we can do so much and accomplish great things when we work together in partnership. Sometimes those partnerships come easy, and other times they are a bit more of a challenge, but it is the only way for meaningful and enduring progress. You’ve no doubt heard the old proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Well, here at Rooted & Rising, we are aiming to “go far”, and at the end of another busy, fun-filled and productive year, we invite you to continue your journey together with us to help us and all those we serve to “go far”.