1829: The Evangelical City Missionary Society is founded by Worcester industrialist and philanthropist, Ichabod Washburn, who also establishes Memorial Hospital, Mechanics Hall, and WPI. The Society's purpose is to provide benevolent aid and opportunities for education and worship for immigrants working on the Blackstone Canal.

1883: Congregational ministers and industrialists reincorporate the Worcester City Missionary Society and begin to plant new churches in a rapidly growing industrial city.

1991: WAMS becomes the designated mission arm of the Central Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ.

2001: WAMS becomes the first organization in the country to be recognized for "best practice public ministry" by the National Council of Churches because of its innovative and integrated programs for rebuilding struggling neighborhoods.

Coalition to End Family Homelessness: WAMS leads a new regional effort that incorporates several elements:

1) Homelessness prevention through expansion of Hope for Housing, the supermarket gift card program;

2) Creation of new multi-family units through expanded investment in the Community Loan Fund;

3) Public advocacy with local and state officials;

4) Development of a congregation-based early warning system; and 5) Job training program ( www.icefh.org ).

Foreclosure Prevention: In the nation's first partnership between a NeighborWorks organization and a religious institution, WAMS partners with the Homeownership Center of Worcester for public education and community lending.  

Goddard Project: Humanity is just beginning to recognize that the outer space environment is both valuable and fragile. Named after Worcester 's Robert Goddard, who developed the first liquid-fueled rocket, this project seeks to promote citizen action to protect orbital space as an essential natural resource. Learn more about our public education efforts, some undertaken in partnership with the Union of Concerned Scientists, by visiting the dedicated website at www.protectouterspace.com .

Community Ministries: WAMS rallies volunteer and financial support from UCC congregations to help youth in struggling urban areas experience constructive peer influences and positive relationships with adults in church settings where they feel physically and emotionally safe.

Service and Learning: WAMS helps UCC youth in greater Worcester to become caring adults by serving others, deepening their commitment to civic participation and social justice, and developing a sense of purpose.