Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM), an organization that has its roots in the early 1970s devoted to both social justice and social service, announced on June 24 that it has a new name: JustDane.
“As we look to our future, we wanted a name that reflects our broader vision as we seek to transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community,” explained Linda Ketcham, JustDane’s Executive Director.That is reflected in the tagline on the new logo – “Changing Lives. Changing the Community.”
The new name grew out of a strategic planning process led by the late Amy Gannon over a two-year period to help the organization refine its mission and vision as in nears the half-century mark in its existence. JustDane honored Amy at its virtual Partners for Change event on Wednesday with its Visionary Award.
JustDane also gave its Partners for Change Award to CUNA Mutual Group Foundation in recognition of its $500,000 grant over the last three years as well as its long-time support of the organization’s programs.
JustDane has an array of initiatives that work with citizens returning to the community from jail or prison, with people who are experiencing homelessness and are being released from the hospital or people facing issues of poverty or racial injustice who need advocates.
One of its initiatives, Just Bakery, provides job training for people re-entering the community – and delicious baked goods for people who buy their products. Another initiative, Healing House, provides a place for recovery after surgery. Circles of Support engages community volunteers in helping formerly incarcerated people adjust to life in the community.
There are a variety of programs that work with young people and a Peer Support initiative that brings together people who have specific needs with staff members who have shared those experiences in their own lives.
All of the programs are designed to bring to reality JustDane’s vision of “A community where everyone can succeed.” The values JustDane brings to its work are inclusion, compassion, forgiveness, and courage.
Fritz Grutzer and his team at Brandgarten help JustDane articulate its mission, vision and values and come up with its new name. Becca Bryant of Urban Root Creative designed the new logo. Carla Scholz from Accent Graphix designed the new web site at justdane.org.
