A MOTHER'S LOVE. A WORLD OF HOPE.
Jeroldine Kaiser, the visionary Founder of UMOJI and the inspiring mother of Zhivago (Dr. Z), embarked on a remarkable journey. Like Bathsheba in the biblical tale, she faced a profound challenge — a world that often failed to see the true potential of her son.
Driven by a mother's unwavering love and a deep desire for a better future, Jeroldine channeled her energy into building what would become UMOJI — a safe harbor for all people navigating the storms of reintegration, trauma, and systemic injustice.
What began inside the walls of Deer Ridge Correctional Institution as "UMOJA NI NGUVU" has grown into a Christ-centered, multicultural movement touching 120+ countries and transforming thousands of lives each year.
UNITY IS STRENGTH
UMOJI is derived from UMOJA (Swahili: Unity) and evolved as the organizational identity grew to encompass a global, multicultural mission. Today, UMOJI represents the convergence of community, technology, faith, wellness, and justice.
“Unity is OUR Identity, and We Help People.”
501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Christ-Centered · Trauma-Informed · Multicultural
Founded: 2022 · Based: Pacific Northwest
EIN: 88-4301676 · Oregon DOJ #67294
THE TIMELINE OF OUR COMMUNITY
Born Inside the Walls
UMOJI was founded as 'UMOJA NI NGUVU' (Swahili: 'Unity is Strength') inside Deer Ridge Correctional Institution by Jeroldine Kaiser — a mother's love turned into a movement.
501(c)(3) Status Achieved
UMOJI became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 88-4301676), registered with Oregon DOJ #67294. Programs launched serving 1,000+ individuals locally.
Explosive Growth
43% annual impact growth. Expanded to 100+ partners, 1,303+ Oregon service locations, and 120+ countries. Digital infrastructure built with 150+ tools and platforms.
Global Reach & Recognition
30,000+ contributors worldwide. Launched HeroVerse Apprenticeship, Financial Literacy Initiative, and Transitional Housing pilots. Newsletter, annual analytics, and audit-ready documentation established.
The Next Chapter
Expanding into all Oregon counties, all 50 US states, and 193 UN member nations. Target: 375 hubs by 2030 serving 30,000+ per year. $50B+ global restorative justice economy vision.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The nonprofit parent — programs, advocacy, community services, education, and restorative justice.
Manages real estate assets, transitional housing properties, and land holdings for long-term community stability.
Technology, intellectual property, SaaS products, HeroVerse, and revenue-generating ventures that fund the nonprofit mission.
BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT
Whether you give, volunteer, or partner — every action moves us closer to a world where no one is left behind.