NAM's founding congregations were St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, Northwoods Presbyterian Church, John Wesley United Methodist Church, Kinsmen Lutheran Church, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Congregation Jewish Community North, Wildewood Baptist Church, Cypress Creek Christian Church, Klein United Methodist Church, and Plymouth United Church (U.C.C.).

In the intervening years, numerous additional congregations have joined with the original 10 to support NAM's programs and services, and several Service Partner organizations and business Community Partners have committed to supporting NAM as well.

NAM's first year budget was less than $150,000, which was targeted for rent and set-up costs. NAM has experienced tremendous growth through the years and its 2009-10 projected budget is $9.6 million. In 2008-09, the organization touched the lives of more than 148,000 people through its programs and services.

See a timeline of highlights in NAM's history
Read about NAM's most recent fiscal year accomplishments

Mission
To strive to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Vision Statement
NAM’s vision, grounded in our mission and true to our values, is a community in which Neighbors care for Neighbors through our collaborative effort with area congregations, community partners, donors and volunteers. Resources are pooled and leveraged to meet basic needs and to help individuals regain their self-sufficiency, thereby creating a safer and more stable community for all.

Values Statement
Northwest Assistance Ministries values: maintaining a strong commitment to our mission of meeting basic human needs through Neighbors helping Neighbors; fostering a spirit of respect and charity; striving for excellence in all we do; and strengthening connections with our spiritual, funding, and volunteer partnerships.  

Core Values 
I. Commitment to Mission
We are committed to a mission-driven operation focused on the prudential investment of people, programs, and services. Our work will always strive for inclusiveness and the achievement of social justice.

II. Spirit of Respect and Charity
We conduct ourselves in the spirit of charity with non-judgmental compassion toward our neighbors in need, treating them as individuals with dignity who deserve our respect. We believe in fostering individual responsibility and increased self esteem and providing the tools needed to empower people to achieve independence and to develop a desire to give back to the community, while respecting our clients’ pluralism and diversity.

III. Excellence
We are committed to continuous quality improvement in our operations and strive for public accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. We strive to operate with integrity and honesty in all we do, with a strong commitment to and beyond the law. 

IV. Strong Connections with our Stakeholders
We strive to further strengthen our connections to our spiritual and volunteer supporters and funding partners. We strive to be responsible stewards of their resources and to remain committed to the public good.

A copy of the Values Statement can be downloaded here.