Our Mission at UMAI Foundation
The Ancient Legend of Umai
Long ago, a golden spirit named Umai vowed that no child would ever be left unprotected. She guarded mothers and children with her golden light — carrying warmth, courage, and hope. To those who faltered, she gave strength; to those in darkness, she offered the promise of light. Umai’s eternal love was the vow that no child would ever stand alone.
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The UMAI Foundation as a Living Legacy
Today, her timeless spirit flows through the UMAI Foundation. Inspired by Umai’s embrace, we open our arms to children facing battles beyond their years. Through sewing, fashion design, and creative arts, we give them more than skills — we give courage, joy, and belonging. Each stitch and each spark of imagination carries forward Umai’s sacred mission: to heal, to protect, and to fill hearts with love.
✨ Every child’s dream is a story continuing Umai’s legend.have grown into a thriving nonprofit, serving hundreds of individuals each year.
OUR CORE VALUES
🔹 Community
🔹 Protection
🔹 Community
Together, we create strong bonds that support children and families, building a caring community of hope and resilience.
🔹 Hope
🔹 Protection
🔹 Community
In every stitch and sketch, there is the promise of tomorrow — inspiring children to dream, heal, and achieve their goals.
🔹 Protection
🔹 Protection
🔹 Protection
Every child deserves safety, care, and encouragement. We provide guidance and protection so they can grow with confidence.
🔹 Creativity
🔹 Protection
🔹 Protection
Through sewing, art, and design, creativity opens doors to healing, imagination, and a brighter future.
Children’s Healing Stories — UMAI Foundation
Sofia’s First Stitch
Since childhood, Sofia dreamed of learning to sew, inspired by the memories of her grandmother’s handmade dresses. At UMAI Foundation, she finally had the chance to bring that dream to life. With patience and encouragement, her teacher showed her that every stitch is more than just fabric coming together — it’s a step toward confidence, independence, and joy.
Now, at only 8 years old, Sofia proudly says: “I’m not just sewing — I’m creating my own story.”
Ethan’s Embroidery Journey (Mother’s Story)
When Ethan first joined the embroidery class, his confidence was very low. He had spent months in hospitals, often feeling too tired or discouraged to play or laugh. But the first time he held the embroidery hoop, something changed — his eyes lit up with focus and joy.
As his mother recalls: “When my son joined the embroidery class, I saw his smile return for the first time in months. UMAI Foundation gave him hope — and gave me hope, too.”— Ethan’s mom, Pasadena
Maya’s Runway Moment
As a little girl, Maya loved fairy tales — especially stories where brave heroines wore dresses that shimmered with magic. She often dreamed of stepping into that world, but it felt far away.
At UMAI Foundation, Maya discovered that she could bring those dreams to life. Stitch by stitch, she designed and sewed her own patchwork dress, pouring her imagination into every color and pattern.
When the runway show arrived, Maya walked proudly in the dress she created — no longer just imagining a storybook heroine, but becoming one herself.
“Walking the runway in the dress I made myself was the best day of my life. I felt strong, proud, and unstoppable — thanks to Ms. Dee and the UMAI Foundation.”
— Maya, 10 years old (California)— Maya, 10 years old (California)
ENROLL YOUR CHILD
What Our Kids Say
Amelia’s mom enrolled her 6 months ago, after treatment. Since then, Amelia has discovered the joy of kids’ sewing classes at UMAI Foundation, creating clothes from scratch, and finding confidence and happiness in every stitch.
“I want to sew a dress for my mom too.” — Amelia, 7 years old (Los Angeles)