5-Day Trip
January 21, 2026
City Fest (Basketball Outreach)
January 21, 2026New York School of Urban Ministry
Extreme Makeover
Weekend in NYC
Women’s Outreach & Urban Ministry Experience
The Extreme Makeover Outreach is a powerful, hands-on urban ministry outreach in New York City focused on restoring dignity, inspiring hope, and demonstrating God’s love to women living in NYC shelters.
2026:
May 15-17
Oct. 9-11
2 nights — $261 Per Person
2027:
May 14-17
Oct. 8-10
2 nights — $272 Per Person
What Is
Extreme Makeover Weekend
Held twice a year in May and October, this outreach serves approximately 800 women through meaningful, personal encounters. Each participant receives a complete makeover—including manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, and access to new or gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories—together valued at over $50,000.
More than a physical transformation, this experience creates a welcoming and compassionate environment where women are reminded that they are valued, seen, and deeply loved. Through conversation, encouragement, and one-on-one evangelism, lives are impacted in a lasting and meaningful way.
What is involved in this outreach?
This is a full weekend outreach experience that includes both hands-on ministry and meaningful connection:
- Friday (Arrival Day): Check-in, orientation, dinner, followed by a homeless outreach after a time of worship and preparation
- Saturday: Full-day Extreme Makeover Outreach serving women in shelters across NYC
- Saturday (Evening): Volunteer Celebration Dinner with fellowship, worship, testimonies, and a guest speaker
- Sunday (Departure Day): Breakfast, followed by departure or the option to attend a local NYC church
What You’ll Experience at NYSUM's
Discover NYSUM
During Christmas Compassion, participants will experience:
Serving hot meals through our Mobile Food Truck across NYC
Participating in hands-on outreach on the streets of New York City
Providing beauty services (manicures, pedicures, makeup, styling)
Assisting with the distribution of clothing, shoes, and accessories
Engaging in one-on-one evangelism and personal encouragement
Building meaningful connections through conversation and presence
Participating in worship, prayer, and team encouragement
Serving alongside volunteers from across the country in a weekend urban ministry experience
This outreach is designed for women ages 18 and up. Individuals and groups—both small and large—are welcome to participate in this urban women’s ministry experience in New York City.
What Volunteers Can Expect
Key Ministry Features
Relational Ministry & One-on-One Evangelism
At the heart of this outreach is personal connection. Team members spend intentional time with each woman—listening to her story, offering encouragement, and sharing the message of Christ in a genuine and compassionate way.
Homeless Outreach (Friday Night)
The weekend begins with an evening outreach where teams serve individuals experiencing homelessness across New York City. Volunteers distribute food, hygiene kits, and essential resources while engaging in conversation, prayer, and encouragement—reminding each person they are seen and cared for.
Volunteer Celebration Dinner
On Saturday evening, teams gather for a special dinner that includes fellowship, worship, testimonies, and encouragement. Volunteers reflect on their experiences and hear from a guest speaker who challenges and equips them to continue serving in their own communities.
Makeover Outreach (Saturday)
On Saturday, teams serve in shelters across NYC, providing complete makeovers that include manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, hair styling, massages, and access to clothing and accessories.
Throughout the day, volunteers build personal connections, offer encouragement, and engage in one-on-one ministry. The outreach concludes with a Gospel message shared with all participants.
Following their makeovers, women are invited to participate in a celebratory fashion show, where they are encouraged and uplifted by fellow participants and volunteers. The day also includes fellowship and a shared meal, creating a meaningful and memorable experience.
Past Ministry Visits
See some of the amazing times our teams have had visiting.
Why It Matters
Extreme Makeover Weekend
The Extreme Makeover Outreach in NYC goes beyond a single day of service—it creates meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of the women being served.
Each woman walks away with more than a makeover. She leaves feeling seen, valued, and cared for, often with a renewed sense of dignity and hope. Many open their hearts to prayer, while others take steps toward deeper faith and connection within a local church.
This outreach is equally impactful for those serving. Volunteers leave encouraged and strengthened—not only through the act of giving, but through the shared experience of ministry and the time of reflection and encouragement during the Celebration Dinner.
More than an event, this outreach is a powerful expression of compassion that continues to impact lives long after the weekend ends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Extreme Makeover Weekend.
- Homeless outreach and daytime ministry may involve subway travel, NYSUM vans, or team vehicles
- Saturday outreach transportation is typically arranged through team vans or NYSUM
For all NYSUM mission trip packages, participants will primarily use public transportation, NYSUM vans (if arranged), or team vehicles depending on the outreach schedule and locations.
Public Transportation Options
- Weekly OMNY Card:
Replaces the previous 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard and provides convenient access to NYC subways and buses throughout the week. - Pay-Per-Ride Option:
- $1 for a new transit card
- $3 per single ride
- Tap-to-Pay (Contactless):
Participants can also use credit/debit cards or mobile devices (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) to tap and pay directly at subway turnstiles and buses.
Important Notes
- Transportation methods may vary depending on outreach locations and prior arrangements
- NYSUM staff will guide each team on the most effective and efficient travel options
- Some outreach sites are more easily accessible by subway, while others may require vans or team vehicles
Have more questions? Call us 718-204-6471
Providing Urban Ministry
NYSUM’s Legacy
Since 1984, the New York School of Urban Ministry has trained more than 50,000 youth and adults in hands-on urban ministry. Each year, NYSUM hosts and deploys over 5,000 participants by partnering with more than 100 inner-city churches and ministries across New York City.
Through initiatives such as mobile food truck ministry, homeless outreach, shelter ministry, street evangelism, and seasonal compassion programs, NYSUM equips mission teams to meet both physical and spiritual needs while strengthening the local church.