ICS We Care newsletter - Fall 2023

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ICS Expanding Partnerships to Increase Impact Throughout Pima County

Interfaith Community Services is growing to serve more members of our community, building and restructuring our teams to maximize our impact.

ICS was founded in 1985 on the principle that we can do more for more people in our community when we work together. Over nearly four decades, ICS has formed lasting partnerships with 120 diverse faith communities.

Through events like the Fall Food Drive, ICS is establishing new relationships with a variety of organizations. We're thrilled to work with Pima County Public Libraries, Involta, and Estes Elementary School to stock ICS food banks, along with returning partners like Edward Jones and the Town of Oro Valley.

The four members of the Outreach & Partnerships team liaise with existing partners, form new relationships, and increase awareness of ICS services throughout Pima County.

Phil Lynn joined ICS in February 2023 to lead the team as outreach and partnerships manager. With more than 30 years of experience

as a pastor in the Tucson area, he understands the needs and circumstances of our 120 faith community partners.

Jorge Ruiz, program outreach coordinator, is passionate about the community and finding ways to align ICS's goals with other organizations' in mutually beneficial ways.

Dr. Tandala Kidd, health and education manager, brings her expertise as a workshop facilitator to the community with free presentations about effective communication, mental health, caregiving, healthy boundaries, and more.

Becky Lococo joined the team in August 2023 as the community outreach administrative coordinator. She has extensive experience in the hospitality industry and the skills to ensure that the specific needs of each partnering individual and organization are met.

Learn how your organization can work with ICS! Contact Phil Lynn: plynn@icstucson.org or 520-526-9312.

IMAGE: Phil Lynn represented ICS at the Fall Festival at Casas Church on October 20, collecting food donations for ICS's annual Fall Food Drive.

FALL 2023 WE•CARENEWSLETTER
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ PERMIT #2874 2820 W. Ina Rd. Tucson, AZ 85741

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified. Register online at icstucson.org/events.

Wednesday, November 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid (virtual)

Monday, November 6–Friday, December 1

Gifts of Love: adopt a child or senior for the holidays icstucson.org/giftsoflove

Tuesday, November 7, 10–11 a.m.

Volunteer Orientation (virtual)

Thursday, November 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid (virtual)

Thursday, November 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Volunteer Orientation

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Thursday–Saturday, November 23–25

ICS offices and food banks closed for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Friday, December 1, 4–6 p.m.

Holiday Open House

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Tuesday, December 5, 2–4 p.m.

Volunteer Orientation

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Monday–Friday, December 4–8

Gifts of Love: drop off donated gifts and gift wrap supplies Northwest Office (2820 W. Ina Road) or Central Office (122 N. Craycroft Road). icstucson.org/giftsoflove

Tuesday, December 14, 10–11 a.m.

Volunteer Orientation (virtual)

NEW CAREER PATH KEEPS FINANCIAL GOALS ON TRACK

Cristina came to the ICS Workforce Development Center because she was frustrated with her career. She enjoyed working as a pharmacy tech, but saw no promotion potential without becoming a pharmacist—a long a costly road for someone in her 40s.

Cristina has financial goals, so WFD staff worked with her to explore new career options. She recently stopped by the Northwest Office, excited to share that she has been hired by the City of Tucson. She beamed as she shared the excellent benefits she’ll be earning, including a generous retirement plan.

Cristina is already thinking ahead, working with WFD staff to make strategic decisions in her first year on the job so she can work toward a promotion!

Save the date! 20

EMPTY BOWLS

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SATURDAY, MARCH2

520-297-6049 | info@icstucson.org | www.icstucson.org

www.icstucson.org

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If you are receiving duplicate publications from ICS, please let us know at 520-477-0277.

FAITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Faith Partners Stuff the Truck for 9/11 Day of Service

A heartfelt “thank you” to the volunteers, faith communities, and community partners who helped make our September 9-11 Stuff the Truck event so successful. The ICS Mobile Food Bank truck was filled with non-perishable food that will feed hundreds of hungry families throughout Pima County.

Together, we collected more than 11,000 pounds of food, diapers, and wipes!

Four host faith communities worked tirelessly for the event, each collecting thousands of pounds of food:

Tucson West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Greater Faith Church

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

• Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

The 9/11 National Day of Service, founded by AmeriCorps, is an annual event honoring heroes who rose up in service in response to the attacks. In the spirit of the outpouring of support that followed September 11, 2001, the community was invited to work together and help address the critical need for food in Southern Arizona.

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IMAGES (clockwise from top right): Volunteers from the Tucson West Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Greater Faith Church, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, and St. Alban's Episcopal Church.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Free Produce Giveaways Begin November 3

From November through May, ICS coordinates Free Produce Giveaways at six sites around Tucson. Staffed by volunteers from local businesses and faith communities, giveaways ensure that rescued produce and other food items get to people who can use them.

Produce is provided by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Everyone is welcome! NO documentation (ID or proof of residence in Pima County) is required.

Distribution is a drive-through model—you remain in your vehicle. Walk-up clients are also welcome.

• Food received is separate from the monthly allotment of emergency food and will not affect food bank eligibility.

• Distribution dates are subject to change. Please visit icstucson.org/freeproduce to confirm a date prior to visit.

2023-24 FREE PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE

El Pueblo Community Center

101 W. Irvington

Fridays 8–10 a.m.

Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Mar. 22, Apr. 19, May 24

ICS Northwest Food Bank

2820 W. Ina Road

Saturdays 6–7:30 a.m.

Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 1, Apr. 6, May 4

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

210 E. Lester Street

Saturdays 8–10 a.m.

Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 16, Apr. 20

Northminster Presbyterian Church

2450 E. Ft. Lowell Road

Thursdays 8–10 a.m.

Nov. 16, Dec. 14, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 14, Apr. 18, May 16

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

601 E. Ft. Lowell Road

Fridays 8–10 a.m.

Nov. 3, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 8, Apr. 12, May 10

Unleashed Christian Church

265 W. Valencia Road

Fridays 8–10 a.m.

Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, Mar. 15, Apr. 26, May 17

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Volunteers Needed to Get Behind the Wheel for Service

If you have a current driver's license and a desire to help others, you have what it takes to be an ICS volunteer. Four of the greatest needs right now are for volunteers willing to transport people or food. These services allow older and disabled adults to continue living independently in their homes, without the need for institutional care.

Contact Tori Carlson to learn more about service opportunities: (520) 526-9308 or tcarlson@icstucson.org.

FOOD BOX DELIVERY

There is a list of older adults waiting for this service. Pick up a pre-mapped route and 3-4 food allotments from the ICS Northwest Food Bank. Deliver the boxes to homebound individuals who all live in the same area.

TRANSPORTATION IN YOUR VEHICLE

Drive clients in your personal vehicle to a grocery store, medical appointment, bank, post office, or other essential location. Transportation drivers can also grocery shop for clients and drop off the food at their homes.

MOBILE MEALS DELIVERY

Deliver daily fresh meals or nutritious frozen meals once a week to adults who are unable to cook for themselves. Meals are specially prepared to follow doctor-prescribed diets. Most drivers volunteer one day a week.

TRANSPORTATION IN AN ICS VEHICLE

Drive one or more clients in the ICS Care-A-Van or wheelchair-lift van. Take them to the grocery store, medical appointments, and on other essential errands.

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VOLUNTEERS

Pima County One-Stop Now at ICS Northwest Office

ICS is now partnering with Pima County One-Stop to host a Community Resource Navigator, Sara Lopez-Mojarro (right), at the Northwest Office every Monday through Thursday. Sara works with clients to identify and qualify for resources like job-related training, paid for by Pima County. Other services include:

• Resume help

• Job leads

Career pathways

Certification/school enrollment

Home repair assistance

• Connecting with other resources

To contact Sara, call the ICS main line at 520-297-6049 or email Sara.Lopez-Mojarro@pima.gov.

Welcome

ICS welcomes these recent additions to the team:

DeAnna Echeverria, Resource and Intake Specialist

Renee Lewis, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Becky Lococo, Community Outreach Administrative Coordinator

Audrea Mendivil, RESET Program Coordinator

Erika Sosa, Transportation Assistant, Senior Services

WE'RE HIRING!

Learn about all current opportunities at ICS: icstucson.org/jobs

New Board Members

On July 1, ICS welcomed five new members to our Board of Directors. We are grateful for their service in providing overall governance of the organization.

Joan Hubele Hubele Accounting & Consulting

Natalie Kujawa Corporate Accountant, Mission Hill Management

Kimberly O'Hagan Corporate Counsel, Roche

Carrie Rednour Rednour Law Offices

Celia Valenzuela, MD University of Arizona College of Medicine

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STAFF UPDATES

Remembering Colleen Trevino, Single Mom Scholars Coordinator

ICS staff lost a dear colleague on September 8, 2023. Colleen Trevino was a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, wife, and an amazing friend to many.

Even when she faced challenges, Colleen was never without a radiant smile and determination to make a difference. Her four children were her pride and joy, and she was great at building community whether it be as a military spouse or with ICS's Single Mom Scholars.

In her nearly three years with ICS, Colleen was the heart and soul of the SMS program. She cared deeply about the scholars and their children, and worked closely and compassionately with them as they accomplished big goals and set their families firmly on the path to self-sufficiency.

ICS

WHY WE LOVE WHAT WE DO

Mobile

Meals Coordinator

Jennie Lane was wearing an ICS shirt on a recent shopping trip to Costco. A gentleman stopped her and said, "That's a good place. I can't say enough kind words about ICS. They helped my family when we didn't have pennies in our pockets. Now I'm a retired teacher and I'm thinking I will volunteer there because they do such good work. I even get up and speak about ICS at my church."

Arecent graduate of the Bridges Financial Management Course sent this message of thanks to the course facilitator:

"I wanted you to know that since taking your class I have followed every step I learned. I am now qualified to buy a home because my credit went from 400 to 702 in just a short time. I wanted to thank you."

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STAFF
UPDATES
is grateful to the Trevino family for sharing these images of Colleen with her children.

Make the Holidays Merry for a Family in Need

Gifts of Love is a need-based annual drive to provide holiday gifts for children, teens, and older adults living alone. It brings joy to families living below the poverty line, and to older adults who might not receive any other gifts this year.

ADOPT A FAMILY OR SENIOR

Provide gifts using provided wish lists that include preferences like size and favorite color. The online adoption portal will be open November 6–December 1.

DONATE WRAPPING PAPER & TAPE

Gift wrap supplies will be collected December 4–8 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bring gift wrap, tape, large gift bags, or tissue paper to an ICS location:

Central Office, 122 N. Craycroft Road on the campus of Rincon Congregational UCC

Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road on the campus of Christ the King Episcopal Church

MAKE A MONETARY DONATION

Want to help but don’t have time to shop? Monetary donations can be used to buy presents for clients who don’t get adopted through the portal before the December 1 deadline. ICS volunteers do the shopping.

Northwest Office 2820 W. Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85741 campus of Christ the King Episcopal Eastside Food Drop Off 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85710 campus of New Spirit Lutheran Central Office 122 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711 campus of Rincon Congregational UCC Southside Office 265 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706 campus of Unleashed Christian Church 520-297-6049 www.icstucson.org info@icstucson.org If you are receiving duplicate publications from ICS, please let us know at 520-477-0277.
Gifts of Love
icstucson.org/giftsoflove

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