Celebrating 40 Years of Compassion, Community, and Connection
OnSeptember 3rd, Interfaith Community Services officially turned 40 years old — and what a lovely journey it has been! You may have already noticed our special 40th anniversary logo at the top of this page, created to celebrate this incredible milestone. What began in 1985 as a collaboration between six founding faith partners of diverse backgrounds has grown into a cornerstone of care and empowerment throughout Pima County. Their vision was simple but powerful: by working together, we can do more. Thanks to their commitment and the ongoing support of our faith partners, community organizations, volunteers, and donors, we have done just that — and more.
from our early days, we’ve expanded to meet the evolving needs of our community. Today, we operate a brick-and-mortar food bank, as well as a mobile food bank with 14 regular stops, ensuring food security reaches even the most remote or underserved areas. We’ve developed impactful financial management programs like Getting ahead and Bridges financial Management
which equip participants with the tools and confidence to make empowered financial choices for a more secure future.
We offer emergency financial assistance to help prevent eviction and utility shutoffs, keeping individuals and families housed and stable.
Our services extend well beyond food and finances. for older adults and individuals with disabilities, we provide a network of services — from transportation to medical appointments and grocery stores to wellness checks, friendly visits, food box deliveries, minor home repairs, and yard work — all designed to help them live safely and independently at home.
Our two Workforce Development Centers offer job coaching, resume support, and job search assistance to help individuals secure meaningful employment. and through our Single Mom Scholars program, we’re helping mothers pursue degrees and certifications while offering a twogenerational approach that supports their children’s educational success and long-term goals.
as we reflect on the past four decades, one thing is clear: 40 looks good on us because of YOU — the faith communities that dreamed big, the donors who give generously, the volunteers who show up week after week, and the community partners who help expand our reach and impact.
We stand on a strong foundation built by visionaries, sustained by compassion, and grown through collaboration. from humble beginnings to wide-reaching impact, Interfaith Community Services is proud to continue serving with dignity, respect, and love — just as we have for 40 years.
Here’s to the next 40 years of walking together in service.
events at a glance
October - December
October 1 - 31 Fall Food Drive
Learn more at: icstucson.org/fallfood
Wednesday, October 15, 1–3 p.m. Volunteer Orientation (in-person)
Tuesday, October 22, 1–3 p.m. Volunteer Orientation (virtual)
Now through Thanksgiving Day
Gifts of Love: Adopt a child or senior for the holidays. icstucson.org/giftsoflove
Wednesday, November 5, 1 –3 p.m. Volunteer Orientation (in-person)
Wednesday, November 19, 1 –3 p.m. Volunteer Orientation (virtual)
Thursday–Saturday, November 27–29 ICS offices and food banks closed for Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 2, 1 –3 p.m. Volunteer Orientation (in-person)
Monday–Friday, December 8–12
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
The Fall Food Drive is the biggest food drive of the year at ICS. Throughout October, this drive collects pantry staples to stock the Northwest and Mobile Food Banks. The drive also gathers seasonal holiday foods, allowing ICS clients to enjoy a special holiday meal with their families. If you’d like to participate, you can donate individually or organize a group drive. Monetary donations are also welcome.
Interested in becoming a public collection site or partnering with us on the Fall Food Drive? We’d love to work with your business or organization.
find more information at icstucson.org/fallfood
Please contact Ellie Killian at ekillian@icstucson.org.
520-297-6049 | info@icstucson.org | www.icstucson.org
9/11 Day of Service & remembrance
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our 9/11 Hygiene Drive.
Together we collected 870 lbs of hygiene supplies and created 1,176 bags!
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.
ABOVE: Completed kits ready for distribution.
LEFT: Volunteers assembled hygiene kits on 9/11.
host a “Stuff the truck” event with ICS to Fight hunger in Our Community
We invite your company, church, or organization to join us in supporting Interfaith Community Services (ICS) by hosting a Stuff the Truck event! This is a great opportunity to rally your team and community to collect non-perishable food donations that directly support local families through the ICS Food Bank.
Hosting is simple: collect donations at your location, and ICS will send our Mobile Food Bank to pick them up on your scheduled day. Your team will help with loading the items into the truck—making it a hands-on way to give back. Together, we can make a real impact and ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
visit icstucson.org and the volunteer section to learn more or email volunteer@icstucson.org to express your interest in hosting a Stuff the Truck event.
eMeRgeNCY ASSISTANCe
Free Produce Giveaways Begin In November
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 in partnership with local farmers, businesses and produce rescue programs.
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.
2025-26 Free Produce d istribution s chedule
Dates may change. Updates: icstucson.org/food
November – May
el Pueblo Community Center
101 W. Irvington | 8–10 a.m.
November 21, December 19, January 23, February 20, March 20, April 24, May 22
ICS Northwest Food Bank
2820 W. Ina Road | 5:30–7:30 a.m.
November 8, December 6, January 10, February 7, March 14, April 11, May 2
Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
210 e. Lester Street | 8–10 a.m.
November 15, December 13, January 17, February 14, April 18, May 16
Northminster Presbyterian Church
2450 e. Ft. Lowell Road | 8–10 a.m. November 13, December 18, January 15, February 12, March 12, April 16, May 14
Sacred heart Catholic Church
601 e. Ft. Lowell Road | 8–10 a.m.
November 7, December 5, January 9, February 6, March 6, April 10, May 8
Unleashed Christian Church
265 W. Valencia Road | 8–10 a.m.
November 14, January 16, February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15
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 Alexis Wilson to learn more about service opportunities: (520) 297-6049 or volunteer@icstucson.org
GET BEHIND THE WHEEl
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAITH PARTNeRS
Gathered in Purpose, Growing in Impact
In May and June we were excited to meet with representatives from many of our partner faith communities for special gatherings to share updates from ICS, connect with one another, and grow together in a spirit of collaboration and support.
We look forward to continuing and expanding this event with even more of our faith partners in the future.
TOp pHOTO: May faith partner gathering at ICS.
MIDDLE: June faith partner gathering at pantano Christian Church
BOTTOM LEFT: Jennifer T. Casas Church and David H. Community Christian Church of Marana and ICS Board Member
BOTTOM RIgHT: Mother Anita Christ the King Church and CEO Tom McKinney
To learn more about becoming an ICS Faith Partner, please contact Phil Lynn at plynn@icstucson.org
New Board Members
On July 1, ICS welcomed three new members to our Board of Directors. We are grateful for their service in providing overall governance of the organization.
Welcome
ICS welcomes these recent additions to our team:
elida Killian, Community Outreach Coordinator
rashad Ahmed, food Bank assistant
Louis Morris, food Bank assistant
Single Mom Scholars
In June, we proudly celebrated the graduation of 16 Single Mom Scholars—the largest graduating class in a single semester in the program’s history! These remarkable women have shown incredible perseverance, strength, and dedication as they worked toward their educational and career goals while raising their families. We couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished.
We also welcome Shaila Silverio to her new board position as president. She has served on the ICS board for several years in a variety of capacities, and we are grateful to have her leadership.
The application portal for the Single Mom Scholars Program is now open and will remain open through October 24th. This unique program provides educational support, mentoring, and resources to help single moms succeed in school and in life. To learn more or to apply, visit icstucson.org
STephen DhAmer DAViD heDGepeTh
TrAci SmiTh
ShAiLA SiLVeriO
ADOpT A FAmiLy Or OLDer ADuLT.
Provide gifts using provided wish lists that include preferences like size and favorite color. The online adoption portal will be open November 10–December 1 or until all individuals have been adopted. Adopting early is highly encouraged!
WAnT TO heLp buT DOn’T hAVe Time TO ShOp?
Monetary donations can be used to buy presents for clients who aren’t adopted through the portal before the December 1 deadline. ICS volunteers will do the shopping for you — making it easy to spread holiday cheer without the extra hassle.
In addition to holiday presents, your generous support helps struggling families, individuals, and older adults stay in their homes. a warm, stable place to live is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.
