Interfaith Community Services We Care Newsletter

We Care

newsletter SUMMER | 2021 VOLUME 36 , NO. 3

ED JENKINS HELPING HAND FUND P5

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION P9

Interfaith Community Services Opens New Midtown Office On a recent blistering Saturday, Interfaith Community Services (ICS) celebrated the 2021 graduating cohort of Single Mom Scholars at our new midtown offices located on the campus of Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ. ICS staff joined the program scholars and their families as they celebrated the

2820 W. Ina Rd. Tucson, AZ 85741

IN T HI S I S S U E:

accomplishments of the seven graduates, who completed degrees from three different institutions.

The hybrid event was a more than a milestone for our scholars, it also represented a step forward in the opening of our new midtown location at 122 N Craycroft. The site’s opening has been happening gradually since Mid-February.

Staff from Self-Sufficiency programs and Emergency Financial Assistance Case Managers have been working continued on page 3

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ PERMIT #2874

“Helping people in need achieve stable, healthy and independent lives.”

Awarded four stars eleven years in a row!

A Word from Tom Dear Friends of ICS! In this edition, we celebrate the impact Ed Jenkins made on ICS in his many years of service as a donor and volunteer by announcing the renaming of our Good Samaritan Fund to the Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund. Ed contributed to ICS in many ways, but first and foremost, he always kept us centered on the mission of serving people in need. He was heard many times asking, “how does this impact the client?”

Our new location at Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ was chosen, in part, for its ability to make an impact. At Rincon, ICS is meeting our clients where they live. We are providing our services in an accessible and central location to accommodate those who need support. By harnessing the resources of the community, we are able to help serve its neighbors.

Ed certainly championed our cause in so many ways, but it is now our responsibility to shepherd his caring and passion into the future. The opening of our Rincon location allows us to help more clients than ever before and serve people those in need with the same compassion that Ed showed to everyone who came to ICS for help.

The Ed Jenkins Helping Hands Fund is not only a funding source, it is a statement that it takes all of us to make a difference. No matter the need, size of gift, or time volunteering, it is all about “our” helping hands.

Tom McKinney Chief Executive Officer

Email: info@icstucson.org Website: www.icstucson.org Northwest Office:

2820 W. Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85741 campus of Christ the King Episcopal Ph: 520-297-6049

Eastside Office:

8701 E. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85710 campus of New Spirit Lutheran Ph: 520-731-3076

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Central Office:

122 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711 campus of Rincon Congregational UCC Ph: 520-731-3076

Southside Office:

101 W. Irvington Rd. Building 2A Tucson, AZ 85714 El Pueblo Neighborhood Center Ph: 520-297-6049

Interfaith Community Services We Care Newsletter is published quarterly by Interfaith Community Services, 2820 W. Ina Rd., Tucson, AZ 85741. Receive this newsletter by e-mail instead by notifying us at agarn@icstucson.org.

Rincon

continued from page 1 out of that location for the past several months. As in-person meetings become possible again, our clients will have more options to access our services.

One of the highlights of the planned opening is a new Workforce Development Center. Made possible in part from a donation from the Tucson Rotary Club, the center will help clients develop the skills and confidence to secure and retain employment.

As part of our strategic plan to eliminate barriers that limit access to services, our new location will showcase a new Mobile Food Bank. We will be able to distribute food where registered households can receive one food allotment per month (filled with basic food staples in addition to meat, produce, bread), and are then allowed to visit one more time during the month to pick up extra food items provided by the food bank. As supplies are available, ICS allows recipients to select supplemental food items to stretch their resources.

The new location was picked for a number of reasons. “A good portion of the clients ICS already serve come from this area,” says ICS Director of Outreach and Partnerships, Tim Kromer. “This will reduce their need for travel to gain access to our services.” Additionally, ICS has had a long relationship with Rincon Congregation United Church of Christ. “The generosity of this congregation is immeasurable and they have always been very focused on how they can give to the community,” says Kromer. “This is a true partnership between our two organizations.”

The church echoes Kromer’s sentiment. “Rincon Congregational UCC is thrilled to share our campus with ICS,” said Moderator Elect and Interim Chair of the Justice and Witness Ministry, Beth Shelby. “We have long supported the goals of ICS and support for the vulnerable. We now see more opportunity to strengthen that relationship and to partner in service to the community.

Through volunteer opportunities and future collaboration, we will seek ways to be ‘God’s heart and hands in action.’” The Rincon office complements existing ICS offices on Tucson’s northwest, eastside, and southside.

A celebration of the midtown opening is being planned for the fall.

Say YES to Youth!

Say YES to Enrichment!

Say YES to

Support!

Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is raising funds to help families in need cover the costs for enrichment programs or supplies that may be out of reach for many. School supplies, Instrument rental, enrichment course fees, lab fees, Science Fair supplies, technology or other educational support that are cost prohibitive. Learn more or make a secure donation on our website icstucson.org For more information contact Elise Smith esmith@icstucson.org or 520-526-9297

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Celebrating Our Volunteer Family

Connect HELP

Support

Community

Volunteer

Venture

After a recent trip to Washington state, I find myself musing about the tallness of forest trees. I was drawn to recent scientific research out of Germany on whether trees communicate to each other. The author postulates that trees communicate through a root system network he whimsically calls the “wood-wide web”. At ICS, our roots go deeply into our community and with each other. We share a communal root system to provide help and hope to others. No, we are not trees, but the sharing of our joint mission is to reach deeply into our community – to grow, share and stretch ourselves. You do this every time you volunteer and share your volunteer experiences with others. Check our website for ongoing needs so we can continue that network! We appreciate your connection to ICS! -Tori Carlson, Volunteer Engagement Manager

Grow

Engage

Give

Learn

Service

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS ARE NOW ONLINE! Sign up on our website at icstucson.org Thursdays, 10:00 am July 15 August 5 August 19

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Dedication of the Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is pleased to announce the renaming of its Good Samaritan Fund to the “Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund,” in honor of ICS Board Emeritus Member and philanthropist, Ed Jenkins. Jenkins passed away in late 2020.

The Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund will help individuals or families receive assistance for emergency situations. These situations may arise from a loss of income, illness or injury, or during a waiting period for other forms of public assistance. The goal of this program is to provide for acute basic needs that help clients in distress get back on their feet and take steps to stability and independence. The types of assistance offered include: rent and mortgage, utilities, emergency prescription medications, food and gas vouchers, and miscellaneous back to work expenses as well.

For over 17 years, Jenkins was the kind of volunteer every organization dreams of: committed to the mission, an intellectual thought-partner, contributor, ambassador and a passionate volunteer. His impact on ICS and the Tucson community is immeasurable. He was a tireless advocate for those less fortunate in our community and an inspiration to all.

It is a fitting tribute that this fund that helps so many be renamed to reflect the man who was always the first to speak out in aid those who needed extra help or support. “Every Monday morning, Ed sat at the ICS front desk fielding calls from residents needing food, financial assistance, transportation, a daily wellness call or home repairs. The position gave him a vantage point to see this community’s huge needs,” says ICS Chief Executive Officer, Tom McKinney.

“Many people witness on a daily basis what Ed saw, but Ed took action by providing time, resources and most of all caring,” added McKinney.

The fund was renamed on June 11th, during a small private commemorative ceremony for Ed Jenkins at the ICS offices.

Ed’s family, along with a few ICS staff and board members honored and reminisced about the man who meant so much to so many.

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Faith Community Engagement News On April 27, Apostolic Deliverance Ministry joined ICS as the 120th Faith Community Partner. Under the leadership of Pastor Clarence and Lady Sharon Lock, ADM is a growing community of faith. They are in the process of constructing a new building to be used for serving the neighborhood. They are located at 1975 E 36th St, just off of Kino Pkwy.

Please help us welcome Apostolic Deliverance Ministry to the ICS family!

We are so thankful for the hard work and dedication of our Faith Community partners, many went above and beyond in the past few months! Here are some of the highlights from our Faith Communities: Unity Spiritual Peace Center closed their physical location and donated several pieces of furniture and filing cabinets to ICS. These donations help keep the expanding ICS staff organized! Unity Spiritual Peace Center continues to meet in various different ways.

Congregation M’kor Hayim hosted a hygiene drive, collecting diapers, deodorant, and dental supplies. While ICS does not collect these on a regular basis, we do have clients that ask for hygiene items. It is very helpful to be able to give these important items to those who need it!

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We concluded this season of the Mobile Produce Giveaway program.

Many thanks to the congregations who hosted us in their parking lots, as well as the volunteers!

Special thanks to Desert Dove Christian Church, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Unleashed Christian Church, and Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Greater Faith Word Church International. Thanks for helping ICS pass out over 800,000 pounds of food to over 26,000 people!

Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ has opened up space for ICS and the services we provide. The church’s location at Craycroft and Broadway is a perfect location to reach many people who cannot access our services at our current offices.

We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our 120 partner faith communities!

Together we’re impacting many lives for the better. To schedule a visit at one of our offices, or to have an ICS staff member or board member to visit your congregation, or to explore your congregation joining us in the good work described in this newsletter, call our Faith and Community Outreach Coordinator, Jay Deskins at 520-314-3271.

Interfaith Community Services was founded in 1985 by six faith communities and is proud to work with 120 partnering faith communities today.

Abiding in Christ Fellowship Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Agape Christian Church International Aldea Spiritual Community Alive Church Alive in Christ Lutheran Apostolic Deliverance Ministry Arizona Yage Spiritual Assembly Ascension Lutheran Baha’i Faith - Oro Valley Beautiful Savior Lutheran Canyon del Oro Baptist Capilla del Sol Christian Casas Adobes Congregational UCC Casas Church Catalina United Methodist Christ Church United Methodist Christ Presbyterian Christ the King Episcopal Church of the Apostles Episcopal Church of the Everlasting Gospel Church of the Painted Hills UCC Community Christian Church Marana Congregation Anshei Israel Congregation Bet Shalom Congregation Chaverim Congregation Or Chadash Congregation M’kor Hayim ConnectionPointe Church Connections Vineyard C.O.R.E. Life Ministries Cortaro Vista Community Church Country Club at La Cholla Chapel Desert Dove Christian Church Desert Skies United Methodist Desert Valley Adventist Church Dove of Peace Lutheran Ebenezer All Nations Seventh Day Adventist Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson First Christian Church First United Methodist Church Fountain of Life Lutheran Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal

Grace Temple Missionary Baptist St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Church St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Grace to the Nations Church St. Christopher Catholic Parish Greater Faith Word Church St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic International St. Francis in the Foothills United Hope City Church Methodist Immanuel Presbyterian St. James United Methodist Islamic Center of Tucson St John's United Methodist Living Grace Ekklesia Church Lord of Grace Lutheran St. John on the Desert LifeBridge Church Presbyterian Lutheran Church of the Foothills St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Maranatha Seventh Day Adventist St. Mark’s Presbyterian Ministerios Manantial De Amor St. Mark’s United Methodist Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church St. Michael and All Angels Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Episcopal Mountain View Baptist St. Michael the Archangel Mountain Vista U.U. Congregation Ecumenical Catholic New Hope/Nueva Esperanza St. Odilia Catholic United Methodist Church St. Paul's United Methodist Church New Life Bible Fellowship St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal New Life Community Church of Streams in the Desert Lutheran the Nazarene Tanque Verde Lutheran New Spirit Lutheran Temple Emanu-El Northminster Presbyterian Templo La Uncion North Tucson Stake of The Church The Good News Community of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Church Saints The Holy Way Presbyterian Northwest Community Church The Journey Church Northwest Community Friends Third Church of Christ, Scientist Church Tortolita Presbyterian Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene Tree of Life Church Oro Valley United Church of Christ Trinity Presbyterian Church Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Tucson Central Church of the Church Nazarenne Our Saviour’s Lutheran Tucson Church International Pantano Christian Church Tucson Community of Christ Resurrection Lutheran Tucson Midvale Park SDA Church Rincon Baptist Church Unity of Tucson Rincon Congregational UCC Unity Spiritual Center of Peace Rising Star Baptist Church Unleashed Church Saguaro Christian Church U.U. Church of Tucson Sanctuary United Methodist Vida Nueva/New Life Church of Santa Catalina Catholic God Shalom Mennonite The Village Church Southside Presbyterian Water of Life Metropolitan St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Community Church

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e m o c l e W

ICS Staff Updates Bonnie Galaska, Business Analyst Originally from Ohio, Bonnie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Through different opportunities, Bonnie expanded her professional experience by working as the Payor Analyst Manager in a medical software company. Bonnie relocated to Tucson, Arizona in 2006 where she soon began working at Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold. Bonnie held many positions during her 13 years at Freeport, the last one being, Senior Planner.

Bonnie first became acquainted with ICS when volunteering at her church for food drives and the annual Gifts of Love events.

When the opportunity of the Business Analyst position presented itself, Bonnie thought it would be a great way to give back to the community and to make a difference in someone’s life.

Fun fact: Bonnie loves the adventure of traveling, and has been fortunate to have traveled to 19 countries so far. One country she would love to visit in the future is Israel.

Pam Barnes, Accounting Coordinator Pam joins ICS after spending a career in corporate Finance. She has extensive experience in financial planning and analysis, accounting and process improvement. After recently relocating back to Tucson from Connecticut, Pam’s passion for helping others and desire to join a non-profit led her to ICS. Fun fact: In her free time, Pam enjoys teaching others how to achieve financial freedom.

Luke Pearson, Program Assistant Luke came to Tucson from Queens, NY in July 2020. He began as an Intern for ICS through the Episcopal Service Corps for almost a year. As an Intern he assisted with programs, outreach and development operations.

Fun fact: Luke can juggle.

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Volunteer Appreciation We celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Week in April culminating in a festive drive through appreciation event. Thank you for all who came out and to Octillo Rain for providing live bluegrass music. There was a lot of enthusiasm from staff handing out prizes, classic ICS t-shirts and refreshements - small tokens of gratitude for our amazing volunteer corps!

ICS Board Update

Rhonda Fure, Board Chair

Bob Hendricks, Vice Chair

Patricia Harrison-Monroe, Board Secretary

Nicole Maneval, Board Treasurer

Shaila Silverio, Board Member

July 1 brings new members to the ICS Board.

Welcome to Shaila Silverio who will begin her term as a board member. Shaila has served as a volunteer with ICS and is currently serving on the developent committee. She comes to us from the Health Care industry.

Rhonda Fure, will start her term as board chair with Bob Hendricks as vice chair. Patricia Harrison-Monroe will be the new Board Secretary and Nicole Maneval will continue as Board Treasurer.

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Memorials and Tributes: 4/1/21-6/30/21 Memorials and gifts of honor are a special way to remember friends and loved ones, as well as make a tax‑deductible donation to ICS. An acknowledgment is sent to both donor and honoree. Thank you!

In Memory Of: Given By

In Honor Of: Given By

Our family members who have died, Anthony and Mayme Beauto Doe Bell, Richard and Violet Davis Our departed family members. Benavides/ Midobuche family, Alfredo Benavides John Milner Bergesen, Ms. Vicki Bergesen Stan Boren, Christie Boren Vivian Walker Carter, Ms. Frances Walker Inez Collie, Susan Bovre David Allan Fowler, Jane and Greg Allen Roxanna Garrity, Ms. Mary Jo Peterson Loren Wayne Gritti, Mr. Wayne and Ms. Janice Miller Betty Huitsing, Ms. Myra Christenson, Ms. Myra Jacobs, Henry and Kay Sheetz Ed Jenkins, Mr. Joel and Ms. Lidia Allen Dick Kampa, Richard and Violet Davis, Mr. Chris Macilvaine, Mr. Norm and Ms. Jerene Watson, Mr. Joel and Ms. Lidia Allen Becky Levy, Anonymous Raymond Poulson, Joyce Poulsen Hubert L Ritter, Linda Herrera My dog Daisy, Ruth Robertson Michael Rowe, Dianne Maki-Sethi and Ravi Sethi Bonnie and Jerry Tahija, Laurie Tahija Judith Thum, Gabriel Thum and Paula Randler Pastor Jim Toole, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Leighton and Judith Bennett, Julie Herz, Elizabeth A Kennedy, Richard and Elizabeth Rollman, Mr. David and Ms. Ellen Vellenga Jane Wall, Roger Wall Marcie Wrenn, Don and Anne Stalter My Pap who would give anyone the shirt off his back., Sara Wolfe Vaughan

Dee Dee's Birthday, Tom McKinney Belinda Davis, Carlos Perez-Velez Rev. Jay Deskins, Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, Sandra Brantley, Church of the Painted Hills United Church of Christ, Oro Valley United Church of Christ Georgia Dunsworth and Bertha Wolfe, Ms. Janet M DeKeyser Ryan Ives' Birthday, Brittany Iatawiec, Ryan Ives, Malika Tazi Happy Anniversary to Julie and Mark!, Ms. Nancy and Mr. Christopher Myers Robin Kessler - Thank You, Fritz & Debi Strobl Madge's Birthday, Jobe Dickinson, Kenna Evans, Lloyd Evans, Patty Evans, Margaret Steinberger All the migrants seeking a safe homeland Mr. Gregory and Ms. Cathy Mannel Marjorie Miller - Celebrating Mom’s 98th birthday, Ms. Lynn and Ms. Paula Mooney Marjorie Miller - Happy Mother's Day!, Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Michelle Perrin Charlotte Moore - Happy Mother's Day! Steve Moore NJHS, Evan Rudh Lenore Pardee, Celeste Pardee Martha C Peed, Margaret A Murphy Sharon Ragland, Melinda Sims Mollee Richey and Ann Garn, Celena Robles Alice Spitz, Louis Schulder

You can support ICS while shopping on Amazon! Visit smile.amazon.com and select Interfaith Community Services (Tucson) as your preferred charity. Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to ICS with no additional cost to you!

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1 in 4 children are at risk of hunger

Help us ensure Tucson families have food this holiday season Be a part of the biggest food drive of the year for the ICS Food Banks! Join Scouts, schools, staff and clients of Edward Jones offices and bring in your food donation. Help collect crucial supplies for our holiday food bag distribution.

Save the Date October 30, 2021 Canyon Del Oro Baptist Church 9200 N Oracle Rd 9am - noon

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Thanks to our Corporate and Foundation Partners

David S. and Norma R. Lewis Foundation

Elizabeth Read Taylor Foundation

Beaty Martinez Foundation

Lyons Family Foundation

Millwood Foundation Tucson Charity Bridge Club

J. William and Helen D. Stuart Foundation

Hellene Hendrickson Foundation

Stratton Advisors

Carl and Mabel Shurtz Foundation

William and Ruth Pendleton Memorial Fund