ICS We Care Newsletter - Summer 2023

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A new campaign by ICS focuses on four areas in which ICS donors and volunteers provide helping hands in our community.

SENIOR SERVICES help older and disabled adults live independently.

Nearly 90% of seniors want to age in place at home—a choice that promotes life satisfaction and selfesteem.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY

PROGRAMS are a two generation approach to supporting families on the path out of poverty.

FOOD BANKS address the crisis of food insecurity. With the help of donors, no one leaves empty handed from the Northwest Food Bank, Mobile Food Bank sites, or Free Produce Giveaways.

EMERGENCY

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE keeps the lights on, a roof overhead, and gas in the tank in times of crisis.

SUMMER 2023 WE•CARENEWSLETTER
Learn more at icstucson.org/handup. NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ PERMIT #2874 2820 W. Ina Rd. Tucson, AZ 85741 Give Someone a Hand Up Senior Services Self-Sufficiency Programs Food Banks Emergency Financial Assistance

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

One of the greatest rewards for ICS staff and volunteers is learning about the progress and successes of program participants. Here are some recent updates we're loving.

YOUTH ENRICHMENT SUPPORT

A note from Yazmine, who attended art camp this summer with her brother thanks to ICS assistance and funding from Watermark for Kids:

"Thank you WFK and ICS for providing such an amazing experience for my brother and me. It was truly a delightful experience from day one, everyone was super bright and had their own wonderful artistic twist to their artworks. This will be one of my favorite memories of 2023!! Thank you for helping us out with funding our summer art camp."

SINGLE MOM SCHOLARS

From one of the newest participants in the Single Mom Scholars program:

"I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for everything you guys do. I am constantly thanking God for being referred to you. I was struggling so much to continue with school when I was trying to keep my home, bills, and my child all in order, and now I don't feel so guilty for focusing on school. This program is one of the reasons why I can feel like that."

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The job search help provided in ICS Workforce Development centers is for everyone, regardless of background.

"ICS worked with me on my resume. I got a large response from employers interested in me and finally got the job that I have always wanted. My new employer told me that my resume was not only well written, but really stuck out! Thanks." ~Erin W.

Francine is very bright and has a Master’s Degree in PsychologyEducation. But her prior work experience was in administrative assistant and customer service positions, so her resume didn't reflect what she is capable of doing.

After being hired in a Child Clinician position with benefits and a good salary, she sent this note to ICS:

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest gratitude to Evelyn Wright and her entire team of dedicated volunteers with ICS Workforce Development. I could not have landed my new employment opportunity... without their kind support and dedication to the philosophy of positivity and inclusivity... I wish all employment seekers could experience, as I did, the welcoming hope and blessings of an ICS Workforce Development employment assistance experience."

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) 526-9304.

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial Assistance: A Hand Up that Brings Stability and Hope

In August 2021, Martin S. became a single father to his four sons, ages 18, 15, 13, and 8, and became the sole breadwinner in the household at the same time. After months of working to adapt to the dramatically changed circumstances, Martin came to ICS looking for help to keep his home and life intact for his sons.

Working with ICS staff, Martin was able to receive emergency financial assistance that saved his family from experiencing even more destabilizing changes. He recently wrote a grateful letter to ICS to share his story and thank the people who helped him. Here are his words.

"As you can imagine, we all have been through a lot because of the unusual circumstances. The struggles we have faced and continue to endure have been very difficult.

"There came a time where we could have lost our home and a lot of other things because of the financial hardship. We were multiple months behind on all our bills, especially the mortgage. There seemed to be no end to the pink notices and delinquent phone calls, everything kept piling up. Just when you think 'How could it get any worse?', the next thing you know it does.

"My main concern has always been about the boys and everything they were going through day after day. We kept on believing and praying that our entire situation would turn around for the good, we needed HOPE.

"One day while I was at my local bank someone I knew recommended that I contact ICS, Interfaith Community Services, where help brings HOPE. He told

me to give them a call to see if they could help us out in any way.

"I gave [ICS] a call and that’s when I met Cynthia Galas for the first time. After explaining our situation to Cynthia we went through their intake process and submitted all required documents to see if they could help us.

"From start to finish Cynthia and all her staff were always very professional, fast, helpful, caring, and amazing individuals. I cannot begin to explain to you how much they have done for each of us. Yes, they were able to bring us current on all our utilities, mortgage and then some.

"It’s not just about the financial assistance they were able to provide; it was much more and deeper than that. It was knowing that they were there for us, they

truly cared about us and our circumstances. It was about the HOPE they gave us.

"I do not know how many people or families Interfaith Community Services has provided assistance for, but I do know what they did for my family and me, for the five of us. They changed our lives.

"Without them I cannot imagine what we would have done or what we might have lost, and to be honest with you, I do not want to know.

"It was no coincidence running into my friend that day at the bank and then talking to Cynthia. Neither is the fact that you are reading this letter that I wrote. We all share a special place in common: ICS, Interfaith Community Services, where help brings HOPE."

www.icstucson.org | 3

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

New Routes and Updated Hours for the Mobile Food Bank

The Mobile Food Bank schedule has been updated to make room for more stops.

The ICS Mobile Food Bank distributes fresh food items and emergency food bags from the Community Food Bank to registered individuals and families.

Registration is available on site. Bring a picture ID showing residence in Pima County or a rent or utility bill documenting your name and address.

Thank You, Girl Scout Troop 402!

Girl Scout Troop 402 ended the school year in a big way at Leman Academy of Excellence in Oro Valley. The troop organized a food drive at their school to benefit ICS food banks.

Thanks to some friendly competition between classrooms, they collected a whopping 3,775 pounds of food in one week!

Food bank staff thanked the troop in person when they picked up the abundance of food. We're grateful the girls started their summer with service.

TUESDAYS

Weekly*

8:30–10:00 a.m.

Connection Pointe Church 4314 N. Romero Road

WEDNESDAYS

1st & 3rd Wednesday of month

8:30–9:30 a.m.

Rincon Congregational UCC 122 N. Craycroft Road

2nd Wednesday of month

8:30–9:30 a.m.

Greater Emmanuel Grace Apostolic Church 1850 W. San Marcos Blvd

THURSDAYS

Weekly*

8:30–10:00 a.m.

New Spirit Lutheran Church 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail

1st & 3rd Thursday of month 11:00 a.m.–Noon

YWCA House of Neighborly Service

243 W. 33rd Street

FRIDAYS

1st, 2nd, & 4th Friday of month

8:30–10:00 a.m.

Unleashed Christian Church 265 W. Valencia Road

3rd Friday of month 8:30–10:00 a.m.

Vida Nueva Church of God 330 W. Nebraska Street

1st Friday of month 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Iglesia de Centro Sanidad 2233 E. Summit Street

*First four weeks of the month only. In the event of a fifth Tuesday or Thursday, no service is provided.

IMAGE (left): Food Distribution Coordinator Steven Chacon unloads boxes of produce at a Mobile Food Bank distribution site.

4 | www.icstucson.org

Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of ICS, making it possible for the organization to serve more than 50,000 Pima County residents each year. They support every program and service at ICS, along with daily operations and facilities.

The benefits of volunteering are huge for the individuals whose lives are changed and the community that is strengthened as a result, but they can be even greater for the volunteer. Here are 10 benefits of finding time to serve.

1. PURPOSE Volunteers become part of something greater than themselves. If you’re retired or an empty nester, unexpectedly unemployed, in a "boring" job, or have lost a loved one, helping others can give your life new meaning.

2. ACTIVITY It gets people up, out, and moving. Some positions, like working in a food bank or community garden, can even provide a workout that doesn't feel like a workout.

3. PHYSICAL HEALTH Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering the health of participants. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.

4. MENTAL HEALTH Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine Research also has shown that it also leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

5. SELF-CONFIDENCE It can provide a healthy boost to self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Doing good for others and the community provides a natural sense of accomplishment, pride, and identity.

6. LEARNING Volunteer training and service teaches valuable skills and uses talents and abilities in new ways.

7. CAREER ADVANCEMENT While gaining skills and experience to put on your resume, you might also meet people while volunteering who can become your mentors or at least a part of your professional social network.

8. RELATIONSHIPS Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to Tucson. It puts you in contact with other who have similar interests and values.

9. COMMUNITY It strengthens knowledge of and ties to the community. Volunteering also broadens your support network.

10. FUN & FULFILLMENT Volunteering provides opportunities to explore interests, passions, and hobbies, to participate in community events, and to tackle interesting challenges with creative problem solving.

CONNECT WITH PURPOSEFUL VOLUNTEERING! See the possibilities at icstucson.org/volunteer-job-descriptions

IN THEIR WORDS

Don't take our word for it—some of our volunteers share how they benefit from their service:

“Driving the town to help people has been so much fun, discovering the nooks and crannies of our city.”

John W., volunteer since 2015

“ICS continues to be a beacon of help in our community. I am proud and blessed to have been a part of it over these many years.”

Susan L., volunteer since 1985

"Always heard this, but I have experienced it myself and now say the same thing: I get more out of volunteering than the people I give to."

Dick B., volunteer since 1997

"I volunteer because it gets me out to meet people. I make new connections and friends while I help others."

Art A., volunteer since 2009

“I love all the people I give rides to… they are all so unique and special. I enjoy the one-on-one time with people and getting to know them.”

Susan E., volunteer since 2021

“I get to serve people every day in a meaningful way. I am being God’s hand to help them get what they need.”

Toni H., volunteer since 2019

“My theory of life is that you are put here to meet people and learn from them. Everyone has a story.”

Vincent A., volunteer since 2018

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VOLUNTEERS

MEMORIALS & TRIBUTES

Memorials and gifts of honor are a special way to remember friends and loved ones while making a tax-deductible donation to ICS. These gifts were received January 1–June 30, 2023.

IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY

Kat Ahrens, Ms. MaryAnn Ahrens

Lolly Almquist, Barry & Susan Bedrick

Stephen Andre, Ray & Sandra Brisbine

Nathlie Badian, Anonymous

Joe Barraza, Ms. Helen Barraza

Jerry Boggs, Debbie Boggs

Terry Coleman, Rebecca Bennett, Shirley Coleman, Mills & Dotty Powell, Gary Tankenoff

Jack Comp, Mr. Martin & Ms. Lynn Badegian, Peggy Comp

Hershel Craig, Maureen Carmen, Ms. Elizabeth Craig, Ingrid Maxwell, Peg Mittendorf

Risa Crockett, Sandy & Bob Crockett

Al DeAugustine, Lisa Reams

John Deering, Ms. Ardith Deering

Theresa Dolce, Laura & Tom Jordan

Lee Elliott, Kent & Nancy Barrabee

Ron Feller, Ellen Becker, Susan Berman, Anne & Jeffrey Gartner, Barbara & Russ Miller

Ruth Ganeles, Anonymous, Paul Ganeles

Anthony J. Gatto, Nick & Denise Lapins

Steve Goulding, Anonymous

Alice Teugh Greenhouse, Richard Teugh

Jean Hall, Marshall & Janet Stewart

Jay I. Hilton & Joseph Hilton, Della Hilton

Edmund L. Jenkins, AmerisourceBergen, Ben Jenkins

Ray Johnson, Ms. LaNelma Johnson

Dick Kampa, Bonnie Kampa

Dave Kennedy, Czipora Schlesinger

Katherine Swords Kent, Anonymous

Doris Kowall, Ms. MaryAnn Ahrens

Angie Krafthefer, Anonymous

Jerome LaFontaine, Lynn & Darlene Lamb

Frances Mahoney, L. A. Bannowsky, Richard & Jane Greene, Catherine Lazar, Thomas & Brenda Mahoney,

Mark & Kelly Mollison, Rhonda & Timothy Snider

Reverend Susan Martin, Mr. Gus & Ms. Sally Aragon, James & Retha Davis, Margaret Ellsworth, George & Peggy Gluski, Russell & Peggy Hoeft, Joan T. Ellis

William Kenneth Martin, Russell & Peggy Hoeft

Althea McClure, Craig McClure

Jasper Melton, Brian & Marilee Fitzgerald

Brigitte B. Michael, Mr. Ulrich F. F. Michael

My cats Whitie, Simon and Kaya, Ruth Robertson

John Neel, Kent & Nancy Barrabee

Myron (Mike) Parr, Mr. Herman & Ms. Judith Haenert, Elizabeth & William McElfish, Curt & Diane Stowell

Joel C. Parrish, Sr., Gil & Kathy Parrish

Bob Peoples, Jacob O'Neill

Michael Rowe, Steven Rowe

Tommie Ryan, Arlene Sturm

James Souter, Wayne & Carol Dawson, Craig & Jan Littlefield, Gil & Kathy Parrish

Ruth Spyker, Mr. Greg Spyker

Raymond Stanley, Ms. Margi & Mr. Jim Alkire, Kent, Kurt and Connie Brown, Amy Grant, Anne BabsonGulotta, Charles & Lois Little, Annette Lyman, David C. Nichols, Mr. Michael & Ms. Jeanne Pfander, Brian C. Stanley, Nadine Stanley, Ms. Catharine Smith, Susan Taylor, Ruth Waldron

Michael Sturgis, Catherine Archibald, Pat Bandics, Barbara Baume, Missy Bowden, Mary Chapman Daley, Jim & Mimie Marum, Don & Nancy Rollings, Jeanne Sturgis, Elaine Tsatsafoulis, Jim & Rebecca Walcutt

Jay D. Testerman, Ms. Lois Boydstun

Ann Thoenes, Richard & Lois Klein

Delaine Tinsley, Mr. Bruce & Ms. Doreen Malone

Connie Whitehead, Wendell & Rose Tyson

IN HONOR OF: GIVEN BY

Johnathan Allen's birthday, Teresita Allen

Shirley Boydstun's birthday, Ms. Lois Boydstun

Brave migrants who come with hope, Gregory & Cathy Mannel

Mace Bravin, Ms. Patti McBride

Kim Challender, Mary Rodenboh

Rabbi Helen Cohn, Anonymous

Dee Dee Connel, Mr. Kenneth & Ms. Pamela Xeele

Jack Dean, for the audio at Rev.

Susan Martin's service, Michael & Lucinda Lange

Shirley Foerster, Terry DeCarolis

Pat McGoven Gorchov, Mary Davis

Janet's Birthday Fundraiser, Cathy Ellen Green, Mrs. Janet Rowe, Steve Sayre

Bonnie Kampa, Ginny & Randall Richardson

Glenda Leach, Poly Print

Kenneth Merrifield, Geraldine Merrifield

Robert McLean, Michael Melton & Arlis McLean

Marjorie Miller's 100th Birthday! Pamela Ericson, Kelly Kline, Mr. Howard & Ms. Nancy Ullric

My family you've helped in the past, Hannah Joplin

Nancy Prins Myers Birthday Fundraiser, Arlene Olsen Cadel, Nancy & Christopher Myers, Mimi Niesen, Julie Reichman, Craig Winters

Robin Plouffe—Happy Birthday! Lynn M. Johnson

Margaret Reed, Ms. Sandra Thompkins

Sandy Ricker, Dr. John & Ms. Kay Sullivan

Shirley Ripsch, Tony Bathey, Janet Rae

Dennis Terrill—wonderful husband, father and friend, Barbara Dearrieta

Diane Wilson, James W. Springer

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Bittersweet Farewell to Four ICS Retirees

Four valued members of the ICS team are retiring this summer. It is with mixed feelings that we bid them farewell—sorry to lose their wisdom, experience, and friendship in the ICS offices and food banks, but excited for the new opportunities that await them.

CURT BALKO, Food Bank Coordinator, spent 12 years at ICS. CEO Tom McKinney describes his lasting contribution to the organization: "He has been instrumental in growing our food bank operations. We are serving more people with more food than ever before. None of this could have been done without Curt."

KAREN MACDONALD, End of Life Trainer, has been with ICS since 2006 in a number of roles. "Her passion for the work of ICS and the role of faith communities in our mission is unmatched," says McKinney. "What is more impressive is her work in helping others understand the importance of making decisions on their care at the end of their days. It is not a popular discussion, but it is necessary and fits our greatest core value of compassion!"

PHYLLIS RIPLEY, Transportation Coordinator, has tirelessly served older and disabled adults. "Her work in Mobile Meals and Transportation Services has made a difference in so many people’s lives," says McKinney. "Her creativity and determination to make sure all that need services receive them has been most appreciated and will be missed."

JANIS WILLKOM, Mobile Meals Coordinator, was an integral member of the team for eight and a half years. Jennie Lane, who served as Jan's assistant and has now stepped up to fill her role, shares her appreciation: "I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor than Janis Willkom. She was a compassionate coordinator of the Mobile Meals Program. She treated staff, volunteers, and participants with the utmost dignity and respect. Her legacy of generosity will live on in the people we continue to serve."

IMAGES (from top): Curt Balko at the Northwest Food Bank; Tom McKinney and ICS staff toast Karen MacDonald at her retirement party; Janis Willkom (left) and Phyllis Ripley (right) with colleague Tandala Kidd.

ICS welcomes these recent additions to the team:

Kimberly Castro, Development Assistant

Elizabeth Guzman, Resource and Intake Specialist

Jennifer Humphries, Communications Coordinator

Phil Lynn, Outreach and Partnerships Senior Manager

Rachel Riggs, Single Mom Scholars Program Coordinator

Carla Vallejo, Accounting Senior Coordinator

WE'RE HIRING!

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

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Welcome STAFF UPDATES

9/11 Day of Service: Stuff the Truck September 9-11, 2023

The 9/11 National Day of Service honors victims, survivors, and those who rose up in service in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It is an opportunity for the community to come together, make new connections, and work as a team.

Are you looking for a meaningful way to commemorate the day? Join ICS in feeding our neighbors.

icstucson.org/911day

WHAT TO DONATE

ICS food banks accept non-perishable food items, produce, dairy, and packaged meats. Please, no glass jars! Here are some ideas:

» Peanut butter

» Pasta

» Canned pasta sauce

» Canned fruits & veggies

» Beans & rice

WHERE AND WHEN

» Canned meats: tuna, chicken, etc.

» Meals in cans with pop tops: chili, ravioli, etc.

» Diapers (all sizes) & wipes

Saturday, September 9, 8–10 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2002 N. Greasewood

Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Greater Faith Church, 31 N. Plumer Avenue

Sunday, September 10, 7:30–10 a.m.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 3738 N. Old Sabino Canyon Road

Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7570 N. Thornydale Rd.

Monday, September 11, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

ICS Northwest Food Bank, 2820 N. Ina Road

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

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

If you are receiving duplicate publications from ICS, please let us know at (520) 526-9304.

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