ICS Newsletter Winter 2023

After an extensive application process, Interfaith Community Services earned its Service Enterprise (SE) Certification! ICS is now one of just nine certified nonprofits in Southern Arizona.

ICS is Now SERVICE ENTERPRISE CERTIFIED

This new designation signifies the commitment by ICS to leveraging the time and talent of volunteers to meet our social mission. The Points of Light/ AL!VE Service Enterprise Program strengthens nonprofit capacity through the fundamental and strategic use of volunteers and their skills to address community needs.

Service Enterprises are among the top 11% of nonprofits in the country in volunteer engagement and organizational performance. Research conducted by TCC Group and Deloitte shows that nonprofits operating as a Service Enterprise are significantly more adaptable, sustainable, and scalable than peer organizations. They operate effectively on about half the median budget.

ICS volunteers package donated items into hygiene kits for the homeless. The MLK Day of Service event on January 16, including the Day of Hesed at the Tucson J, produced 550 kits for distribution through ICS Food Banks.

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

February 1–28

Lotsa Pasta Food Drive

Goal: collect 5,000 packages of pasta and 5,000 cans of sauce Take donations to Northwest Food Bank (2820 W. Ina Road), Eastside Food Drop Off (8701 E. Old Spanish Trail), or any Mobile Food Bank location.

Tuesday, February 14, 10 a.m.–noon

Honoring a Life: Advance Care Planning—Meet and Complete

United Healthcare MedicareStore, 4811 E. Grant Rd #119

Thursday, February 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Volunteer Orientation (in person)

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Wednesday, February 22, 10–11:30 a.m.

Let’s Talk – Effective Communication

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Thursday, March 2, 10–11 a.m.

Volunteer Orientation (virtual)

Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Empty Bowls (see back cover for more information)

Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road

Tickets: $25

Tuesday, March 14, 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Budgeting on a Fixed Income

United Healthcare MedicareStore, 4811 E. Grant Rd #119

Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Volunteer Orientation (in person)

ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road

Thursday, April 6, 10–11 a.m. Volunteer Orientation (virtual)

LIFE-CHANGING HELP IN A TIME OF CRISIS

ICS staff recently received a deeply touching thank-you letter. It came from a client whose life was turned upside down by a medical challenge. Within two months he had no income, no food, and was facing eviction.

"The stress, despair, hopelessness and constant feelings of shame and failure are a weight on my person that I could not lift by myself," wrote the client. "I was frightened into a numbness of shock and depression."

He made an appointment with Evelyn Wright in the Workforce Development Center, and together they began looking for new employment. But by the time the client came back for his second appointment he had received devastating news from his doctor: any type of work or exertion could endanger his life.

Learning of the situation, Evelyn referred the client to the Financial Aid & Social Services team at ICS. Senior Case Manager Rebekah Hawes called, and "changed my entire outlook about my life, my future... I will be forever grateful to her and how she went above and beyond in finding a way and a path to help me."

The letter concluded: "I am deeply grateful, deeply appreciative of ICS, Rebekah & Evelyn and the entire staff and the assistance, direction and path of hope they have given me."

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

After 18 Months, RESET Participants Reap Life-Changing Rewards

Launched by ICS in spring 2021, RESET is a long-term, wraparound support program that aims to help clients achieve long-term stability.

“Self-sufficiency isn’t just about having a good job," says Maryann Moulinet, RESET program coordinator. "It’s also having affordable housing, good medical care, good childcare. It incorporates so many things, and it takes time.”

More than a year into the program, participants are enjoying major successes as a result of their hard work. Here are three of their stories.

applying for jobs. She applied for a receptionist position in a tax preparation company where the employers liked her so much they offered to train her to become a tax preparer. She worked in that role from January–May, 2022.

Two months later Juliet joined the ICS staff as program coordinator in the Workforce Development Center at the Central Office. She became the first RESET program graduate in August, 2022.

process ended when her husband finally received asylum and joined his family in Tucson, seeing his son in person for the first time.

JULIET

When Juliet joined RESET in July 2021, she was unemployed and had a four-year-old daughter. She had just finished the Getting Ahead workshop series at ICS. With funding from RESET, she completed the required training to become a Getting Ahead facilitator and began leading others through the same course that set her on the path to self-sufficiency.

With encouragement from RESET and soft skills developed in ICS’s Workforce Development Center, Juliet gained the confidence to update her resume, practice interviewing skills, and start

NADA

When war broke out in Syria, Nada and her husband escaped to Egypt. Nada, who was pregnant at the time, was able get a visa to visit her brother in Tucson, but her husband's application was denied. For seven years she worked to support herself and her son while building a new life in the U.S. and waiting for news about her husband's future.

Nada joined the newly-created RESET program to get support in her efforts to create a financially sustainable future for her family. A year later she completed a Certified Nursing Assistant program and passed the Arizona state exam to receive her license. Then in September 2022, her eightyear trial with the immigration

CHARLENE

Charlene was a struggling single mother when she was referred to ICS by her faith community. She needed short-term financial assistance to pay her bills, and ended up entering the RESET program to make long-term changes for the better for herself and her two children.

Charlene worked with Maryann Moulinet to apply for Habitat for Humanity’s housing program. After Charlene’s application was accepted, she had to donate 250 hours of labor at Habitat construction sites before she could move ahead. After her normal workday she often headed to a construction site or to an interview for a higher-paying job.

RESET connects participants to vital resources, but the coaching and personal connection are also key. “I hang on to the message of being valued,” Charlene says. “Maryann and ICS say to me, ‘You know you can do this, let’s get you there and see what else you can do.’”

Juliet (right) receives her graduation award from RESET Program Coordinator Maryann Moulinet.

Nada displays her CNA license.

Charlene (center), with Moulinet and ICS CEO Tom McKinney, received the keys to her new house in Dec. 2022.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Mobile Food Bank Adds Afternoon Route

A year ago, ICS launched a new service to address a barrier limiting access to food assistance. A custombuilt refrigerated truck, the Mobile Food Bank, began making weekly stops at five locations around Tucson.

The goal was to serve people living in food deserts or with no means to travel to a traditional food bank. Results were almost immediate. In the first four months, 80% of the clients who used the Mobile Food Bank had never been to a food bank before.

The first year of mobile food distribution has been a tremendous success. Eager to address hunger in more neighborhoods, ICS is working with community partners to add additional locations.

In December 2022, the truck began making bi-weekly stops at YWCA House of Neighborly Service, 243 W. 33rd St. The truck is there every other Thursday from 12:45–1:45 p.m.

Another food distribution site launched on January 6, 2023. On the first Friday of every month the truck will be at Iglesia de Centro Sanidad, 2233 E Summit St, from 12:30–1:30 p.m.

FULL SCHEDULE: icstucson.org/mobile-food-bank

Free Produce Giveaways

In the first year of service the Mobile Food Bank operated for 4,269 hours and distributed over 208,710 pounds of food.

ICS FOOD BANK

2820 W. INA ROAD

1st Saturdays 6:00–7:30 a.m.

February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

Hosted by Greater Faith Word Church International

601 E. FORT LOWELL RD

2nd Fridays 8–10 a.m.

February 10, March 10, April 7, May 12

NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2450 E. FORT LOWELL RD

3rd Thursdays 8–10 a.m.

February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18

UNLEASHED CHRISTIAN CHURCH

In partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and with support from volunteers and faith community partners, Free Produce Giveaways distribute tens of thousands of pounds of rescued food each month from November to May.

No documentation is required. Distributions do not count toward an individual's or family's monthly allotment of emergency food.

265 W. VALENCIA RD.

3rd Fridays 8–10 a.m.

February 17, March 17, April 28, May 19

MT. CALVARY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

210 E. LESTER ST

3rd Saturdays 8–10 a.m.

February 18, March 18, April 15

EL PUEBLO COMMUNITY CENTER

101 W. IRVINGTON

4th Fridays 8–10 a.m.

February 24, March 24, April 21, May 26

ICS employees Brandon Miller (left) and Val Clewley (right) stock and operate the Mobile Food Bank.

Volunteers Go Above and Beyond for ICS Clients

Rising costs in 2022 pushed many families' budgets to the breaking point. As the holidays approached, Gifts of Love organizers took on their greatest challenge to date: providing holiday gifts for nearly 50% more recipients than we helped last year. Volunteers made it possible! They came through for our clients, along with faith partners and friends in the community.

Once-a-year events like Gifts of Love and the upcoming Empty Bowls fundraiser are successful because of hundreds of hours of volunteer service, but the extraordinary dedication of ICS volunteers is on display every day. The photo below was captured at a recent Free Produce Giveaway where volunteers arrived at 5:30 on a January morning to distribute rescued produce and bread to hundreds of members of the community. They finished loading boxes of food into waiting cars just as the sun was rising.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

What does it take to volunteer at ICS? Customer service skills are the basis of many of our volunteer jobs. These include listening carefully, expressing empathy, being patient, using positive language, and having a thick skin when customers are frustrated.

Volunteers who have what it takes for customer service, with the addition of computer skills, are candidates for a role in Centralized Intake. Client Navigators perform the initial screening to transform people in need into ICS clients who can receive services.

Customer service + computer skills + HR/job-hunting experience is the recipe for volunteering in the Workforce Development Center. Helping job seekers build resumes, write cover letters, and practice interview skills can change a family's future!

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

More than 1,000 kids, teens, and older adults received gifts. 34 volunteers gave 276 hours shopping, wrapping, and delivering.

Colleen O'Leary (top) and Robert Kittrell were two of the volunteers who dedicated time to Gifts of Love 2022.

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 June 1–December 30, 2022.

IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY

Hilda and John Aldrich, Jane Prinz

My son, John Hugh Almond, John Almond

Carol Backus, Peter and Shirley Nelson

Nathlie Badian, Anonymous Donors

Wayne and Ann Marie Barry, Fred and Sandra Eaton

Rita Bator, James and Deborah Hilbert, Barbie Adler

Edward Martin Bergeson, Susan Katz

David Brandt, Pam Brandt

Robert and Marie Brauer, Lawrence Brauer

Harold Buchsbaum, Martin Drozdoff

My parents, Hal and Ruth Chadwick, Barbara Chadwick

John and Eloise Clymer, Owen Clymer

Terry Coleman, Sondra Spalding, Ingrid Dorton, Steve and Ruth Pollyea, Billie Gulbrandson, Jerome and Kathy Green, Darlene Moore, Wendell and Rose Tyson

Jack Comp, David and Ellen Vellenga

Carol Craine, Eric Craine

Risa Crockett, Sandy and Bob Crockett

Jessie Deyoe, Wiley and Kay Murphy, Jennifer Grozis, Harry and Marie McDermott, Lauren Perry, Marcia Rostad, Richard Hoffman, Sandra Marchese, Patricia A McElroy, Charlotte K Mitchell, Laurie Deyoe, Lois Boydstun, Carla Sara Kirchner, Lisa Carr Smith

Michael Dinolfo, Donna Vacca Brestin

Benjamin Dixon & Catherine Pizzuti, Joan A Morris

Kathy Duff-Stewart, Jim & Sheila Ader

William Duryee, Patricia Duryee

Ruth Fales, Allan and Lisa Tyler

Thomas Feldsien, Mary Feldsien

Ron Feller, Karen and Gary Cuttler, Beth Raff, Susan and Rob Lieb

Jeff Fleeger, Dean and Lynn Neitzke

William Lawrence Filippone, my beloved husband, Colleen Filippone

Mary Lou Fischer, Diane Kurlander

Ruth Ganeles, Paul Ganeles

Tony Gatto, Kathleen Gatto

Barbara and Albert Goldstein, Audrey H Goldstein

Brian Gutshell, John and Betty Bellingham

Billie Haahr, Deanna C Utz

Ann Hadd, Joseph Hadd

Glenn Hamstra, Lester and Suzanne Hayt

June Head, George and Peggy Gluski

Lisa Hinman, Bruce Hinman

Raymond Jantz, Ardith R Butler

Edmund L. Jenkins, Tom and Ellen Jenkins

Dick Kampa, Kathy Hebb

Ken, Carol A. Duncan

Jim Kilgore, Cheryl Kilgore

Kevin Koch, Becky and Kim Koch

Larry Knight, Barbara Knight

Jim Kramer, Deirdre Kramer

Kathy Kroninger, David R Boeckmann

Karen Kubara, Janet M DeKeyser

Robert Lee Frownfelter, Rod and Suzanne Anderson

Jack Lehmkuhl, Diane Lehmkuhl

Long-time volunteers of ICS, Bonnie Kampa

Bob Lyons, Mark and Jennifer Chenault

Robert P. Mack, Romana Parobek

Ilse and Jim MacKenzie, Virgil and Muriel Gerdes

Frances Mahoney, Ann Zweig

Lynn Manis, Sara and Sean Lippitt

William Kenneth Martin, Richard and Elizabeth Rollman, Louis and Kathy Tapley, George and Peggy Gluski, Jeremiah and Danielle Lange, Russell and Peggy Hoeft, Terry and Joyce Minks, Charles and Marjorie Wippermann, Ben and Chris Sternberg, Brian and Patty Clymer, Patricia and Christopher Douglas, Josie Ellis

Judy Marvel, Thomas McNamara

Marcus McDivitt, John and Janice McDivitt

Elsie Merdell, Patricia Solvas

Victor Julian Mergard, Bartlett and Melinda Heald

Keith Muske, Jacqueline L Shaffer

Francesca Minchella Robison, Ernest Minchella

My Aunt Jessie, who lived to serve others., Camilla Goering

Margie Nordbrock, Nancy Miller

Richard Ogaz, Martha and Bill Owen

Our Loved Ones, Greta M Roberts

Oveta Pavelek, Brian and Misty Hansen

My daughter, Susan Peterson, Mary Jo Peterson

Gail Proos Schmidt, Patricia HarrisonMonroe

R.B.M., Nancy Bushroe

Marion Rosenbaum, Janice Roise

Michael Rowe, Janet Rowe

Jim Scheil, Newcomer Alums

Matt Schneider, Roger and Marybeth Schneider

Robert Sklar, Richard Sklar

Ken Small, Rogene K. Small

Carol Stafford, Susan Biestek, Peter and Pamela Berry, Tom and Marilyn Birky, Donna Cox, Mike and Ann Guilfoy, Corinne Muramatsu, Thea L Chalow, Edwina B Trask

Raymond Stanley, Susan Taylor

Susie and Charlie Sturm, Arlene Sturm

Elizabeth Svenson, Barry Bine

Jim Tillema, Linda M Tillema

Rudy Urias Jr., Craig Marken and Wanda Wynne

Uvalde Children and Teachers Ruth Robertson

Edward L Wachter, Diana Coonce

Bill Wessman, Deeanne Kroner

Ann Wheeler, Anonymous

Ljubica Williams, Deanna Flacke

Carol Wood Davis, Charles Davis

Blaine Young, Martha Brasher

IN HONOR OF: GIVEN BY

Art Aldag in celebration of Father's Day, Art Aldag's Three Children

Kirstin Archie, Anonymous

Curt Balko, Wayne and Carol Dawson

Diane Barker, David Barker and Mariana Iriarte

Jean Bassett, Rose Moreno

Bertie, Hannah Webber

Jean Bitnar Rafalski's birthday fundraiser for ICS, Kim Andrus, Judy Novencido, Margaret HedrickHenderson, Doug Robinson

Bettina Murrell, Juanita Bloxham

Hensley, Patricia Geegan

Bob Botten, Nancy Ullrich

Earl Botten, Nancy Ullrich

Bill and Molly Boyd (in lieu of Christmas gifts), Earl and Sandra Mason

Terry Braatz's 100th Birthday, Patricia McSweeney

Al Brust, Rose Moreno

Lori Bryant, Lori Bryant and Mark Thornburgh

Julie Bubul, From her grandaughter Willow Stokes

Sylvia Buchanan, Joel and Linda Mae Levine

Canyon Del Oro Bible Church Singspiration, Maureen G Bell

Pat and Jack Carlson, Howard and Nancy Ullrich

Ben and Nancy Chase, Charles and Connie Chase

Beverly Christman, Rick Christman

Clients of Benjamin F Edwards, Steve Cooke

Dee Dee Connel's Giving Tuesday fundraiser for ICS, Sarah Beth Ansell Ernest Minchella and Mary Bequette, Kit Dunbar

Ben and Kim Curson, Chuck and Linda Curson

Janea Dahl and Todd Trigsted, John V Reitz

Mr. and Mrs. Edling, Rose Moreno

Marcia Emslie, John Engel

Rhonda Fure, Timothy and Anne Schaffner

Jane Gersmeyer, Rose Moreno

Bob Gorchov, Mary McGovern Davis

Bob Gordon and Steve Kraynak, Mike and Janie Foy

Katherine Hahn, David Van Der Vis

Bob and Anne Hendricks, Karin Hendricks

Bob and Anne Hendricks, Jennifer Dowell

Bob Hendrickson, Natalie Ireland

Charles and Maxine Hickox, Robert and Susan Hickox

Thomas Hruska III, Tom and Luanna Hruska

Lois Jean, MaryAnn Ahrens

David and Amy Klawon, Lorna Kraemer

Guenther and Freida Klein, Gary and Luanne Thomson

Tim Kromer, Celena N. Robles

Sara Lippitt, Celena N. Robles

Karen MacDonald, Martin and Linda Horowitz

Bettie Manning—Happy 95th Birthday!

Chris Griebel and John Kubisch

Stephanie Martin, Rose Moreno

Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield, Rose Moreno

Mr. and Mrs. McFarren, Rose Moreno

Cass and Frank McGinty, Christine Reese

Pat McGovern Gorchov—Happy Birthday!, Mary Davis

Laird and Cindy McIntyre's 50th Anniversary, Greg and Gail Jester

Tom McKinney, Jan Sturges

Arlis McLean and Mike Melton, Brian McLean

Patti Moreen, Mari Heltne

My Son, Cindy Dixon

50th Wedding Anniversary of Dr. Chris and Nancy Myers, Julie Reichman, Linda Snow, Dixie R Steffey

David and Marlys Nelson, James and Bonnie Johnson

Our Family, Doris K Seames

Nancy Peterson, Claudia Kelp-Lenane

Mr. and Mrs. Pettett, Rose Moreno

Jennifer Reinhart and Family, Rose Moreno

Janet Rowe's Birthday Fundraiser for ICS, Cathy Wade, Nikki A Chayet, Nancy Hummel, Lisa Maher, Brian Ward, Bob Beck

Carolyn Saunders, Mike and Janie Foy

Mr. and Mrs. Schermer, Rose Moreno

Shari Stapleton-Smith, Epsilon Sigma Alpha ETA PI Chapter #5575

Joyce Staring, Christopher and Gail Staring

Donna Stevens Barker's Birthday Fundraiser for ICS, Beth Peterson, Susan Brennan

Janet Stewart, Suzi Lenhart

Casey Stockdale, Jeffrey Sims

Gwen Sweeney, Jane Espinoza

Jill Taylor, Keith and Mary Lou Steinkamp

The Clergy and Staff at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Christina Jarvis

The Dedicated Knights of St. Odilia, Anthony and Mayme Beauto

The ICS Staff and Volunteers that make Gifts of Love a success, Pamela Barnes

Lauryn Valladrez, Howard Adams

The Wiley Family: Rick, Tiffany, Nate and Lexie,, Terry Haney

Janis Willkom, Ann K Mills

Diane Wilson, James W Springer

Bertha Wolfe, Janet M DeKeyser

Mr. and Mrs. Young, Rose Moreno

ICS STAFF UPDATES

New additions to the ICS team in fall 2022 and January 2023:

Mary Anderson, Single Mom Scholars Program Coordinator

Steven Chacon, Mobile Food Bank Warehouse Assistant

Vivian Escobar, Case Manager

Sarah Garcia, Donor Liaison

Joshua Hennings, Senior Program Manager—Food Distribution

Armando Pacho, Technology Coordinator

Aimee Roberts, Financial Controller

Sally Saunders, Resource & Intake Specialist

Janelle Taiepisi, Senior Services Coordinator

New roles for existing employees:

Bonnie Galaska, Data and Technology Manager

Iliana Recinos, Development Projects Coordinator

Accounting Coordinator

Case Manager

Find more information at icstucson.org/job-opportunities

12TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO FIGHT HUNGER AND FEED HOPE

Saturday, March 4 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tucson Chinese Cultural Center 1288 W. River Road

» Sample signature soups, breads & desserts from local restaurants

» Bid in the silent auction

» Enter raffles

» Select a beautiful bowl made by a local artist

BUY A TICKET: $25 EACH

Tickets are on sale now! The family-friendly event includes indoor and outdoor activities, allowing for safe distancing.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Five sponsorship levels are available. Get VIP event tickets, recognition on event day signage, and more.

Presenting/Title Sponsor: $10,000

Platinum Tureen: $5,000

Gold Bowl: $2,500

Silver Ladle: $1,000

Souper Hero: $500

DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM

Items for the raffles and silent auction at Empty Bowls are donated by local businesses and individuals. These include:

• jewelry

• pottery

• home decor

• artwork

• restaurant gift cards

• passes and tickets for experiences

• hotel and resort stays

• gift certificates for services

Tickets and information: icstucson.org/empty-bowls

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

101 W. Irvington Rd. Building 2A Tucson, AZ 85714

El Pueblo Neighborhood Center

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