Sample Bulletin & Newsletter Inserts 2021

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 Volunteer at IAM

Volunteers are the heart of Interfaith Assistance Ministry. Because of their compassionate gifts of time, IAM is able to help more than 18,000 people in great need in Henderson County every year.

Volunteers assist in a number of vital roles at IAM including:

• By working in the Food Assistance Department filling food orders and stocking shelves

• By helping the Clothing Assistance Department sort clothing and fill clothing orders

• Working in our Social Services Department as interviewer or file manager

• Volunteering to assist with the Mobile Pantry events held weekly throughout the community.

• We also greatly need drivers who can pick up grocery store donations and other large donations.

• By volunteering with the IAM Thrift Store

For more information about how you can help our neighbors in need or to make an appointment with our Volunteer Manager:

Call: 828 697 7029 ext 215

Email: volunteer.manager@iam-hc.org

About IAM

The Mission of Interfaith Assistance Ministry is to provide assistance to Henderson County residents in crisis with compassion and respect.

IAM offers help with food, clothing, heat, utilities, rent, medications, school supplies, and other basic needs to Henderson County residents. As an independent nonprofit, IAM is often is able to provide help to individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements of other organizations.

IAM was founded in 1984 by local churches and the synagogue. Funded by local congregations, civic groups, businesses, generous individuals, and grants. IAM partners with Duke Energy to administer Share the Warmth funds and by our local Emergency Food & Shelter Board to administer EFSP funds. IAM is committed to meeting the basic needs of Henderson County neighbors in crisis.

Who IAM Serves

Interfaith Assistance Ministry serves residents of Henderson County facing personal and economic hardship. In 2023, IAM assisted 18,846 neighbors in need.

Neighbors: Of all races and religious beliefs

The Poor: Of neighbors receiving free food from IAM, 99% fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level

The Hungry: 96% of our clients receive food

The Young: 48% under age 50 - often single mothers and their children

Senior Citizens: Many of the neighbors we serve are struggling to survive on a fixed income derived from Social Security and are making difficult choices between the purchase of necessary medications versus food for their table.

Ways to Support IAM

IAM depends on volunteers, donors, and sponsors to help provide basic needs and support for Henderson County families in crisis. Our mission would not be possible without dedicated and committed neighbors.

DONATE

Donate food, clothing, personal care items, blankets and financial gifts. IAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.

VOLUNTEER TIME

Volunteers interview people seeking help, staff the Food Pantry, drive our vans and truck, staff the Clothing Assistance Department, serve as support for IAM staff and help with special projects.

SERVE

Board members are essential for fundraising and special committees. Your background and expertise can benefit Henderson County residents in need through IAM.

Learn more at www.iam-hc.org and find out how you can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Shop

The IAM Thrift Store opened in 2022 and provides an important review stream to fund IAM’s many programs to help our neighbors in need. 100% of all Thrift Store sales receipts go to the support of IAM’s pantry, clothing assistance, and financial assistance for our neighbors in need. Read more about our Thrift Store here.

Services Provided by IAM

Food Assistance

IAM provides neighbors in need with enough food to feed a family for one week. We also provide food once a month for an on-going crisis. In addition to food items, our pantry distributes personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. We also provide dog and cat food for family pets.

Clothing Assistance

Clothing Assistance can supply adults and children with seasonally appropriate clothing, underwear, socks, coats, and clothing for interviews or specialty jobs. We also provide clients with sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. For school-age children, IAM distributes backpacks and the school supplies children need to succeed in school.

Financial Assistance

IAM’s Social Services Department offers financial assistance to individuals and families in crisis by assisting with utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, heating fuel, prescriptions and medications, and gasoline. We also offer budgeting classes and a comprehensive list of other local agencies that may provide additional services.

Get Help at IAM

IAM’s Social Services Department is open to provide free crisis services to residents of Henderson County on a first-come, first-served basis, Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Fridays 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

IAM provides assistance with food (traditional or Latino), financial assistance with rent, utility bills and prescriptions; clothing, bus tickets, gasoline vouchers, personal hygiene items, baby diapers and food, blankets, towels, sheets, new school clothing, holiday meals, pet food, a free budget class, referrals to partner agencies, and help for other hardships.

IAM currently offers extended pantry hours on Tuesdays until 5:30 p.m. We also have a weekly Mobile Pantry event at various locations in Henderson County to assist more of our neighbors in great need with nutritious food orders, based on the family’s size and needs. See the current Mobile Pantry schedule here.

Call 828-697-7029 to learn more. IAM’s offices are located at 310 Freeman Street off of Four Season’s Blvd.