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eVoice |
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A bi-weekly newsletter of the
DMARC and MovetheFood Community |
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National Peanut Butter Lover's Day Inspires Food Drive at
Area Hy-Vee Stores
March 4th-8th |  | |
In recognition of Peanut Butter Lover's Day on March 1, local Hy-Vee Stores will be accepting donations of peanut butter during March 4 through March 8.
"Peanut Butter is one of the most needed items distributed to participating families each month, says Rebecca Whitlow, Food Pantry Director. DMARC distributes about 4,500 jars of peanut butter each month.
Hy-Vee store director, Wes Snook encourages everyone to help with this cause. Hy Vee has always been proud to partner with the DMARC Food Pantry Network to help those that need extra assistance.
Shoppers are also encouraged to purchase $6 and $12 Hunger Sacks at the grocery stores or make cash contributions directly to DMARC during this special food drive. Shoppers may also purchase individual non-perishable items and place them in the familiar Red Barrels located near the entrances of most grocery stores.
Your donations will help ensure a supply of this most need item for our community and our 13 partner food pantries located in greater Des Moines. |
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WANTED: High School Students who are interested in social justice issues!
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DMARC is looking for high school students to join in a camp experience on March 18 from 9am to 9pm.Beginning at the American Friends House (42nd and Grand), youth will travel with their leaders to other locations throughout the day.
Activities will be facilitated by the Center for Social Ministry, an organization that provides poverty awareness and justice education programming in the Des Moines area.
Registration deadline March 11, 2013! Click here for a registration form. Cost is $25 for 2 meals, snacks and transportation. Please return form and check made payable to DMARC, 3816 36th St.. Ste 202, Des Moines, IA 50310-4710. Scholarships available. | |
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Break Hunger 2013 with Meals from the Heartland |  |
Spring Break - a time when students, and many parents, dream of leaving Iowa for sandy beaches, warm sunshine and relaxation. But this year, Meals from the Heartland is providing a great memory-making alternative that offers the dream of helping fellow Iowans, camaraderie among friends and family and warm hearts in exchange for a couple of hours and/or a donation!
On March 19-March 21 people of all ages* are invited to register to pack meals and donate funds to our event goal of packaging 750,000 meals at the Elwell Family Food Center at Iowa State Fairgrounds for food-insecure people in Iowa and around the world!
The event is also a great opportunity for high school students to earn volunteer hours. You don't need to travel outside of Iowa to make special memories this Spring Break!
Details: Register for 2-hour packaging shifts are available from 8:30am to 6:30pm during the 3-day period, or 5-hour pod/host worker shifts. Registration is open for both - sign up now!
*Children 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. |
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Des Moines Area Religious Council
3816 36th Street, Suite 202
Des Moines, IA 50310-4710
515-277-6969
www.dmreligious.org
www.movethefood.org | |
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Greetings!
Just so you know! DMARC & the Feinstein Foundation are Teaming Up to  Knock Out Hunger!
From March 1, until April 30, consider designating a DMARC food pantry gift or pledge as a match for the Feinstein Challenge. Your support is needed and greatly appreciated!
In 2012, the Feinstein Challenge resulted in nearly $42,000 in donations, or about 56,000 meals, designated for the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Our goal this year is to reach $52,500 in donations; this will provide 70,000 meals for hungry families in greater Des Moines.
For details on donating or to print and post a flyer or bulletin insert for your congregation, go to our website. Questions? Contact Kristine Frakes at: 515-277-6969 or kfrakes@dmreligious.org.
The $1 Million Feinstein Grant is distributed to all eligible organizations proportionally, based on cash and food pledges and donations received as a part of the Feinstein Challenge.
Thank you for your ongoing support! |
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 Community Calendar
We are pleased to point you to the community calendar on the DMARC website. You may access it at any time. Feel free to upload your own events! Just click on "add an event".
Above + Beyond Cancer is Next Comparison Project
The Comparison Project is proud to announce the next event of its 2012-2013 programming: Above + Beyond Cancer in their Journey to the High Himalaya--a creative non-fiction narratives of Recovery, Discovery, and Advocacy, featuring Ruth Bachman and Andy Fleming, on Thursday, March 7, 2013, at 7:30pm in the Cowles Library Reading Room on the Drake University campus. for more info, contact yasmina Madden at yasmina.madden@drake.edu.
 Iowa Gospel Festival presents: Kim Burrell live in Concert, her first Iowa appearance to close out Black History month! Join us on Friday, March 8, 2013 from 7-8:30pm at Elim Christian Fellowship, 525 E. 9th St., Des Moines. Doors open at 6:30pm.
 | | Click image to view their Facebook event page for details. |
Oxfam America, the Des Moines Area Sisters on the Planet Ambassadors, and the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Des Moines will be hosting Women and a Well-Fed World: Facing the Challenge - Gaining Ground. The event will go from 6:30 to 8pm at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust St, downtown Des Moines. Speakers are Denise O'Brien, organic farmer and founder of the Women's Food and Agriculture Network; and Muthoni Muriu, director of Oxfam America's Regional Programs. Contact Iowa@oxfamactioncorps.org.
2013 Annual United in Prayer Day is March 16th
Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa invites everyone to 2013 Annual United in Prayer Day, Saturday morning, March 16, 8:30-Noon, at Grace United Methodist Church (37th & College), Des Moines. This is an opportunity to join together in silent prayer, enrich your practice of Centering Prayer - or introduce you to this ages-old contemplative prayer practice. We will view selections from a DVD "God Is In All," featuring Fr. Thomas Keating and Abbott Joseph Boyle of St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO; enjoy refreshments, share reflections and sit in contemplative silent prayer. Registration is requested: www.centeriowa.org/events. For more info, contact Chris Frantsvog, 515-306-1221.
Palm Sunday Procession for Peace
is March 24, at 3pm
The gathering begins at Locust & Penn Ave. at 2:30pm and the walk starts at 3pm. The walk concludes with a 3:45pm prayer service at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 9th Street & High, Des Moines. Theme is "Overcoming Fear and Embracing Peace." All are invited to create and carry banners / posters calling attention to issues of concern (drones, immigration, poverty, etc.) or a verse of Scripture that speaks to the human condition. The Rev. Robert Cook, Presbytery of Des Moines former missionary to El Salvador, will provide the reflection during the prayer service.
Good Friday Way of the Cross is March 29th
Good Friday Observation will include the annual Way of the Cross procession through downtown Des Moines on Friday, March 29 starting at 1:30pm at 10th and Pleasant, in front of First United Methodist Church. Each of the stops for reflection along the procession route is symbolic of Christ's travel to crucifixion, death and promise of resurrection. At each stop a devotion will be presented to help participants reflect on the meaning of scripture in today's world. All are welcome to participate and to carry the cross for a small portion of the walk. The event is sponsored by the Bridge, an ecumenical outreach initiative of four downtown churches: First United Methodist, St. Ambrose Cathedram, St. John's Lutheran and the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Paul.
Participation Need for Type 1 Diabetes Study
Dr. Daniel Cox and colleagues at the U of Virginia are continuing to enroll drivers with type 1 diabetes in an NIH internet intervention study designed to help adults avoid extreme Blood Glucose events while driving and avoid driving mishaps. Participants can earn up to $270. Goal is to enroll 180 more participants by May 2013. This study is done entirely over the internet requiring no clinic or doctor's visits. To learn more, go to: www.diabetesdriving.com. Questions? Contact Tom Banton, project coordinator, tab2@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.
International Women's Day is March 7th
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If you earned $50,000 or less in 2012, you may be eligible to receive Free Tax Preparation! You also may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Care Tax Credits. Call 2-1-1 for more information. 211 is free and available 24/7.
Engaging & Empowering Patients and Clients through Motivational Interviewing.
Held on Fridays, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, from 7:45am - Noon, at River Place, 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, this 4-session workshop led by Dr. Becky Lang will help professionals, such as RN's, LPN's, and social workers, learn ways to empower their patients struggling with behavior challenges such as weight loss, medicine adherence and diet and exercise. Each session will be focused on a different area of motivational interviewing:
- Session 1: Foundations of Health Behavior Change
- Session 2: Engagement of the Patient
- Session 3: Patient-Center Health Coaching
- Session 4: SMART Goal Setting for Self-Management Support
The cost of the workshop is $115, which includes all 4 sessions. CEU Certification is available and cost includes all learning materials. There is no reduced rate for attending fewer sessions. *Payment must accompany your registration to guarantee your spot for this workshop. To register, contact Amy Vos at amy.vos@polkcountyiowa.gov or 515-323-3681.
Classes are Being Held Now for Rebuilding Together's Community Leadership Program
The Community Leadership Program is available to anyone in the community interested in gaining knowledge on effective leadership. Whether you're looking to gain skills for work, a volunteer group or for your own personal life. Learn how to recruit members, fundraise, build relationships and more! If you live in a low-to-moderate level income neighborhood, you may be eligible to attend classes at no cost to you. The spring semester classes run February 28-May 4. Contact Rebuilding Together Coordinator Emily Boyd at: eboyd@rebuildingdm.org or 515-280-1674, to learn if you qualify for a scholarship. Or register through DMACC today.
Boundless Compassion Conference is March 18-21 in Newton or June 1-13 in Omaha
Put the transformative power of compassion to work for profound new possibilities in your personal and professional life. This 4-day intensive offered by the Institute of Compassionate Presence, will be led by internationally known author, retreat and workshop leader, Joyce Rupp. Participants will discuss the dynamics of compassion, look at current neuroscience findings and discuss applications for our lives. Sessions include input, media resources, reflection, dialogue and creative activities to assist in integrating vital new ways of seeing, doing and being. Topics include: personal transformation, self-compassion, loss and suffering, marginalization, and compassion for creation. These four intensive days will also include respected leaders in medicine, faith, and human services. Des Moines area (Newton) Conference, March 18-21, 2013 (also offered in Omaha, June 1-13, 2013). For details or to register, www.osms.org. Contact OSM Director Margaret Stratman at: 402-951-3026.
SACRED CHAOS: A Retreat of Renewal for Religious Leaders in Transition... is April 1-5
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center Institute for the Practice of Ministry is offering a unique opportunity for clergy. Sacred Chaos is a spiritual journey retreat for religious leaders in transition. It seeks to assist in the spiritual and emotional renewal of these leaders as they traverse some of their most difficult life passages, i.e., retirement, divorce, mid-life, burnout, etc., as well as to encourage and support them in their struggles with congregational challenges.
The event will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. James R. Newby and Dr. Mark Minear, on Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Christian Conference Center, 5064 Lincoln St., Newton, IA. Cost $600; $550 for early bird registration by 3/1/13.
Includes four nights lodging (single rooms with bath), all meals, all group work, and private sessions with an experienced clinical psychologist. Deadline is March 15. Registration is limited to 12 participants. For more info or to register, contact Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, Rev. Diane McClanahan, dmcclanahan@dmpcc.org or 515-274-4006.
Vemeer Leadership Alliance to Hold CEU Credit Seminar
April 8 & 9
Come to Pella on April 8 & 9, 2013, to hear Lillian Daniel and Martin Copenhaver speak on "This Odd and Wondrous Calling!" On Monday, April 8 the presentation is free and open to the public - you do not need to register in advancer. The event on Tuesday, April 9 is geared more toward pastors and ministry leaders and we do ask for a registration fee in advance of only $25 (includes lunch and snacks). Registration forms are now available online! Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered through the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Iowa Annual conference of the United Methodist Church. If you are interested in .7 hrs. CEUs, indicate this on your registration form. Questions? Go to their website: www.vermeer.com or contact: 641-628-3141, charitablefoundation@vermeer.com.
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Volunteer / Training Opportunities
Organist - First Presbyterian Church, Des Moines
Part-time organist is needed for one weekly Sunday morning service as well as other services as needed. Salary to be negotiated. For details contact: Rev. Ken Stuber, 515-262-5673 or FirstPresDSM@q.com.
Choir Director - Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines
This temporary, part-time choir director is needed March 1-May 31, 2013, to director the Adult Chancel Choir, practice Wednesday evenings and worship each Sunday.
Accompanist Organ/Piano - Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines
This temporary, part-time position is needed March 1-June 9, 2013, for Sunday worship and accompanying the Adult Chancel Choir during Wednesday evening practice.
For more info on the two positions above, go to: www.wdmcovenant.org/employment.html. Submit resume(s) to Kaela Phillips, kaela.phillips@gmail.com or send to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Worship and Music, 1025 28th St., West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Receptionist - St. Gregory Retreat Centers, Des Moines
Full-time position for receptionist who is a compassionate, self-motivated professional interested in sharing in our mission of empowering individuals to permanently leave a life of addiction behind. Great benefits and an opportunity to work with exceptional professionals while making a profound difference in the lives of our clients. Fluency in MS office essential. To apply send resume to careers@stgregoryctr.com. Questions? Call 515-633-7128.
Dir. of Gift Planning - Community Foundation, Des Moines
Responsible for developing, maintaining and servicing long-term relationships with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines' donors with an emphasis on those who have or could have planned or complex gift arrangements. Also deepen and broaden the services to and relationships with the professional advisor community. Applicants submit cover letter and resume by March 8, 2013. Learn more and view the full job description.
Senior Companions - Visiting Nurse Services, Des Moines
Earn extra money up to $200-$400 + every month.
If you are 55 years old or older, able to serve 15 hours /week, open to providing friendly, one-to-one visits to homebound infividuals, making an income at or below $22,340 or more, able to drive (not always mandatory) and a resident of Polk or Warren County. Tax-free hourly stipend, meal reimbursement, holiday and vacation pay, initial training, annual physical and supplemental accident/liability insurance while on duty. Contact the Senior Companion Program Director Julia Tiedeman, 515-558-9957.
Iowa Kids Net Needs Parents for Forever Families!
Between Sept. and Dec. 31, 2012, over 1000 children were removed from their homes and placed into foster care across the state of Iowa. These children were removed from their homes because they experienced severe abuse or neglect, or because of dangerous conditions such as parental substance abuse or other form of parental impairment. While they are removed from their family homes, these children need safe and loving homes to care for them. However, many of these children spend time in shelters or other facilities because there are not enough foster and adoptive homes to meet the need. Please visit iowakidsnet.com or call 800-243-0756, for more information.
Candeo - Your abilities, Your choices
Candeo is a non-profit organization that provides community based services for Adults with Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities for residents of Polk County.
- Habilitation Team Leader
- Habilitation Service Coordinator
- Supported Community Living Instructors- including Overnight Shifts available (part- or full-time, or Casual- less than 20 hours)
- Mental Health Instructors- including Overnight Shifts available (part- or full-time, or Casual- less than 20 hours)
- Nights and Weekends Employment Consultant
- Full Time Employment Consultant
- Instructor of Brain Injury Services
Visit website at www.candeoiowa.org/careers to apply on line or contact Sonia Sledge, at hr@candeoiowa.org. |
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| Who are we?
The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization with a core membership of about 140 congregations from four faith traditions. Recipient of the 2010 Aurora Award from The Des Moines Register, DMARC provides a common means of responding to basic human needs and a context for interfaith dialogue.
The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 13 separate pantry sites, a centralized warehouse, and numerous community partners. It is the largest food pantry network in Iowa. Pantry sites are located in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and nine sites in Des Moines. In 2012, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted about 33,000 people, nearly half who are children or youth.
MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on more than 36 years of the Food Pantry Network, catalyzing fresh generations, and engaging new constituencies to further support a vision for a day when everyone in Polk County has enough to eat. |
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Save $10
and more at
Younkers stores
March 1-2, 2013 |
For $5, you can purchase a Younkers 2-day Community Event Coupon Booklet through the Des Moines Area Religious Council. All proceeds from the sales will go to support the DMARC Food Pantry Network. Coupons can be used in stores Friday & Saturday, March 1 & 2, 2013. Booklets contain $400 worth of Younkers/BonTon coupons, plus a $10-off coupon.
DMARC CHALLENGE: Buy 2, one for yourself and one for a friend. Help spread the DMARC mission of religious communities helping to meet basic human needs in greater Des Moines.
What your coupon donation can provide:
$5 = 7 meals
$25 = 35 meals
$100 = 135 meals
In 2012, DMARC served:
- Over 33,000 people in Greater Des Moines
- Nearly 50% of DMARC food pantry clients are children and youth.
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Click here to purchase a coupon booklet today.
Thank you for supporting DMARC! |
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