eVoice
Des Moines Area Religious Council and MovetheFood.org

 A bi-weekly newsletter of the
 DMARC and MovetheFood Community

   
In This Issue
Meals from the Market
DMARC Wins Medical Society Award
Community Calendar
Faith Community News
Job/Volunteer Opportunities
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MovetheFood website!
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DMARC's Goal is to Raise $1,500 Through Birdies for Charity
by June 2
Birdies for Charity logo   
Considering donating to DMARC through the Birdies for Charity program. You can help DMARC reach our goal of $1,500 and be eligible to receive Bonus Bucks of an additional $.25 for every $1.00 collected, up to $25,000. DMARC keeps all the money pledged or donated. If you call our DMARC office, 515-277-6969, and donate or pledge by May 23rd, you are entered into our drawing to win passes into the event to be held at Wakonda Club May 28th-June 2nd.
 
Click here to donate or pledge online. Download a pledge form and guess the Birdies contest by May 30th to be entered into additional drawings for prizes. Kids 15 and under can get in to the tournament free with a ticketed adult. Thank you for your support!

DMARC and the
I-Cubs are Partnering to help the Food Pantry Network!

I-Cubs logo 

The Iowa Cubs and DMARC Food Pantry Network are partnering to collect food items at Sunday home games. Fans are invited to bring three food items in exchange for one general admission ticket. (General admission tickets may be upgraded to reserved grandstand for $3. Cash donations may be accepted but not for tickets.)

 

Gates open at 11:35am, for the following Sunday afternoon home games (game time is 1:05pm):

  • May 26
  • June 2
  • June 9
  • June 16
  • July 14
  • August 11
  • August 25

It's going to be a great summer! Thanks for your support.

Meals from the Market
 
Downtown Farmer's
Market Needs you!

We need volunteers Saturday mornings throughout the duration of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market to work the MovetheFood booth in partnership with Meals from the Market. Volunteers will help educate potential donors and take donations of fresh produce to our warehouse truck for future delivery to our food pantry partners. In 2012, the Meals from the Market program contributed to our distribution of over 300,000 pounds of fresh produce to our 13 pantry sites, a key aspect to our focus on health.

 

To sign up and volunteer, please go to the Meals from the Market volunteer website. Here are the Saturday dates volunteers are needed at the Downtown Farmers Market:

  • May 25
  • June 8 & 22
  • July 6 & 20
  • August 3, 17 & 31
  • September 14 & 28
  • October 12 & 26
Beyond Beliefs Tour is Educational
and Fun!
Beyond Beliefs Tour Brochure cover 

Join us on our Beyond Beliefs Tour and visit four different sites showcasing unique architecture and the history of faith traditions. Experience interactive kiosks designed to familiarize you with a variety of different religions and to promote religious tolerance.

 

The spring tours in May were so popular that new dates have been added for June 19th, 27th, July 17th and 31st. Call DMARC and ask for Tour Coordinator Sonya Dettmann, to get signed up. Cost is $30; includes transportation and lunch.

 

Click here to see a brochure and registration form. Or click here to learn more and see photos of the 2013 tour locations.

DMARC Wins Award for Contributions to Public Health 
IA Medical Society Award 

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is the recipient of the Iowa Medical Society's 2013 Washington Freeman Peck Award, which is given annually to an organization that makes significant contributions to public health.

 

The Iowa Medical Society selected DMARC for their work to end hunger through their food pantry network in central Iowa and their Move the Food effort which focuses on providing nutritious food and fresh produce to people in need. 

 

DMARC has the largest food pantry network in Iowa with 13 separate pantry sites in the greater Des Moines area, a centralized warehouse and numerous community partners. For the last 30 years, DMARC has continued to build on their services by using surveys and mapping technology to find ways to improve access to food and the types of food offered to their clients. DMARC's "Move the Food" program works to provide fresh, nutritional food to help combat the consequences of lack of food and poor food choices, such as an increased risk for chronic disease and diabetes. 

 

IMS Past President Robert Lee, MD, said DMARC has taken an innovative approach over the years to ending hunger. "As physicians, we applaud their focused efforts to provide nutritious food that promotes the health and well-being of people in need."

 

DMARC Board Member Caitlin Oponski and DMARC Executive Director Sarai Schnucker Rice accepted the award at the IMS Annual meeting in Iowa City. DMARC is the acronym for the Des Moines Area Religious Council, an interfaith organization with a core membership of about 140 congregations from four faith traditions.

 

The award is named after Dr. Washington Freeman Peck, a pioneering young physician who served as the 25th President of the Iowa Medical Society in 1876. 

 

Past winners of the Washington Freeman Peck Award include Camp Hertko Hollow, Iowa Legal Aid Health and Law Projects, the American Red Cross, Volunteers for the Free Clinics of Iowa and the March of Dimes.

 

The Iowa Medical Society is the professional association representing over 5,700 Iowa MDs and DOs. The core purpose of the IMS is to assure the highest quality of health care in Iowa through our role as physician and patient advocate.

 

Caitlyn Oponski
DMARC Board Member Caitlin Oponski accepts the Washington Freeman Peck Award from IMS Past President Robert Lee, MD, at the Iowa Medical Society's Annual Meeting in Iowa City on April 22, 2013.

 

Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood

3816 36th Street, Suite 202

Des Moines, IA 50310-4710

515-277-6969
May 21, 2013

Birdies for Charity logo Greetings!   

Are you interested in golf and thinking about attending the Principal Charity Classic at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, May 28 through June 2?

 

DMARC is in the final stretch to meet our goal of $1,500 for Birdies For Charity, a fundraising program sponsored by Sammons Financial Group. We are offering two (2) Any-Day Grounds-Passes (valued at $15 each) to the first 10 people that donate $100 or more by the end of the day on Thursday, May 23rd.

 

If you donate $250 or more you will also be entered into a drawing for one of three sets of two (2) skybox tickets for Pro Am play Wednesday, May 29th or Thursday, May 30th. However, to be eligible for these incentives you must reply to this email to be entered: sdettmann@dmreligious.org.  If you have questions please call Sonya Dettmann at 515-277-6969, ext. 16.

 

Tickets will be available for pick up at the DMARC office or by regular mail - your choice. Kids 15 years and under get in free to the tournament when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

 

Thank you for your continued support!

 

Note: DMARC offices and warehouse will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013. Enjoy the holiday!

 
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".

 

One Hundred Sixty Fifth Anniversary for First Presbyterian Church, 3100 Easton Blvd.

On June 16, 2013, join us for a 10:30am celebration worship service and a potluck picnic at Noon. Bring table service and come in costume of days-gone-by. The church first met In 1848 in John Dean's cabin on the banks of the Des Moines River, the site where the Simon Estes Ampitheatre is now located. For more details, call: 515-262-5679.

 

LADOS Life after Death of Spouse

This DMARC-sponsored support group meets the second Sunday evening of each month at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 42nd St. & Ingersoll, Des Moines. For details, contact LADOS Coordinator Connie Coy-Walker at: 515-255-2229.

  

"Don't Eat Alone"

Any widowed person is welcome to join this group which meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., at the Olive Garden, 3600 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines. This program is an offshoot of the LADOS (see above) support group for widowed people. For more information, contact LADOS Coordinator Connie Coy-Walker at: 515-255-2229.

 

Iowa Watercolor Society's Miniature Show

The art show is now open at the St. Mark Gallery, 1105 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines The exhibit runs from May 17-June 11; visit during regular gallery hours, Monday-Friday, 8am to 4pm. As always, the gallery is free and open to the public.

 

Spring Organ Concert Series Continues through June 

First United Methodist Church in Des Moines (1001 Pleasant St.) is hosting a Spring Organ concert series. All Concerts begin at 4pm, and parking is available on the north side of the church. For details, visit: www.dmfirstchurch.org. Here is the schedule and featured organist:

  • Sunday June 2: Featuring First Church's own Dr. Tin-Shi Tam and Aaron Williams. Dr. Tam serves as director of Music and organist at First Church and is the university carillonneur and chair of the keyboard division at Iowa State University. Aaron serves as principal percussionist with the Des Moines and Quad City symphonies. This concert features Dave Maric's Borrowed Time and Jacob TerVeldhuis' The Shining City.
Faith Community  News

 

Religious Leaders in Iowa Sign Global Climate Change Statement

Des Moines, Iowa - (April 19, 2013): Iowa Interfaith Power & Light released "A Statement by Religious Leaders in Iowa on the Moral Impacts of Coal," which was signed by 50 clergy and other faith leaders representing 12 different religious traditions and 33 congregations or organizations in Iowa. The statement reads, in part, "We do not speak as scientists or environmental experts, but as pastors and teachers who are concerned that the moral and ethical dimensions of this issue could be lost in the competing voices of economic and political pressures."

The statement also says, "Every major faith tradition has a statement on caring for Earth. We live in fragile interdependence with all creation. Coal is a dirty fuel source that poisons the air, the water, and our own health. All of God's children deserve safe air to breath, clean water to drink, and freedom from the fear of climate disasters. We must work together to find solutions to lower our dependence on coal-fired power generation. We urge all people of faith to take this responsibility seriously and work for justice while caring for the common good."

To sign on to the statement, contact IAIPL Executive Director Susan Guy at director@iowaipl.org. To read the full statement with signatures to date go to: www.iowaipl.org/resources/IIPL%20Coal%20Statement%20April%202013.pdf.

 

Hamilton's Family Services Symposium is June 3
During these programs, speakers offer practical suggestions for coping with grief to help adults who have experienced a death. Representatives from community grief support organizations are also available to offer information about the services they provide.

The next one is on "Coping with Grief", Monday, June 3, 2013,

6-8pm at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Speakers are: Sasha Mudlaff and Carrie Bauer, Hamilton's Academy of Grief & Loss. Make your reservations by calling 515-697-3666 or call for further information. You do not need to have used Hamilton's Funeral Home to attend!

Job / Volunteer / Training Opportunities 
 

Partnership Place Coordinator - Johnston Partnership, Johnston

The Johnston Partnership is seeking an individual with a passion for making a difference for families. Responsibilities include computer, record-keeping and management skills to manage operations. 50 hours per month. The Partnership Place Coordinator is an employee of Johnston Partnership. Pay negotiable at a rate of $10-12/hour based on qualifications.

Send letters of interest to Johnston Partnership, P.O. Box 975, Johnston, IA 50131 or to johnstonphc@gmail.com.

 

Raiser's Edge Data Entry Specialist - DMARC, Des Moines

To support the work of DMARC's Development Department by providing meticulous data entry, gracious customer service, and excellent support of the staff team. Wages: $12.50/hour, 20 hrs/wk. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Development Director Kristine Frakes, kfrakes@dmreligious.org, or Executive Director Sarai Schnucker Rice, sarai@dmreligious.org, or 3816 36th St., Ste. 202, Des Moines IA 50310-4710. Applications will be accepted through May 29, 2013. Only electronic applications accepted. No telephone calls, please.

 

 

First Circle Friends Volunteers - Grace Lutheran Church  & Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), Des Moines

Lutheran Services in IowaFirst Circle Friends is an enjoyable place for individuals who are experiencing early-stage to mid-stage memory loss to come together for fellowship and stimulating activities while giving respite to caregivers who desire a break. Participants and volunteers meet twice a month at Grace Lutheran, 3010 52nd St. Des Moines. The group meets from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. The First Circle Friends Coordinator, a trained professional, provides the support and training for the program. The participants are men and women who live in the greater Des Moines community. If your congregation is interested in hosting or if you know of a family who could benefit from the FCF program please contact, Cannady Fritzjunker at 515-271-7408 or Cannady.fritzjunker@lsiowa.org.

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer experience?

First Circle Friends is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer and make a difference. We are looking for individuals who know how to have fun and share their gifts and have anywhere from 6 to 12 hours a month to give of their time. Trained volunteers provide all the activities. If you are interested in volunteering or for more information about First Circle Friends Cannady Fritzjunker at 515-271-7408 or Cannady.fritzjunker@LSIowa.org.

 

 

Director for Communications for Southeastern Iowa Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Based in Iowa City, IA. Create and implement strategy to ensure timely, effective and informative communication between the Office of the Bishop and ministry partners and other target audiences within and beyond the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Full time, reports directly to the bishop.  BA + relevant work experience. Work areas, Communication, Mission Advancement, Media Relations, Technology, Shared responsibilities with other staff. For more information, contact: Bishop Michael Burk, 319-338-1273, burk@seiasynod.org.
  
Realistic Job Preview at Candeo in Johnston
On May 30, attend this job preview from 3:30-4:30pm or 5:30-6:30pm sessions are available. Contact HR@candeoiowa.org to register or for current listings. Location of the preview is: Candeo, 9550 White Oak Ln., Johnston, IA 50131.
  
Habilitation Coordinator - Candeo, Johnston
Responsible for coordinating the residential services for clients. Reports directly to Lead Habilitation Coordinator and supervises approximately 20 employees. Full-time with full benefits. Apply at www.candeoiowa.org/careers
  
Job Developer - Candeo, Johnston
Work with clients to develop resumes and find jobs in the community. Primarily Mon-Fri some evenings and weekends. Full benefits, full time. Apply at: www.candeoiowa.org/careers. For details, visit: www.candeoiowa.org
  
Community Partnerships for Protecting Children Coordinator - Polk County, Des Moines
Assist DECAT Coordinator and CPPC shared decision making group in coordination of activities, events and implementation of the 4 CPPC strategies. Plans/directs/coordinates activities for projects that address community child welfare/juvenile justice issues and provides maintenance of web site. Part time, temporary 1 year with possibility of renewal. 30-35 hours per week, flex schedule. Start June 17, 2013, completed H.S., BA/BS or higher in human services or related field. For more details visit http://www.polkdecat.com/cppc-coordinator-search.cfm.
  
Peer Support Specialist - Broadlawns Medical Center, Des Moines
Those who have had a mental health diagnosis at some point or current and are working on and/or in recovery. Full or part time. Pay from $11.50 - $13.00/hour with benefits. Model and support recovery and wellness, encourage program participation, provide education through one-on-one coaching and group support; participate in care coordination activities and case discussions. For more info contact Human Resources Rep Lindsay Fett, lfett@broadlawns.org or apply on line at www.broadlawns.org/employment.cfm.
  

Volunteers - DMARC Food Pantry Warehouse, Des Moines

We need help in our food pantry warehouse. Are you able to lift 40-50 lbs. and put produce in our warehouse cooler? We need volunteers after the Downtown Farmers Market to help unload produce from the Meals from the Market program each Saturday for 1 hour in the afternoon, at our 36th Street warehouse. Contact the Food Pantry Network Director Rebecca Whitlow, at 515-277-6969.

 

AmeriCorps Position for August-July 2014 - Rebuilding Together, Des Moines

Starting in August - 11 months. Ambitious individual to fill  CapacityCorps member position. Organize home repair projects, manage annual Rebuilding Day project, promote Community Leadership Program, recruit organizations to volunteer, build the new veteran program, collect and analyze applicant demographic data, work closely with neighborhood associations. Train in Washington D.C., a Martin Luther King Jr. week trip to a different city and opportunity to engage with other CapacityCorps members across the nation. Contact Beth Hicks at: bhicks@rebuildingdm.org.

 

Crafters Wanted - Fort Des Moines UMC, Des Moines

 

Do you make handcrafted items, have a home-based business or are you an independent consultant or know someone you is? The Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church, 6205 SW 9th St., in Des Moines, wants crafters and vendors for their fall vendor/draft/bake sale on Oct. 5, 2013, 8:30am to 3pm. The table fee is $35. Please contact the church office at 515-285-6545 for a registration form or email the church office at church_ftdsmumc@q.com to reserve your table.

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 LIVE UNITED 2013 Advocate Award from the United Way of Central Iowa, DMARC provides a common means of responding to basic human needs and a context for interfaith dialogue.

 

The DMARC Food Pantry Network consists of 14 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 10 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.