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DMARC Partners
with Walgreens in
Red Barrel Program
for the Month of June! | |
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DMARC is partnering with 21 Des Moines area Walgreens' stores in the Red Barrel Program for the month of June. The kick off was held onSaturday, June 1 and was aired on KRNT AM1350.
During this drive in June, DMARC and MovetheFood will accept donations of cash and shelf-stable food and personal items from the stores to support its 14-site Food Pantry Network.
Walgreens manager John Lipshaw said about the Red Barrel program, "I think it is nice that Walgreens and DMARC are able to partner together in this much needed program, while helping our communities Be Well!" |
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High School Students, Bored this Summer? Attend an Interfaith
Youth Justice Camp |  | |
On Wednesday, August 7, 2013 from 9am to 9pm, high schoolers and their leaders are invited to attend this justice camp at the American Friends House, 4211 Grand Ave. Cost is $25.00. Scholarships are available.
Learn about social justice in our community and how you can make a difference:
- Tour a Food Pantry
- Tour worship spaces
- Tour community outreach organizations
- Expert speakers
- Games
- Small & large group sharing
- Prayers from various faith traditions
For more info, contact DMARC office at 515-277-6969, or info@dmreligious.org. |
DMARC and the
I-Cubs are Partnering to help the Food Pantry Network! |  | |
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):
- June 9
- June 16
- July 14
- August 11
- August 25
NOTE: All Volunteer spots are filled - 5/1/2013.
It's going to be a great summer! Thanks for your support. |
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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:
- June 8 & 22
- July 6 & 20
- August 3, 17 & 31
- September 14 & 28
- October 12 & 26
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Beyond Beliefs Tour is Educational
and Fun! |  |
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. |
Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood
3816 36th Street, Suite 202
Des Moines, IA 50310-4710
515-277-6969
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Greetings!
DMARC has a volunteer opportunity, tomorrow, June 5, with the Meals from the Market/Plant-a-Mile Program.
We need volunteers to help at a local community garden on Wednesday, from10am-Noon. If you are interested, meet at the DMARC offices at 3816 36th St., by 9:30am, and we'll leave around 9:45am.
We'll car pool to the farm location - across from Calvin Retirement on Hickman Road in Beaverdale. We need 4 to 15 volunteers. Volunteers need to bring: work gloves, gardening tools if they have them, and a bottle of water. Questions? Call 515-277-6969.
Thanks for your 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".
Walk to support Immigration Reform - Saturday, June 15; 1pm - 3 pm
The walkers will gather in the Latino business district (1500 block of E. Grand) and walk to the Latino historic district, site of Guadalupe Chapel and the Hispanic Education Resources. Please come out and show your support. For more information: Kathleen McQuillen, AFSC at 515 274 4851, ext 22.
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.
 Attend Plant-a-Mile Fundraiser Dinner, June 16 at HoQ in the East Village
Join Drake University for a night of great food and camaraderie at a fundraiser for the Plant-a-Mile project. These efforts help the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network provide Central Iowa families access to fresh, locally grown produce. The project identifies farms willing to provide produce at a price that reflects both the value of the crop and the volunteer efforts that make the production possible.
Plant-a-Mile is organized by Greater Des Moines Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign, a project of Drake University, made possible with help from our sponsors: Campbell's Nutrition, Cultivating Compassion: The Dr. Richard Deming Foundation, Devour Des Moines, the Downtown Farmer's Market, HoQ Restaurant, Iowa Heartland RC&D, Kitchen Collage of Des Moines, and Maytag Dairy Farms. Farms providing locally grown produce and grains this year include Ali Family Garden, Busy Bee Garden Center, Grinnell Heritage Farm, Maytag Dairy Farms, and Rinehart Family Farm.
The fundraising dinner will take place on Sunday, June 16 at HoQ Restaurant. For a $75 donation, participants will receive a locally grown meal including light appetizers, salad, choice of entrée, dessert, and coffee. Guests are encouraged to bring wine as there will be a $10 corkage fee donated to the Plant a Mile with a cash bar available. This is a great way to celebrate Fathers' Day! We hope to see you there. |
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Faith Community News
JustFaith Program Offers Learning OpportunityJustFaith is a 24-week small group process that focuses on engagement in the life of Jesus and the call to be about God's dream of justice in a world scarred by the domestic and global crisis of poverty. Particpants are exposed to a substantive course of study (based on Catholic social teaching or Christian social principles) and are afforded the privilege of becoming community with other participants and sharing a spiritual journey of faith and compassion that is both life-giving and challenging. For more about the program or to find out where JustFaith groups are being offered in the DM area this fall, contact Susie Paloma at the Center for Social Ministry, 515-782-3054 or centerforsocialministry@gmail.com.
Summer Food Service Program is Available for Youth
Free lunch for kids will be served at school and park sites throughout Des Moines through the Summer Food Service Program. The lunches will be from 11am-1pm. Meals will begin on June 10. For more info, visit: www.dmschools.org/
departments/operations/food-nutrition/summer-meal-program/,
or contact lyn.jenkins@dmschool.org.
Lutheran Services in Iowa Needs Urban Garden Space
Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI) still needs garden space for refugee "former farmers" who could benefit from their Global Greens Farm, a partnership program between LSI and Valley E-Free Church in West Des Moines that builds on the strengths and experiences that refugees already possess. The objective of the program is to teach refugees to start their own small farm businesses growing and selling vegetables. Participants start farming with significant training and support. Throughout the 4-5 year program, participants will receive training in all areas of running a farm business. This season LSI is working with 11 community garden sites around the Des Moines area where refugees can be referred for small garden plots. Sites include gardens with Des Moines Parks and Recreation, private owners' backyards and churches. LSI is currently looking for more garden sites around the city to refer refugee families as there are still have 40 people on the waiting list. If you have questions or would like to learn more about refugee community gardens, call or email Katie Ryan at 515-271-7385 or katie.ryan@LSIowa.org.
Amanda the Panda Offers Day of Hope & Healing Workshop on July 20, 2013
Amanda the Panda serves anyone (ages 6 through adults) who has had the loss of a friend or family member. We are not faith-sponsored, so all faiths are welcome. Our core programs are support groups, camps, fun days, holiday support and on-site school or church visits following a death. Click here to learn more about the new Day of Hope and Healing Invitation. Amanda the Panda also offers a full-year program on grief, and presentations for church groups looking for programs and mission projects for youth. Contact Program Coordinator Cindy Meek at: 1821 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265 or 515-223-4847 or cindy@amandathepanda.org. |
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Job / Volunteer / Training Opportunities
Office Administrator - Des Moines Area Religious Council, Des Moines
Coordinate DMARC efficient functioning of the offices. Purchase supplies and equipment, primary receptionist, open, sort, route mail, provide technical support for staff, manage bulk mailings, coordinate DMARC related interfaith events, excellent communication skills, ability with standard word processing, spreadsheets. Previous experience managing accounts payable and receivable, college degree preferred. 30-35 hrs/wk at $19/hr. At least 6 hours/day, occasional evenings. To apply submit cover letter and resume to Exec. Dir., Sarai Schnucker Rice at: sarai@dmreligious.org. Apps accepted through June 12, 2013.
Support Position - Taylor House Hospice, Des Moines
Provide different types of support, based on your interests, talents and abilities. May work directly with patient care, provide respite breaks for family members, lend emotional support and companionship. Or help behind the scenes role by assisting with fundraising efforts, special projects, clerical work. Bakers are needed to drop off goodies for patients and family members.
Training provided regarding: end-of-life processes, care and comfort measures and goals of hospice. Basic volunteer training will be June 18, 20, 25 and 27. Questions or to sign up contact Mary Anne Brekke at 515-557-3111.
Re-entry Coordinator - Women at the Well, a United Methodist Church program, Mitchellville
Half-time Reentry Coordinator is needed to lead and support ministry with women as they re-enter society after incarceration at the women's prison in Mitchellville, Iowa. This individual will recruit, train and resource re-entry teams from churches around Iowa, and connect returning citizens with those teams. He or she will also lead a periodic program inside the prison to assist women in preparing to go out on parole. Job description is available here. Resumes should be submitted to Pastor Lee Schott, Women at the Well UMC, P.O. Box 33, Mitchellville, IA 50169, or revlas333@gmail.com, by June 17, 2013.
Coordinator of Youth Ministry - St. Mary Parish, Marshalltown
St. Mary Parish, a multi-cultural community of 1,400 families in Marshalltown is seeking a full time Coordinator of Youth Ministry, starting on July 1. Fluency in Spanish and English with strong skills both written and oral. Degree or certification in ministry (or related) or willingness to work toward required. Complete job description is available at stmarysmtown.com. Send resume to: Patty Cook, 9 West Linn St., Marshalltown, IA 50158.
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. |
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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 2013 LIVE UNITED 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
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. Network assisted about 33,000 people; nearly half who are children or youth. |
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