Hey Youth! Explore
Des Moines
this Summer.
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Join us on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 from 9am to 9pm, for an opportunity to learn about social justice issues in greater Des Moines. 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
Click here for a flyer, or a registration form. To register, contact the DMARC office at 515-277-6969, or info@dmreligious.org.
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DIAPER DASH!!!!!!
July 8 - August 16
Unity Point Health of Des Moines is racing to donate as many diapers as possible. The goal is 10,000 diapers! UnityPoint will donate a guaranteed 4,300 diapers which represents the number of babies born in their hospitals last year.
Diapers will be sent to the Des Moines Area Religious Council for distribution to the 14 partner food pantries.
* Photo Contest: Upload a photo of your Diaper Dasher through Facebook or share a photo via Instagram or Twitter with the #diaperdashdsm hashtag and/or vote for your favorite Diaper Dasher each Day.
* Monetary contributions will be used to buy diapers for local neighborhood agencies. Monetary contributions are accepted at the cashier's offices on any Unity Point facility.
* Donations of diapers are accepted at volunteer Services offices at any campus, Sizes 5 & 6 are needed most.
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DMARC and the
I-Cubs are Partnering to help the Food Pantry Network!
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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):
- 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
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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:
- July 20
- August 3, 17 & 31
- September 14 & 28
- October 12 & 26
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The Des Moines Area Religious Council responds to meet basic human needs in Greater Des Moines and Polk County Iowa.
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DMARC does not require participation in religious services as a condition to receive assistance, and does not engage in religious proselytizing or counseling. DMARC practices non-discrimination in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations. All services and programs are provided to consumers without discrimination in regard to family size or structure, religious or cultural beliefs, race, gender, age, or disability.
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Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood
3816 36th Street, Suite 202
Des Moines, IA 50310-4710
515-277-6969
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Greetings!
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 and June were so popular that new dates have been added for July 17th and 31st. Contact the DMARC office and ask for Tour Coordinator Sonya Dettmann, to get signed up for the Beyond Beliefs Tour. Cost is $30 and includes transportation and lunch during the 6-hour educational experience.
Click here for a brochure and registration form. Or to learn more and see photos of the 2013 tour locations, go to: www.dmreligious.org/faithtours
And thank you for supporting our interfaith work in central Iowa.
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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".
Garage NO Sale?
Your friends at Valley Church invite you to attend our "No Sale" event on Saturday, July 27 from 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.. Gently used clothes, household goods, appliances and furniture are provided at no charge to area ministries, charitable organizations and their constituents. Please choose items for your personal use and immediate family only. By invitation, not open to the general public until 10 a.m. Valley Church is located at 4343 Fuller Church, West Des Moines, 50265. Questions? Call 515-226-9973.
CROSS Ministries Back-to-School Giveaway is August 8 & 9
Need donations of $15.00 or school supplies. Children of low income or no income households are most affected by the poverty their families experience. Help children be ready for school with grade appropriate supplies/backpacks. For every $15.00 that you donate one child living in poverty in our community can receive a backpack with supplies needed to begin the 2013-14 school year. CROSS expects to serve 1,500 school children. Please send your donation to CROSS Ministries, 1050 24th St., Des Moines, IA 50311
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 Peer to Peer Homeless Symposium is July 17 & 18
Here is your chance to learn about policy initiatives and programs on the homeless systems and providers. It will be held at Drake University, Des Moines from 8:30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 8:30am to 3:30pm on Thursday. Lunch is on your own. Who should attend? Staff from agencies serving homeless people, state and local government staff, veterans service organizations, service providers, and housing agencies. There is no charge to attend. Register by July 10, online at: www.tacinc.org/__training/index.php or call 617-266-4343. Questions? Call 617-266-5657, ext. 137.
From Trauma to Transformation: An Alternative to PTSD:
Post-Traumatic Growth
Crossroads of Iowa presents a special seminar with Geral Blanchard, LPC, local psychotherapist, researcher and speaker. He'll explain how people not only can bounce back after trauma, but can actually bounce forward. The seminar will be held at Windsor Heights Community Center, 6900 School St., on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, from 8-11:30am. Tuition is: $55.50, includes professional CE credit for nurses, dietitians, licensed professional counselors, and social workers. For info, contact: 515-633-7968, or 515-274-3904, or Ruth.crossroads@gmail.com. Send registrations to: CROSSROADS OF IOWA, 4211 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312. Co-sponsors: The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault and The Orchard Place Trauma Informed Care Project.
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Faith Community News
Never Again! Annual Observance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is August 6
Join us at 7:30pm on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Japanese Bell, at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. In commemoration of the bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Parking is in the lot of the Iowa Judicial building on the south side of Court Ave. Bring lawn chairs for your comfort during the observance, and flowers for laying at the Japanese Bell. Rain site is Wesley United Methodist Church, 800 E. 12th St. Sponsored by Catholic Peace Ministry, Des Moines Area Religious Council, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, American Friends Service Committee, the Joshua Casteel Foundation, the Methodist Federation for Social Action, STARPAC, Iowa Peace Network, Des Moines Sisters Council (Sister Virginia Jennings), Des Moines Ecumenical Committee for Peace, Stover United Brethren, Bill and Jean Basinger, Dr. David Drake and Iowa Family Psychiatry, Veterans for Peace Chapter 163, Church Women United. Want to sponsor this event? Send your name to Sherry Hutchison sherryhutc@aol.com or Jeffrey J Weiss jjwcpm@yahoo.com .
A "Wish List" from the Islamic Center
The Islamic Center members will be setting up an all-day school for elementary students. If you are interested in making donations to their new school, they are in need of office and/or school furniture, desks, chairs, tables, filing cabinets, computers, printers, or a copier. Contact: Assistant Director Luai Amro, at: 515-283-5452, amro.laui@principal.com.
JustFaith Program Offers Learning Opportunity
JustFaith 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.
See Charlie Chaplin's "The Vagabond" with Live Organ Music on Sept. 21
The Urbandale United Church of Christ presents an evening of "Broadway Sound and Silence" Saturday, September 21. At 6 p.m. a gourmet dinner will be served, vegetarian options available. The stage show follows at 7 p.m. and will feature the Charlie Chaplin movie The Vagabond. The film will be accompanied by live organ music, much as it was originally performed. Other Vaudeville style acts will complete the entertainment. Tickets for the event are $25.00 each and are available at the church on Sunday mornings in August and September, or by calling the church office at 515-276-0625.
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Job / Volunteer / Training Opportunities
Volunteers Needed for First Circle FriendsThis new program is an enjoyable place for individuals who are experiencing early stage to mid-stage memory loss to come together for fellowship and have stimulating activities while giving respite to caregivers who desire a break. Trained volunteers from the congregation provide all the activities. Participants and volunteers meet twice a month at the hosting congregation. Meeting from 10am to 3pm for a day of fun food and companionship. The First Circle Coordinator, a trained professional, provides the support and training for the program. First Circle offers a wonderful opportunity to make a difference. We are looking for individuals who know to have fun and share their gifts and have anywhere from 6 to 12 hrs a month to give. If you are interested in volunteering or for more information about First Circle Friends, contact Lutheran Services of Iowa, Cannady Fritzjunker at: 515-271-7408 or Cannady.fritzjunker@LSIowa.org
Dates for Annual Hunger Fight 2013 - Meals from the Heartland
Wed., August 28 through Saturday, August 31. Goal this year is to pack 5 million meals. Join us August 28-31 at Hy-Vee Hall for your chance to provide nutritious meals to hungry people around the world and right here in Iowa. Contacts: 877-457-6384 Add contact@mealsfromtheheartland.org to your address list.
Job opportunities at Candeo
Business Liaison, Full Time Employment Consultants, Habilitation Service Coordinator, Supported Community Living Instructors--including Overnight Shifts available, Mental Health Instructors, Mental Health Overnight Instructors, Instructor of Brain Injury Services. Visit www.candeoiowa.org/careers to apply on line or contact Sonia Sledge, HR Assistant at hr@candeoiowa.org
Donor Relations & Data Entry Coordinator - Hope Ministries, Des MoinesThis is a full-time position. For a complete job description, including instructions for applying, click here.
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.
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.
Volunteer - Des Moines Community Action Agency, Des Moines
A regular volunteer is needed for 1 hour in the mornings on Mon, Wed, Thurs, & Fri, each week to pick up bread at the HyVee store on Martin Luther King and deliver it to the DMCAA partner food pantry of DMARC's Food Pantry Network. This might be best suited for a newly retired individual with a van or large car. Contact Melissa Nordell-Earp at the Des Moines Community Action Agency, 1618 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314, or 515-248-6245.
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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