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Healthy Communities Grant helps DMARC Food Pantry Network
partner with Eat Greater Des Moines
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Eat Greater Des Moines now has a local food system director and a coordinator. The new positions are currently housed under DMARC. Aubrey Martinez, MPA, is the new director and Linda Gobberdiel, RD,LD, is coordinator.
Both of these positions grew out of the need to have paid positions focusing on local and regional food system work. Their focus is to support the food system by highlighting existing work, building connections and collaboration within the system. The geographic focus is primarily Polk and surrounding counties.
For more info, check out our media release.
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Join the
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):
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:
- August 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!
Three points of interest:1. The DMARC office recently received a call from Fr. Basil Hickman, priest at St. George's Church letting us know about a scam claiming to be connected with St. George's Church and Fr. Basil. The person was asking for money for "a parent in the hospital and transportation money for another parent". This person is going by the name 'Michael Nathanaul Ethans' and has no connection with Fr. Basil or St. George's Church.
2. Also, a quick reminder about DMARC's Beyond Beliefs Tour. Due to popular demand for the August 22 tour date; we've expanded the number of seats available for the tour's transportation vehicle. So if you've been struggling to find a time this summer to take the tour, give Tour Coordinator Sonya Dettmann a call at 515-277-6969 or email her at sdettmann@dmreligious.org. Special thanks to our interfaith tour premier sponsor GuideOne Insurance. Future dates for fall tours will be coming soon, watch our website for details. 3. DMARC has access to 12 Principal Financial Group suite tickets for the August 23 & 24, Women of Faith event at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Go online for information about the event. If you are interested in the suite tickets, contact Linda Vander Hart at: 515-277-6969 or lvanderhart@dmreligious.org. Blessings and 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".
Diocesan Rural Life Mass is August 25, 2013 at 1pm
All are invited to join Richard Pates for the Rural Life Mass in Cumming, IA. Mass will be held outside at the farm of Robert and Jo Mulvihill, followed by speaker Ken Root, well known agriculture specialist from WHO Radio. A small lunch will be provided and there will be farm animals for the children to enjoy.
For more info, visit: www.dmdiocese.org/rural-life.cfm
 Greater Des Moines Neighborhood Conference
Join us in connecting community resources to build a better community. Speakers from the public and private sectors will cover topics ranging from community gardens and farmers markets, to engaging youth in neighborhood activities and emergency preparedness. Keynote speaker: Jay Walljasper, author of The Great Neighborhood Book and All That We Share. These lively presentations and discussions will stimulate a call to action to better our community on a grassroots level.
Tickets $20, includes breakfast and lunch. For details, contact 515-280-1674 or visit the website. For tickets, go to: greaterdesmoinesneighborhoodconference.eventbrite.com
CROSS Ministries Back-to-School Giveaway, August 8 & 9
Donations of $15 or school supplies are needed for children of low-income or no-income households are most affected by the poverty their families experience. For every $15 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 this year. Send donations 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.
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, 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 at the Iowa Judicial building on the south side of Court Ave. Bring lawn chairs and flowers for laying at the Japanese Bell. 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.
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. Participants 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. Just Faith informational meetings either Wednedsday, Aug. 28, from 11:30am-12:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Thursday. Aug. 29, from 6:30-7:30pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. No commitment necessary or required to attend informational meetings. For more about the program or to find out where JustFaith groups are being offered in the Des Moines 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.
Interfaith Prayer to End World Hunger is October 16
On Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High St., Des Moines, join us for this Interfaith Prayer to End World Hunger. Held in conjunction with the 2013 World Food Prize Foundation Borlaug Dialog and with the support of DMARC. Pray, Fast, Share. Those who wish and are able can fast from food prior to the service. Donations of money and nonperishable food items will be accepted at the service. Ushers and greeters are needed. Contact Rev. Sarai Schnucker-Rice.
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Job / Volunteer / Training Opportunities
AmeriCorps Neighborhood Revitalization Associate - Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Des MoinesThis person will help Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity build, renovate and/or repair safe, decent affordable housing and transform neighborhoods. this includes helping staff welcome, orient and guide volunteers and Habitat partner families at a variety of Habitat home building and neighborhood revitalization sites, as well as assisting Habitat staff to prepare sites. Living allowance: $12,100 for about 1 year minimum of 1,700 hours of service; Education Award: $5,500 contingent upon successful completion of term and member eligibility; Health Insurance, Worker's comp. Student loan forbearance may be available. Dates needed: Sept 5 to August 30, 2014. Send resume and two professional references to Brendalyn Shird at bshird@gdmhabitat.org or email to bshird@gdmhabitat.org.
AmeriCorps Family Services - Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Des Moines
Serve directly with Habitat Partner Families to assist the Family Services team in the administration and further development of Family Service programs. Support the Family Services team in answering questions about program to potential applicants; assist Family Services team, assist in Family Selection process, schedule Partner Families with "Sweat equity" hours. $12,100 for 1-year minimum of 1,700 hours of service. Education award, health insurance, worker's comp. Dates needed: Sept. 5 - Aug. 30, 2014. Send resume and two professional references to Brendalyn Shird at bshird@gdmhabitat.org or email to bshird@gdmhabitat.org.
Phoenix House Client Advocate - Diocese of Des Moines
Work with Outreach Coordinator to plan and provide outreach and services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in several counties. BA from 4-year college and one to two years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience. Send resume and cover letter by July 31 to: hr@dmdiocese.org or Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309.
Assistant Coordinator - Kidz Haven, Des Moines
Need a male role model, part-time, 6 hours weekly in the afternoons. $80.00 per week on Wednesdays during the 2013-14 school year. Begins August 21. Exemplary and gifted in working with middle school pupils, possess top-notch computer skills, stellar character and references. Contact Jan Meek at: bjmeek@q.com, or 515-289-2445 for more info. Background check a condition of employment.
Grant and PerDiem Case Manager - CISS, Des Moines
Central Iowa Shelter & Services needs a manager to assist Veterans participating in the transitional housing program with self-sufficiency and financial independence through comprehensive services. Two years experience and a BA in Human Services field required. Knowledge and understanding of issues relating to the homeless, veterans, chem dependency and mental illness. Veteran status and National Career Readiness Certificate preferred. Send cover letter, resume, professional references and salary requirements by July 25 to: mthibodeau@centraliowashelter.org. Position is open until filled.
Choice Pantry Volunteers - DMCAA, Des Moines
Located at 1618 6th St., the Des Moines Community Action Agency needs multiple volunteers to assist households by answering questions clients may have regarding food selection choices and assisting them with packaging their food. Volunteers are needed on a daily basis during Food Pantry's hours of operation. Hours are: Monday-Friday 11am to 12:45pm. Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 3-4:45pm and on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3-6:45 pm. If you are interested in volunteering for a shift, contact Melissa Nordell-Earp at: 515-248-6245 or manordell-earp@dmgov.org.
Produce Prepacking - DMCAA, Des Moines
Located at 1618 6th St., the Des Moines Community Action Agency needs a seasonal volunteer on Mondays to prepackage produce. It takes approximately 40 minutes each Monday morning to prepackage produce received.
If you are interested in volunteering to prepackage seasonal produce please contact Melissa Nordell-Earp at: 515-248-6245 or
manordell-earp@dmgov.org.
Choir Director/Accompanist - Fort Des Moines United Methodist Church, Des Moines
Duties would include preparing for and playing for Sunday worship services and occasional special evening services; along with accompanying the choir, which would require weekly Wednesday night rehearsals. If you know of anyone who might be interested, encourage them to contact Ft. Des Moines United Methodist Church at: 515-285-6545 or church_ftdsmumc@q.com.
Job opportunities - Candeo, Johnston
Employment Coordinator - Salaried full time, including occasional evenings and weekends. Assist individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental illnewss to obtain employment, real jobs making real wages. Facilitate job development and job coaching to maintain success. Supervise coaches and developers, write program plans, intakes, annual meetings, etc. BA or equivalent in Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, HR, Psychology, Social work or related. Experience with people with disabilities.
Lead Employment Coordinator - Supervise operations and provide leadership to coordinators. Responsible for operations of the Supported Employment operations including staffing, recruiting, training. Assist with budget, referrals and public relations. Require BA in Human Services or related plus three years supervisory experience, competitive salary and benefits with full time employment.
Employment Consultant - Full time, available evenings/weekend and Mondays 3--5 Help individuals obtain competitive employment, real jobs, provides support persons to become productive, tax-paying citizens. AA in Human Services, Marketing or related. Experience in Human Services, non-profit or people with disabilities preferred. Requires a lot of driving in DM metro.
Team Leaders - Responsible for assisting Service Coordinator in providing high quality residential services to clients. Lead staff in providing direct support to clients in the community, some administrative and leadership duties.
Mental Health Instructors Direct instruction to CANDEO clients. Support clients to achieve their personal goals. AA Degree in related field, BA preferred. One year experience required.
Instructor Brain Injury Services - Provide direct instruction to CANDEO clients. Support clients to achieve their personal goals, direction and guidance available from the Service Coordinator as needed. H.S. diploma or GED, preferred experience with Mental Health Diagnoses and/or brain injury.
For more details on above positions visit www.candeoiowa.org/careers or email a resume to hr@candeoiowa.org.
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.
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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