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DMARC RECEIVES
$10,000 GRANT
FROM THE
Principal Financial Group Foundation
DMARC has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Principal Financial Group Foundation for its supportive services programs.
Mary O'Keefe, senior vice pres and chief marketing officer says, "We are very proud to help support an organization like DMARC that gives so much to our local community as well as central Iowa. This donation helps shape the lives of those within our community that need it most by providing the basic necessities to survive."
Kristine Frakes, development director for DMARC said, "The Principal remains a community leader and wonderful DMARC partner in helping to assist Polk County families. We are very grateful for Principal's generous commitment and 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:
- August 31
- September 14 & 28
- October 12 & 26
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JOIN US AUGUST 22 FOR BEYOND BELIEFS TOUR.
WE'VE GOT A BIGGER BUS! | |
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The Des Moines Area Religious Council is supported by a diverse variety of faith congregations. We are committed to increasing awareness and cross-cultural understanding for cohesive communities.
Places of worship to be visited are Beth El Jacob Synagogue, All Saints Learning Center, Stuart, Oren E. Scott Chapel on the Drake U. campus and the Basilica of St. John, Des Moines.
A new tour is scheduled August 22. Please call 515-277-6969 to register today! Or email sdettman@dmreligious.org.
Special thanks to our premier sponsor GuideOne Insurance and our transportation sponsor Keck Parking!
 
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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!
In this day and age, more congregations are establishing a presence on the Internet and sending their members news via cyber space. As newsletters go from print to an emailed version, DMARC is not receiving as many mailings from our member congregations. Remember to include DMARC on your congregation's electronic newsletter distribution list for future mailings. Please send your news to kcoulter@dmreligious.org.
We are glad to publicize your special events and/or employment opportunities of general interest.
You can also log in to www.dmreligious.org and click on calendar, to submit an event.
Thank you!
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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 Bp. 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.
Mark your Calendars, Annual Hunger Fight is Only Two Weeks Away! August 28-31
Are you passionate about fighting hunger? Now you can do something about it! Registration is open for the 2013 Meals from the Heartland Annual Hunger Fight and we need your help in filling the Floor Support and Event Greeter time slots. The event is from August 28th through the 31st at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. Our goal is to package 5 million meals.
"Being a floor support volunteer for Meals from the Heartland gives me a chance to engage with the volunteer packagers by letting them know THEY are making a difference in fighting hunger!", a quote fromone of our dedicated floor support volunteers. Register now to secure your spot in the largest hunger fighting event in Iowa! You will receive a 2013 commemorative t-shirt and training will be provided. Each shift is 3 hours and you will work with a group of energized, excited, and dedicated hunger fighters to create a rewarding experience. Click Here for more information or to donate online.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Ankeny Sunday, September 8 there will be a groundbreaking ceremony for the new worship space and school. Construction for the parish and school will begin in the spring of 2014 with the worship space completed as early as Christmas 2014. The School will open in August 2015. Informational meetings will be held for those who are interested in the new parish, will be August 18 at Ashland Ridge Elementary School at 10:00 a.m. and at OLIH on Aug. 25 at 9:30am or 11:30 a.m. Contact the pastor, Fr. Larry Hoffman for more information at lhoffmann@staintluketheevangelist.or or 515-964-1278.
 Greater Des Moines Neighborhood Conference is September 12
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
Finding Aliveness in the Midst of Chronic Illness and Pain
Health Professionals is September 27th
Caregivers, pastoral counselors and spiritual directors as well as individuals with chronic illness and pain are encouraged to attend on Thursday, Sept. 27, 9am- 4pm, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. This one-day workshop has both presentation of material and experiential exercises. You can expect to leave with strategies and approaches that help both people with illness and those who care for them. Diane Glass, spiritual director as retreat leader has faced lifelong health challenges. She is co-editor of a series of books featuring the stories of women who have faced life-changing experiences. Program presented by Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. Cost is $50, lunch is on your own. Contact DMPCC at 515-274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org.
 Join us for a day of reflection and awakening to new ideas. On Sept. 27, 8:30am to 4pm, at Plymouth united Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. The horrific nature of sexual abuse and the trauma of war and military combat are not human experiences we like to think about deeply, yet understanding these experiences is crucial to life together in our communities. The concepts of "moral injury" and "community responsibility" are common threads we will use to weave together these two topics so critical to the health and welfare of our country. Target audience is a multidisciplinary group of health care providers (physicians, psychologists, clinical social workers, criminal justice staff, attorneys, judicial employees, chaplains, pastors, psychotherapists, military personnel, etc.) who are responsible for the care of victims of sexual abuse and/or soldiers suffering from moral injury due to war and/or military sexual assault. We need to increase public appreciation for the responsibility we all carry for injuries sustained and address the lack of resources for the healing required. Cost is $60 and includes lunch. Register online. Sponsored by the Des Moines University and Geral Blanchard, author of Transcending Trauma.
Perspectives on Feeding the World is September 28th MFSA's Fall Statewide Gathering is Saturday, Sept. 28, starting at 9:45am, at Walnut Hills UMC, 12321 Hickman Rd., Des Moines. Features an outstanding panel who will explore various aspects of agricultural policies and practices in Iowa and beyond. Panelists include Dr. Neil Harl, professor emeritus at ISU and one of the nation's pre-eminent agricultural economists; Carolyn Uhlenhake-Walker, a retired teacher, now active in WILPF and their study of food, with concern about GMOs; Maria Van Der Maaten, second-year doctoral student at ISU majoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Sociology; Dr. Greg Lamka, a bio-chemist at Pioneer, with a Ph D in Plant Pathology from ISU; and Barb Kalbach, nurse and active farmer in Adair County. The panel will be moderated by Jay Howe, retired lawyer, and long-time activist against hog confinements. Imagine No Malaria Dinner and Show Fundraiser is September 29 Join us on Sept. 29, at First United Methodist Church, Des Moines at 5pm, for dinner and a show when the B & B Cabaret Singers perform a concert of Broadway hits to benefit "Imagine No Malaria". Performers are actors/singers who have performed on all of Des Moines Stages as well as the Iowa State Fair. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children age 10 and under, with all proceeds going to Imagine No Malaria. A great evening of food and song and all for an important cause. For tickets, call Christine at 515-244-6209.
Jim Hightower to Speak at Occupy the World Food Prize Events, October 16
Texas author, Jim Hightower, will be the keynote speaker for Occupy the World Food Prize Events. On Wednesday, October 16th, at 7pm, he will speak at First United Methodist Church, 10th and Pleasant, in Des Moines. His topic will be "From Factory Farms to GMO's, the Upchuck Rebellion Is Taking Root with the Good Food Movement."
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
August Get Together for NACBA of Central Iowa
The Central Iowa Church Administrators are holding an "informal" get together this month with TWO options for location! Topic will be "Ways for your Church to have more money." Bring an idea/tip that has either saved your congregation money, AND/OR generated more giving / income in your congregation. RSVP if you plan to attend one or both, to Laurel Swanson, CCA, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona, IA, 515-967-4818, www.lccaltoona.org.
Des Moines Area - Option #1:
Thursday, August 22
Smokey Row Coffeehouse, 1910 Cottage Grove, DM
8:30-10am / Coffee will be provided, other items on your own
**For those attending in Des Moines, Jim VandeBerg, Westminster Presbyterian, has offered to give a presentation based on the book "Not Your Parent's Offering Plate."
Ames Area - Option #2:
Thursday, August 29
First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames (Best place to park is off 6th Street, North Side of Building)
8:30-10am / Coffee and muffins provided
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.
Relevant Church Communication is September 19
Many churches are re-evaluating how they communicate with members, guests and the community. Should the church do social media? Is e-mail effective? What webpages are viewed most often? What messages get the attention and a response? What are the different generations in our community? Participants of this clinic will get a big-picture overview of church communication. Themes include understanding audiences; assessing methods like websites, social media, print, e-mail, video, text-messaging, signs, worship announcements to name a few; greeter and usher ministry; church reputation; best messages to today's audiences; and the value of timing message delivery. Scott Vaughan, of Scott Vaughan Communications, will lead this 3-hour church communication clinic, answering these questions and many more. Scott is a 20-year church communication consultant, exclusively networking with more than 4,000 congregations across North America and serving more than 47 different faith groups. Scott will resource all participants with follow-up documents for future use within their churches. Join us on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 9am-Noon at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St., SW, Altoona, 50009. RSVP to Laurel Swanson, laurel@lccaltoona.org, by Monday, Sept. 16. Cost: $35 per person. May be sent prior, mail to Laurel at the address above. Payable to "LCC".
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
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has the following openings:
Director of Marketing and Communications is needed to drive a comprehensive strategic marketing plan to advance the Community Foundation's mission and strategic plan goals. The director will work cross-departmentally with all staff members of the organization, will provide staff leadership for the Marketing Committee of the board and will work closely with its board of directors and donors.
Executive Assistant to provide administrative support to designated Community Foundation staff, board committees and other Community Foundation partners as assigned. This key support position assists in implementing the advancement programs and administrative activities of the Community Foundation.
Character Counts In Iowa in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, is seeking a Public Allies AmeriCorps Member to lead the civility initiative in Greater Des Moines. This initiative is a part of the social capital component of Capital Crossroad's strategic plan for the Greater Des Moines region.
AmeriCorps for the Des Moines Public Schools
Full and half time positions to increase graduation rate by focusing on immediate outcomes relating to improving academic performance and school engagement. Community members that have the time and passion to serve at one school for 9-12 months. Could tutor elementary students, coordinate a middle school mentoring program, develop service learning opportunities for international baccalaureate schools (IBS) etc. Intent is to create greatest impact possible by utilizing and coordinating the resources in the community. Interested persons please contact http://www.dmschools.org/careersEric Whitney, District Volunteer Coordinator, Des Moines Public Schools, 901 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309 eric.whitney@dmschools.org
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.
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.
Volunteers - DMARC Office, Des Moines
The Des Moines Area Religious Council needs help in our main office answering phones, processing mailings and helping our food pantry clients. Are you able to help for a couple hours one day a week at our 3816 36th Street, Suite 202 office? Contact the DMARC Office Administrator Linda Vander Hart at 515-277-6969.
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.
Job opportunities - CANDEO, Johnston
Community Living Coordinator - FT position with benefits. Responsible for coordinating the residential services of a caseload of clients with Intellectual Disabilities.
Business Liaison - FT position with benefits. Works with clients to develop resumes, build interview skills and find jobs in the community.
Employment Consultant - FT position with benefits. Provides job coaching to our clients who work in the community.
Team Leaders - Responsible for assisting the Service Coordinator. Being lead staff in providing direct support to clients in the community but includes some administrative and leadership duties.
Mental Health Instructors - Direct instruction to CANDEO clients. Support clients to achieve their personal goals.
Instructor Brain Injury Services - Provide direct instruction to CANDEO clients.
Supported Community Living Instructors - Provides direct instruction to CANDEO clients.
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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