Des Moines Area Religious Council / MovetheFood
1435 Mulberry Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-277-6969
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We are grateful for the generosity of donors who have already committed $830,000.
To learn more about the capital campaign or make an online donation, visit dmreligious.org/campaign, or contact Kristine Frakes at kfrakes@dmreligious.org or 515-277-6969.
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Who Are We?
The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization with a core membership of over 130 congregations from four faith traditions. Recipient of the 2012 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 13 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 nine sites in Des Moines. In 2013, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than
34,000 individuals in the greater Des Moines community; half who are children and youth.
MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on more than 37 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.
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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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It's Not too Late to Increase Your Giving Impact!
Now until April 30, you can increase your giving impact with two donation matching offers partnering with Des Moines Area Religious Council's Food Pantry Network. The goal: to help fill the new DMARC food pantry warehouse shelves!
This is the second year that local philanthropist Douglas M. Woods has generously committed to provide 50 cents for every dollar donated to the DMARC Food Pantry Network, up to the first $20,000 in donations.
Additionally, each gift or pledge will help boost DMARC' s portion of the $1 Million Feinstein grant which is distributed to all eligible organizations proportionally, based on cash pledges and donations during the "Feinstein Challenge".
To make a donation, visit dmreligious.org/donate. One gift can be designated for both challenges. For online gifts, designate "Challenge Hunger" and/or "Feinstein" in the Additional Instructions field.
Thank you to all those who have already given generously to the Douglas M. Woods Hunger Challenge and Feinstein Challenge this year!
In March alone, individuals, congregations, groups and businesses provided over 300 cash and in-kind challenge gifts totaling $53,153. These donations are helping DMARC stock the new food pantry warehouse and leveraging matching funds for food. We are very grateful for your continued support as we work together to help our neighbors in need!
Final March-April results from each challenge will be posted soon at dmreligious.org.
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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! Scroll down the calendar page and click "Submit an Event".
Connecting Hearts 2014 on April 27
Do you have a heart for serving? Advocating for families? Caring for children? Then this free event is for you! Discover how you can make a difference by meeting organizations who need your help. Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. More information on Connecting Hearts Facebook page. Questions? Contact c4fandc@gmail.com.
Update: Change in Venue for Holocaust Remembrance Day Lecture on April 27th
 The Jewish Federation, the four Des Moines area Synagogues, and the Iowa Council for Holocaust Education present a Holocaust Remembrance Day Lecture with Prof. Harold Kasimow, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Grinnell. His lecture on Jewish Theological Responses to the Holocaust, will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2014, 2:00 p.m., at The Capitol Room, 315 E. 5th Street in Des Moines. The event is free and open to the public. Preceding the lecture is a 1:00 p.m. service at the Iowa Holocaust Memorial on the grounds of the Iowa Capitol near the corner of E. Grand Ave and E. 7th Street in Des Moines. For additional information, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org.
From Hatred to Harmony: The Story of a Recovering Skinhead, April 30
Des Moines Area Synagogues present a Holocaust remembrance program with author Frank Meeink. The program will take place at Beth El Jacob Synagogue at 954 Cummins Parkway in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m. on April 30. For more information, please contact office@betheljacob.org. The event is sponsored by Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Beth El Jacob Synagogue, and Temple Bnei Jeshurun.
When God & Cancer Meet, May 3
 The Cancer Connect support group of Lutheran Church of Hope is hosting Lynn Eib, author of When God & Cancer Meet on May 3, 2014, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Several medical and cancer support organizations from the Des Moines area will be present with representatives and information about the cancer services that they provide, including Mercy Medical, Mercy Cancer, Unity Point Health, John Stoddard, and Iowa Clinic. Free registration at navigatehope.org or register at the door. Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines. For information, please call Kim at (515) 240-7755.
2014 Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Protecting Faith & Freedom Award Dinner, May 12
Interfaith Alliance of Iowa invites you to its annual Protecting Faith & Freedom Award Dinner on Monday, May 12, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Community Choice Convention Center Ballroom (Iowa Events Center) in Des Moines. The program and dinner will begin at 7:00 pm. Keynote speaker is Leonard Pitts Jr., author of one of the most popular newspaper columns in the country and a series of critically-acclaimed books. The 2014 Faith & Freedom Award will be presented to J. Barry Griswell, former CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines as well as Principal Financial Group. Individual reservations are $75. Young Professional tickets are $50. Table sponsorships are also available. For more information, please visit http://interfaithallianceiowa.org/events/2014awarddinner/. Reservations are requested by May 5. RSVPs may be made online or by calling (515) 279-8715.
ARAG Free Will Day, May 14
ARAG and Iowa Legal Aid are proud to offer Free Will Day for local citizens. The event will be held at the United Way Human Services Campus, 1111 9th Street in Des Moines, on Wednesday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration and an appointment is required. Volunteer attorneys will provide free document creation of Simple Wills and Power of Attorney documents (healthcare and financial) to qualified participants. Visit www.ARAGFreeWill.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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Faith Community News
Religious Leaders Release Earth Day Statement
Iowa Interfaith Power & Light released a Statement by Religious Leaders in Iowa on Global Climate Change. Iowa IPL released the signed statement to Iowa media for Earth Day on April 22, 2014. To read the statement and share it with others, follow this link.
Meals from the Heartland Plans Special Church Youth Group Program
Youth are invited to join the fight against hunger through a special youth group meal packaging program on Wednesday evenings at Meals from the Heartland's new packaging center and warehouse. Every Wednesday evening has been set aside specifically for church youth groups to package up to 5,000 meals. Please call (515) 473-930 or email contact@mealsfromtheheartland.org to reserve a Wednesday night for your youth group and for more information on this special program.
Crazy for Critters Concert by Diversity Chorus and CFUM Singers, April 28
The Des Moines Diversity Chorus and the CFUM Singers present a concert entitled Crazy for Critters. Admission is free. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on April 28 at the Trinity Methodist Church, located at 1548 8th St. in Des Moines. Contact jahmurphy@hotmail.com for more information.
Save the Date! The Morning Rises Concert is May 1
Rising Sun Church of Christ will be hosting THE MORNING RISES Tour featuring Aaron Shust, Mike Schair, Jonny Diaz, and Lauren Daigle on May 1. General admission tickets are $15, at: www.risingsunchurch.org. Questions? Contact Office Administrator Kris Wolf, Rising Sun Church of Christ, 515-265-7393.
Rummage and Bake Sale on May 1, 2 and 3
A rummage and bake sale will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church on the first weekend of May. Clothing, furniture, electronics, books, collectibles, toys, and more will be for sale. The sale will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 2; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. New Hope United Methodist Church is located at 4525 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines.
Jabberwock III Scholarship Fundraiser
at First Federated Church on May 4
The Des Moines Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will present Jabberwock III, a youth talent competition that will raise funds for scholarships for African American graduating High School Seniors as well as Non-Traditional College Students. Sunday, May 4, 2014, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First Federated Church at 4801 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and free for children 5 years and younger. To purchase tickets, please contact Des Moines Alumnae Chapter President Valencia McCown at (515) 229-4856 or Jabberwock III Chairperson Sherrill Wiley at (515) 371-6935.
Silent Saturday, May 10, 2014
Join a day of silent retreat which will include times of shared silent prayer and meditation, wonderful food, and options to explore ways to "Practice the Naked Now" (Rohr). Offered by Contemplative Outreach of Central Iowa. Covenant Christian Church, 2700 72nd St., Urbandale. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Register at centeriowa.org.
Sacred Chaos: Traversing Life's Most Difficult Passages
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center offers two retreats for two group of people.
May 15th-18th: For All Who are in the Midst of a Difficult Transition-Retirement, Divorce, Loss, Grief...
May 19th-23rd: For Clergy and other Religious Professionals Experiencing Personal or Professional Transition Including Questions of Vocation and Call.
Both Retreats are held at the Christian Conference Center (5064 Lincoln Street, Newton, IA). Cost: $600 ($550 Early Bird by 4/15/2014). Includes lodging (single rooms with private bath), all meals, all group work and private sessions with facilitators. Registration: Deadline 5/1/2014. Call 515-274-4006 or info@dmpcc.org.
Living Our Faith: Responding to God's Call, May 20 - July 31
This new program of the Center For Social Ministry is designed to help individuals identify gifts/skills and then attempt to match those gifts/skills with volunteer opportunities or continued formation opportunities. If you have said out loud or thought to yourself, "I want to connect with an organization that needs my help, but don't know where, when or how" this program could be perfect for you. "Living Our Faith" is open to all. Two versions of this summer program are offered.
Christian Social Principles Version: Tuesday Daytime, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., May 20 to July 29 at the American Friends' Meeting Space, 42nd & Grand, Des Moines.
Catholic Social Teaching Version: Thursday Evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., May 22 to July 31 at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart, 510 E. 1st St., Ankeny.
Please contact Susie at centerforsocialministry@gmail.com or (515) 782-3054 for more information or to register.
Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Cubs, June 5
Bring family and friends to Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Cubs. The event raises enough funds to operate St. Mary Family Center for six months serving approximate 450 families. This is just one of the many ways your support directly helps the community. The night includes special Thursday night fireworks after the game and a silent auction inside the main gates. Skyboxes, Reserved, and General Admission tickets available. For more information, call (515) 237-5089, or email kbresnan@CatholicCharitiesDM.org. Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:05 p.m. at Principal Park, Des Moines.
2014 Greek Food Fair on June 7 & 8
This annual food fair will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 11am-8pm and Sunday, June 8, from 11am-5pm, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, 1110 35th St. (35th St. and Cottage Grove Ave.), in Des Moines. For questions, call 515-277-0780. www.stgeorge.ia.goarch.org
Diocesan Summer Ministry School & Retreat
at Grinnell College, June 27-29
The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa holds its 25th Annual Summer Ministry School & Retreat from June 27 to 29 at Grinnell College. Fun, learning, and worship for the whole family. Go to the Diocesan Website Page for complete information and online registration. Discounted registration before May 23.
Iona: A Celtic Pilgrimage of Renewal, July 12-19
A weeklong retreat for clergy and lay leaders who are renewing our congregations and restoring our world, held at Bishop's House on the sacred Hebridean island of Iona in Scotland. Register by April 30. More details on "Iona Retreat" link at www.regenerativesociety.org.
Save the Date: Hope for the Hungry
November 8, 2014
Watch for a special year with Hope for the Hungry and the Coalition in Support of Hungry Children. This year's theme is Stories from the Heartland. Debra Landwehr Engle, author of many books including Grace from the Garden: Changing the World One Garden at a Time will be the facilitator. The documentary Hunger in the Heartland and a companion study guide will be launched at the event. Plymouth Congregational UCC Church, Waveland Hall, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Registration 8:30 a.m.), Saturday, November 8, 2014. More at hopeforthehungry.blogspot.com.
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Job / Volunteer / Training Opportunities
Host Families Needed for Foreign Exchange Students
Do you enjoy learning about different cultures and religions? Would you like to share your American lifestyle and traditions with a high school student from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East? Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is asking you to consider hosting one of their Youth Exchange and Study (YES) students for the 2014-2015 school year. These students represent diverse religious and cultural backgrounds from over 40 countries. There is no such thing as a perfect host family. You do not need to be married or have children in high school to be a great host. IRIS simply asks that you are willing to open your home and heart to one of these exceptional students. For more information, please visit the IRIS website and contact through email yessupport@iris-center.org, or call the office at 515-292-7103. Never underestimate the difference you can make in our global community!
Community!Youth Concepts, Des Moines
CYC has various part-time summer positions open. Hours are 8:30-12:30 p.m. M-F, June 4-July 11th. These stipend positions are open to high school students, college students, and seasoned youth facilitators including teachers.
For more information, please visit http://cyconcepts.org/current-news/
Childcare Position - Capitol Hill Christian Church, Des Moines
Capitol Hill Christian Church has an immediate opening for an energetic child care provider on Sundays from 9:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. E-mail ehcc25@msn.com, or call Pastor Candice at 515-988-4023.
Volunteer to Teach English as a Second Language - Lutheran Services in Iowa, Des Moines
Do you have a desire to help people from all cultures and
backgrounds gain the skills and tools they need to thrive
in a new country? Volunteer as an ESL teacher and make a
difference! With your everyday knowledge, you can make
a profound difference in the life of a refugee. In return, you
will gain a chance to interact with people from a variety of
countries and cultures, and develop new insights into your
own local community. For more information, contact: Volunteer Specialist Lauren Gentry, 515-271-7387.
Candeo, Johnston is now accepting applications for:
FT Employment Consultants: Provides job coaching to our clients.
Instructor of Brain Injury Services: Provides direct instruction to clients.
Supported Community Living Instructors: Work directly with clients in the community teaching the skills of daily living.
Team Leader: Assist Service Coordinator - lead staff in providing direct support to clients.
Habilitation Service Coordinator: Responsible for a caseload of clients with psychiatric disabilities.
Candeo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Visit www.candeoiowa.org/careers for more information on these and other positions or send a resume and cover letter to hr@candeoiowa.org.
Part-time Pregnancy and Adoption Coordinator, Catholic Charities, Des Moines
Catholic Charities is currently seeking an individual passionate about adoption to perform professional case management work and provide other direct services to persons or families in the pregnancy counseling or adoption service area. Apply to hr@dmdiocese.org, Diocese of Des Moines, Human Resources, 601 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309. More information online.
St. Mary Family Center, Des Moines is seeking:
Outreach Staff - Part-time: Assists center coordinator in oversight of volunteers and in managing the delivery, storage and distribution of food and clothing items.
Case Manager - Post-Refugee Resettlement: Provides case management services to refugees following their initial resettlement period to help them understand, address and reduce barriers that prevent them from securing employment.
St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter - Shelter Staff - Part-time: We are currently recruiting for daytime and overnight part-time shelter staff positions. Overnight candidates must be available to work two overnight shifts per week including weekends and holidays. The positions ensure that all basic needs of shelter guests are met and that the guests are provided with a safe, stable environment.
Full job descriptions available online. Interested individuals can send their cover letter and resume to:
hr@dmdiocese.org or Diocese of Des Moines, Human Resources, 601 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Volunteer - St. Mary Family Center, Des Moines
St. Mary Family Center needs volunteers in the afternoon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or both! Learn how you can get involved. Email Bernadette.
Part-time Office Coordinator, Covenant Presbyterian Church, West Des Moines
Will provide a church office operation that is effective, efficient and allows Covenant to meet its goal of offering a meaningful Christian community to its members, visitors and friends. In addition to the business operation of the church office, the Office Coordinator will professionally represent Covenant as a caring and Christian environment. See the church website for the full job description at www.wdmcovenant.org.
Catholic Charities Top 3 Volunteer Needs in April
Furniture Donation Pick-Up (Refugee Resettlement)
- Contact Sinishaw at 515-393-5231
Bilingual Volunteer (Hispanic Community Outreach)
Help at our Citizenship Classes 2 hours a week for 8 weeks.
- Contact Mireya at 515-237-5047
Help with Apartment Set-Up (Refugee Resettlement)
- Contact Sinishaw at 515-393-5231
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