eVoice - May 12, 2015
DMARC Donors Dig Deep to Challenge Hunger!
$68,680 
raised through the 2015
Douglas M. Woods "Challenge Hunger" Campaign
will provide 92,810 meals for 7,734 of our neighbors.

DMARC and the Food Pantry Network extend a huge THANK YOU to Doug and to each person, group, and congregation that stepped up to support this important effort!
Douglas M. Woods, sponsor of the Challenge Hunger Campaign.
Thursday: Red Barrel Program 25th Birthday Celebration

DMARC is celebrating the lasting success of the Red Barrel Program by inviting  all of our volunteers and partners to our Red Barrel Program 25th Birthday Celebration this Thursday, May 14, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. There will be a short program recognizing the work of our volunteers and partners at 5:15 p.m.

 

Local Hy-Vee stores have generously offered to donate food, beverages and a birthday cake. Thank you, Hy-Vee! Please RSVP so we can get an idea on the number of expected attendees. 

Food Pantry Network Usage Continued Increasing in April
April has seen another substantial increase in Food Pantry Network use. In fact, more families were served in April 2015 than any other month in the nearly 40 years the Network has been operating. There were 5,100 families served in April 2015, which tops the previous record of 5,063 families served set last November.
This drastic growth can be attributed to the recent addition of Polk County River Place Food Pantry to the DMARC Food Pantry Network. DMARC was aware opening a food pantry at River Place would provide food for an under-served population, but we did not expect the impact would be so great.
For more information on the Food Pantry Network's use in April 2015, download this PDF.
Des Moines Area Families Pay a Lot for Housing and Transport
Nearly 40% of families in Greater Des Moines spend more than 45 percent of their household income on housing and transportation - meaning their housing is considered unaffordable, according to a recent report by the Des Moines Metropolitan Planning Organization.
At DMARC, this is no surprise, where as many as four of every ten DMARC food pantry families report they will need to borrow money this year to pay for rent or utilities. Many hope to move to more affordable housing, or will double-up with family or friends.
With your help, the DMARC Housing Stability Fund provides rent and utility assistance to prevent families from becoming homeless. We Are Grateful for Your Support!
Volunteer to Help Us Package Pasta!
The DMARC Food Pantry Network recently received a donation of 5 pallets of bulk pasta, and we need your help packaging the bulk pasta into serving sizes that our food pantry visitors can use!

We are looking for groups or individuals to help us in this effort. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Daniel Beck, dbeck@dmarcunited.org or 515-282-2026.

Thank you for your help!
Des Moines Area Religious Council

1435 Mulberry Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

 

515-277-6969

Peanut Butter
Community Calendar
May 14

May 20

May 21

May 24

May 29-31

June 5-7

June 7

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.

Community Announcements
Disclaimer: The Des Moines Area Religious Council is a membership organization of congregations with differing views. It gladly distributes information from member or partner individuals, congregations, and other agencies, but inclusion of such material should not be construed as sponsorship or endorsement by DMARC. It makes every effort to provide accurate and useful general information in its eVoice, but accepts no liability for the use of the material by individuals or organizations. Undated general announcements and employment opportunities are included for one week unless requested to be included for a longer period of time. Approval of this disclaimer by the Board of Directors pending.
IRANium Screening Tonight
Join the Jewish Federation's Jewish Community Relations Commission for a screening and discussion of IRANium: The Danger of a Nuclear Iran.

Tuesday, May 12th, 7:15 p.m.
The Caspe Terrace, 33158 Ute Avenue, Waukee

For additional information, contact jcrc@dmjfed.org.
Job Opening: Temporary Ministry Assistant at First Christian Church

First Christian Church is looking for a temporary, part-time Ministry Assistant, starting immediately. The position is 20-30 hour per week, and ends on August 14.

For more information on expectations, requirements, compensation, and how to apply, view a full job posting here.
50th Anniversary of the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission invites you to a program commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965.


 
The program will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 6:30 p.m. at the State Historical Building, 600 East Locust Street in Des Moines.


 
The program will include presentations by Prof. Arthur Bonfield (Drafter of the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965), Roxanne Conlin (Civil Rights Advocate), and Judge Romonda D. Belcher (Associate Judge on the 5th District Court in Iowa).

 

Light refreshments will be provided following the program. Free entry - all are welcome.

Greek Food Fair, June 5-7
Save the date(s) for the 2015 Greek Food Fair!

Friday, June 5, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 6, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Early Bird Food Tickets are available via Tikly . Purchase before June 1st and receive $16 value-good for any food or beverage. There is no admission fee to attend the Greek Food Fair and food tickets are good any time during the weekend.
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 12 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 eight sites in Des Moines. In 2013, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted more than 34,000 individuals in the greater Des Moines community; half of whom are children and youth.

 

MovetheFood is a DMARC-led initiative to address the entire food system in Greater Des Moines, building on nearly 40 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.
Disclaimer: The Des Moines Area Religious Council makes every effort to provide accurate and useful general information in its eVoice, but accepts no liability for the use of the material by individuals or organizations. We gladly distribute information from member or partner individuals, congregations, and other agencies, but our inclusion of such material should not be construed as being sponsored or endorsed by DMARC. Undated general announcements and employment opportunities are included for one week unless requested to be included for a longer period of time.