EVENTS AT A GLANCE
MAY 20, 2026
IN PERSON VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
1–3 p.m.
ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Road
Sign up at icstucson.org
June 3, 2026
ONLINE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
1–3 p.m.
Zoom link willl be provided
Sign up at icstucson.org
PEANUT BUTTER PARTY
July 1–31 Help collect peanut butter for ICS food banks
Learn more at icstucson.org/peanutbutter
9/11 DAY OF SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE
HYGIENE SUPPLY DRIVE
Learn more at icstucson.org/911day
Mark Your Calendars!
The Fall Food Drive takes place during the month of October. This food drive helps stock ICS food banks for the holiday season. If interested in participating, visit icstucson.org/fallfood
Front Cover Photos: Top left: ICS volunteer transportation drivers, Top middle: Workforce Development volunteer and client, Top right: Northwest expansion plans and Bonnie Kampa, Middle left: Tabling event, Middle right: Coffee and Conversation participants, Bottom left: Mobile Food Bank pick up with Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bishops Storehouse, Inside left: Single Mom Scholars graduates December 2025, Middle bottom: Ed Jenkins and Gardners, Inside right: Mobile Meals volunteer and client, Bottom right: Empty Bowls volunteer and staff member.
Holiday Closures
ICS offices and food banks will be closed on the following days in observance of federal holidays.
Memorial Day
Saturday, May 23
Monday, May 25
Independence Day
Friday, July 3
Saturday, July 4
Labor Day
Saturday, September 5
Monday, September 7
ICS will observe regular business hours on June 19 (Juneteenth)
Visit icstucson.org to see all upcoming calendar dates.
520-297-6049 | info@icstucson.org | icstucson.org
The Heart Behind the Help: Brian and Patty’s
SMS Volunteer Story
For the past two years, Brian and Patty Clymer have been making a meaningful difference in the Single Mom Scholars (SMS) program at ICS. As volunteer childcare guardians, this husbandand-wife team provides a safe, caring space for children during monthly meetings, allowing moms to fully participate and focus on their goals. Brian was drawn to the role because of his love for spending time with children and the joy of connecting with them. Patty, with a background in early childhood education, saw it as a natural fit and values the opportunity to support both the children and their moms. What began as a shared desire to give back has become a deeply rewarding experience for both of them.
ICS is deeply grateful for Brian and Patty’s dedication and compassion. Their care creates a lasting impact and strengthens the SMS community in meaningful ways.
Top: Brian plays with children at a monthly SMS meeting. Bottom: Patty helping children at the December SMS graduation ceremony.
Peanut Butter Party Food Drive
Help ICS collect peanut butter in July!
WHAT
A month-long food drive focused on the best thing to put between sliced bread: PEANUT BUTTER!
WHEN
The entire month of July. The food drive begins July 1 and ends August 1.
WHERE
Donations are collected at the Northwest Food Bank (2820 W. Ina Road)
WHO
Anyone can donate peanut butter: faith communities, neighborhood associations, clubs, companies, community partners… and you!
Information, hours, flyers and more: icstucson.org/peanutbutter
After a challenging year, Brigitte celebrates a fresh start and new employment with support from ICS Workforce Development.
A Path Back to Stability with ICS Workforce Development
Centers
After coming to the ICS Workforce Development Centers, Brigitte began her job search following a difficult period in which she and her husband both lost their jobs. For several months, they struggled to make ends meet, relying on contracted landscaping work and other side jobs while seeking more stable employment. During this time, they also received emergency assistance for rent and utilities. Her husband later secured a landscaping position, and after several ICS-supported interviews, Brigitte accepted a commercial cleaning role with Mister Janitor.
“I feel that we were struggling so much and praying to have a stable income,” said Brigitte. “Now we don’t have to worry about bills—my husband and I are both working and can provide for our family.”
She added, “I came in with nothing—I was so emotional and stressed, but you never gave up on me. You helped me see my potential and gave me the confidence to keep going.”
TRANSPORTATION
One Ride at a Time: A Full-Circle Moment at a Senior Resource Day
At a recent Senior Resource Day in Marana, Carol, an ICS staff member and former volunteer driver, had a heartwarming encounter that highlighted the impact of ICS Senior Services Transportation. While greeting visitors at the ICS table, Roxane stopped by to share her appreciation for the many rides she has received over the years. She spoke about the kindness and reliability of her volunteer drivers, and to Carol’s surprise, recognized her as one of the drivers who had supported her when she first enrolled in the program.
Roxane continued sharing her gratitude with others visiting the table, emphasizing how much ICS transportation has meant to her in getting to medical appointments and maintaining her independence. Her enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder of the difference made by ICS volunteers helping seniors stay connected, supported, and cared for, one ride at a time.
With support from TEP and O’Rielly Chevrolet, ICS has added a new electric vehicle to improve transportation for Senior Services participants.
Appreciation Dinner: Volunteers Are Our Greatest Treasure
On April 22, ICS staff honored many of our dedicated volunteers at a special Volunteer Appreciation Week dinner. The evening included dinner, gifts, entertainment, and a photo booth, and was made special by our volunteers who bring energy and joy to all they do.
In 2025, 43,944 volunteer hours were donated to ICS clients and the community. Thank you, volunteers, for your selfless service to our community!
MOBILE MEALS
Something Good in the Midst of Something Terrible
After a successful career, an ICS Mobile Meals recipient’s life changed dramatically following a brain cancer diagnosis that left him unable to continue working. As his health declined, he lost both his job and his home and eventually moved into an RV on a friend’s property. During this difficult time, his family reached out to ICS for support.
ICS began delivering frozen meals once a week, providing both nourishment and stability. In the early stages of his illness, he was able to heat the meals himself, maintaining a sense of independence. As his condition progressed, a caregiver began assisting with meal preparation. His family shared deep gratitude for the support, calling the meals, “a real gift” and “something good in the midst of something terrible.”
MOBILE FOOD BANK
New Mobile Food Bank Distribution Location: Craycroft Towers
A new opportunity to access nutritious food is now available in the community. In collaboration with the City of Tucson, ICS has launched a Mobile Food Bank distribution at Craycroft Towers on the first Wednesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m., expanding support for individuals and families in need.
We are deeply grateful to our community and faith partners who make this work possible as host sites and volunteers. Their support helps reduce barriers to food security and strengthen community stability. Visit icstucson.org to view the full schedule.
at a Goodwill Thrift Store on 1st Avenue.
Volunteers, ICS staff member Brandon Miller, and Kiana Green, Goodwill Program Manager for Youth Reengagement Centers, distribute food
An ICS Mobile Meals volunteer prepares frozen meals for volunteer driver pick-up and delivery to participants.
Single Mom Scholars Program Graduates 100th Scholar
The Single Mom Scholars program recently celebrated a major milestone—its 100th graduate. This life-changing program uses a two-generation approach to help low-income single mothers pursue college degrees while also supporting the success of their children. Through financial assistance, life skills training, and a strong peer network, scholars are empowered to build more stable futures for their families.
This milestone reflects the determination of the scholars and the support of dedicated partners. Together, they are opening doors to education, economic mobility, and long-term success across our community.
EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Tasheena’s Path to Stability and Success
Tasheena is a single mother of four who recently achieved a major milestone—graduating from college. While balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, she often relied on student loans to cover essentials like rent and utilities. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to building a more stable future for her family while working through personal obstacles and striving for a healthier home environment.
Support from ICS helped ease financial pressure, allowing her to stay focused on her goals. Her journey reflects resilience, determination, and the impact of community support in helping families move forward with hope and dignity.
Top: Current Single Mom Scholars (SMS) participants pose for a photo at the December 2025 graduation. Bottom: SMS graduates hold certificates of completion.
Tasheena with her children, celebrating family and resilience.
