WE•CARENEWSLETTER SU MMER 2022 | VO LUME 37, NO. 2
Workforce Development: Overcoming Barriers to a Livable Wage
Shannon volunteers in the Workforce Development Center at the ICS Central Office.
Connie Hillman Family Foundation gave $250,000 to ICS to help build self-sufficiency through workforce development.
L
ate last summer, Ann found herself needing a job—fast! Recently widowed and all alone in Tucson, she suddenly had to support herself, something she hadn’t done in over 17 years. With no job contacts and no idea how to begin the process, Ann went to her church for
support. There she learned that help is available from Interfaith Community Services. Ann's first time in the ICS Workforce Development Center involved a lot of tears and the release of pain and fears she had carried since her life was turned upside down. She was convinced no one would hire her because of her age and long absence from the workforce. At ICS, Ann found people who could help her with every step of the process: online job search, submitting applications, resume and cover letter writing, and interview skills training. Finally Ann secured a part-time job with a home healthcare
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2820 W. Ina Rd. Tucson, AZ 85741
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, AZ PERMIT #2874
EVENTS AT A GLANCE All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified. Register online at icstucson.org/events. through August 5 Peanut Butter Party food drive (see page 9 for details) July 26, 1:30–3 p.m. ICS Programs & Services Workshop (virtual) To register contact Tandala Kidd: tkidd@icstucson.org August 2, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Workshop: Communicating with Difficult People— De-escalating Difficult Situations (virtual) August 3, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Workshop: Compassionate Care with Healthy Boundaries (virtual) August 4, 10–11 a.m. Volunteer Orientation (virtual) August 18, 10–11 a.m. Volunteer Orientation (in person) Northwest ICS Office, 2820 W. Ina Road August 23, 1:30–3 p.m. ICS Programs & Services Workshop (virtual) To register contact Tandala Kidd: tkidd@icstucson.org September 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Workshop: Communicating with Difficult People— De-escalating Difficult Situations (virtual)
SHE GOT THE JOB! Haley, who worked in one of our Workforce Development Centers, recently shared this success story with the ICS team: Haley received a call from a woman who had identified a job she wanted to apply for, and she needed help creating a resume. The new client felt very strongly about working for that particular organization because it is a homeless shelter, and she wanted to support women with life experiences similar to hers. Haley scheduled an appointment with the client the very next day. They worked together for a couple of hours, building a resume and applying for the job. Haley checked in with the client several times in the following weeks, and received encouraging updates every time. Finally, after three interviews, the client was offered the job she wanted. "We did it, Haley!" wrote the client. "I got the job and I start [on the] 1st. I can't tell you how grateful I am!"
September 10 & 11 Save the Date! 9/11 Days of Service—details coming soon!
If you are receiving duplicate publications from ICS, please let us know at (520) 526-9304.
520-297-6049 info@icstucson.org www.icstucson.org
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Awarded four stars eleven years in a row!
Workforce Development continued from page 1
agency. With it, she regained some self-confidence. She continued to apply for jobs and soon was offered a seasonal position doing visual display for the holidays—something related to her previous experience. Pleased with her excellent performance, the department store offered her ongoing work. Successfully working two part-time jobs, Ann began to believe that she could launch a new career. With a great interview outfit from My Sister's Closet and a strong resume created with help from the Workforce Development Center, she went to a job fair that changed her life. Ann met an employer who recognized her potential. She went through several rounds of interviews, which she rehearsed for with ICS staff and volunteers. Her hard work and persistence paid off when she was offered full-time work with benefits, along with training to advance toward a livable wage. Ann couldn’t wait to share her success with her ICS family in the Workforce Development Center. There
were high-fives all around. For the first time in a long time, Ann felt stable and excited about the future. Ann’s story is familiar, and those in the Workforce Development Center know it well because our staff and volunteers strive to offer personalized one-toone assistance. Connecting with clients ensures we understand what their total needs are—needs that go beyond just an application or a resume. The Connie Hillman Family Foundation supports ICS’s goal of helping Southern Arizonans to become self-sufficient and independent. Through $250,000 in matching funds for ICS, the Foundation is increasing our capacity to provide workforce development services for people like Ann. When clients receive support to overcome barriers to adequate employment, they create stability and future opportunities for themselves and their families. Support Workforce Development in our community! Call Andrea Dillenburg at 520-526-9310.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY WORKSHOPS
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ongratulations to recent graduates of ICS' selfsufficiency workshops!
Getting Ahead Workshops, funded by the Pima County “Ending Poverty Now” initiative, is an intensive 16-week course. Participants graduated on April 26 after examining their experiences of poverty and exploring spending, housing, jobs, transportation and
Getting Ahead graduates gathered on April 26, 2022, to celebrate the completion of their 16-week course.
other issues in the community that impact poverty. The following day, another cohort graduted from Bridges Financial Management Workshops, a partnership with Bridges Out of Poverty and local banking institutions. For 10 weeks, participants worked with mentors and financial experts to create their future financial story.
Bridges graduates marked the completion of their 10-week course on April 27, 2022.
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CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS UPCOMING VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS Learn how you can make a difference with ICS! Both in-person and online/Zoom options are available. All sessions are held on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 Aug. 18
T
he life force of ICS lies in the collaboration of volunteers, faith communities, donors and staff. It’s one grand and beautiful relationship that we share.
Zoom In-person
Sign up on our website: icstucson.org
The many people in need who gain sustenance and sustainability are grateful for your involvement in whatever way you can be involved. And we are, too! For the first time in two years we were able to gather on April 29 to honor ICS volunteers at our "TOGETHER in Gratitude" event. Volunteers shared their heart of service and all in attendance were reminded how ICS services matter to each person who receives help.
Volunteer Opportunities We continue to need Transportation drivers and ANYWHERE drivers. Contact Tori Carlson (tcarlson@icstucson.org) for information. Save the dates for the 911 Day of Service on September 10 & 11. We are planning another great service event for ICS volunteers, neighbors and anyone else who wants to participate to benefit those in need in our community.
CONNECT WITH PURPOSEFUL VOLUNTEERING! See the possibilities at icstucson.org/volunteer-job-descriptions
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TOP LEFT: The Handy Helpers take the mic at the "TOGETHER in Gratitude" volunteer recognition event. Brian Fitzgerald, Andy Fiore and Tim Powell volunteer in Senior Services to do minor home repairs and maintenance for senior homeowners. ABOVE: A volunteer on the morning shift works with Barbara Taylor to prepare food boxes for distribution.
FUNDRAISING NEWS
T
he 2022 Empty Bowls fundraiser returned to the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center on March 5. Attendees selected a unique pottery bowl made and donated by local artists and sampled signature soups, breads and desserts donated by local restaurants and food partners. The event raised more than $145,000 to support the ICS food banks and services. Your support makes it possible to feed more families in need! THANK YOU to everyone who made this success possible. We're grateful to sponsors, restaurant partners, potters, attendees, and many hardworking volunteers—especially the dedicated event committee. Presenting sponsors Tucson Electric Power and Judy Weill in memory of Dick Weill deserve special thanks.
Our next Empty Bowls Event will be March 4th, 2023. Save the date!
TOP: Local potters who created and donated handmade bowls for the event. MIDDLE: Representatives from GAP Ministries serve the soup they provided. BOTTOM: Event attendees select a handcrafted bowl to keep.
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FAITH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ICS hosted a clergy retreat on April 27 at Redemptorist Renewal Center, home of Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church. Clergy who attended spent time in quiet, enjoying the peaceful grounds, and listening for new ways to reconnect to their spiritual grounding. ICS is grateful for the clergy of our faith community partners.
Faith communities play a vital role in the work of ICS. Through food drives, monetary support, providing volunteers and hosting ICS programs on their properties, our partners help us to keep growing and serving. Together we’re impacting many lives for the better. To schedule a visit at one of our offices, invite an ICS staff or board member to visit your congregation, or explore your congregation joining us in the good work described in this newsletter, call Faith and Community Outreach Coordinator Jay Deskins at 520-297-6049.
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FAITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS Interfaith Community Services was founded in 1985 by six faith communities. We are honored to work with 120 partnering faith communities today. Abiding in Christ Fellowship • Abiding Savior Free Lutheran • Agape Christian Church International • Aldea Spiritual Community • Alive Church • Alive in Christ Lutheran • Arizona Yage Spiritual Assembly • Ascension Lutheran • Baha’i Faith - Oro Valley • Beautiful Savior Lutheran • Canyon del Oro Baptist • Capilla del Sol Christian • Casas Adobes Congregational UCC • Casas Church • Catalina United Methodist • Christ Church United Methodist • Christ Presbyterian • Christ the King Episcopal • Church of the Apostles Episcopal • Church of the Everlasting Gospel • Church of the Painted Hills UCC • Community Christian Church Marana • Congregation Anshei Israel • Congregation Bet Shalom • Congregation Chaverim • Congregation Or Chadash • Congregation M’kor Hayim • ConnectionPointe Church • Connections Vineyard • C.O.R.E. Life Ministries • Cortaro Vista Community Church • Country Club at La Cholla Chapel • Desert Dove Christian Church • Desert Skies United Methodist • Desert Valley Adventist Church • Dove of Peace Lutheran • Ebenezer All Nations Seventh Day Adventist • Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson • First Christian Church • First United Methodist Church • Fountain of Life Lutheran • Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal • Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church • Grace to the Nations Church • Greater Faith Word Church International • Hope City Church • Immanuel Presbyterian • Islamic Center of Tucson • Living Grace Ekklesia • Lord of Grace Lutheran • LifeBridge Church • Lutheran Church of the Foothills • Maranatha Seventh Day Adventist • Ministerios Manantial De Amor • Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church • Mountain Shadows Presbyterian • Mountain View Baptist • Mountain Vista U.U. Congregation • New Hope/Nueva Esperanza United Methodist Church • New Life Bible Fellowship • New Life Community Church of the Nazarene • New Spirit Lutheran • Northminster Presbyterian • North Tucson Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints • Northwest Baptist • Northwest Community Church • Northwest Community Friends Church • Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene • Oro Valley United Church of Christ • Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church • Our Saviour’s Lutheran • Pantano Christian Church • Resurrection Lutheran • Baptist Church • Congregational UCC • Rising Star Baptist Church • Saguaro Christian Church • Sanctuary United Methodist • Santa Catalina Catholic • Shalom Mennonite • Southside Presbyterian • St. Alban’s Episcopal Church • St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church • St. Andrew’s Presbyterian • St. Christopher Catholic Parish • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic • St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist • St. James United Methodist • St John's United Methodist Church • St. John on the Desert Presbyterian • St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic • St. Mark’s Presbyterian • St. Mark’s United Methodist • St. Matthew’s Episcopal • St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal • St. Odilia Catholic • St. Paul's United Methodist Church • St. Philip’s In The Hills Episcopal • Streams in the Desert Lutheran • Tanque Verde Lutheran • Temple Emanu-El • Templo La Uncion • The Good News Community Church • The Holy Way Presbyterian • The Journey Church • Third Church of Christ, Scientist • Tortolita Presbyterian • Trinity Presbyterian Church • Tucson Central Church of the Nazarenne • Tucson Church International • Tucson Community of Christ • Tucson Midvale Park SDA Church • Unity of Tucson • Unity Spiritual Center of Peace • Unleashed Church • U.U. Church of Tucson • Vida Nueva/New Life Church of God • The Village Church • Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT Larry and Linda Schloss: Giving Now and in the Future Linda and Larry Schloss first became involved with ICS in 2007. As members of the Rincon United Congregational Church (RUCC), a faith community partner of ICS, they learned about the services ICS offers in the community. They served in the Church in multiple capacities, including the parish council and budget committees. During the budgeting process at RUCC they were involved in determining the annual financial gift to ICS. They built many great relationships with ICS team members, volunteers, donors and clients. They found ICS to be a consistently well-run organization. They were also encouraged by the holistic approach of ICS, encompassing caring for children and families, revitalizing communities, faith community outreach with more than 100 faith partners, and volunteer commitment. Contributing was an easy and fulfilling act of kindness. Linda and Larry had careers dedicated to serving families and planning for sustainability. Linda spent her career in education and school administration. Larry’s career was in the insurance industry, helping individuals and businesses plan for their current needs while also developing succession plans. As they approached retirement, they discussed subjects that had shaped their careers: the needs of children and families in the community. They wanted to support organizations that meet community needs and help provide stability for families. The couple were strong advocates for ICS moving to the RUCC campus to bring services closer to the people being served. They have now become dedicated volunteers in the Mobile Food Bank located at RUCC on Wednesday mornings. Through this service they help people in the community feed their families, meeting them where they are in their journey to stability and self-sufficiency. In addition to giving of their time and energy, they became members of the ICS Legacy Society. Through their wills, they have ensured that a portion of their estate will someday go to ICS’ endowment fund. This professionally-invested fund exists to sustain ICS’ mission of compassionate service into the future. As our endowment grows, it provides a stable, predictable source of income for capital and operating needs, while giving ICS a safety net to weather fluctuations in funding. A strong endowment is vital to ensuring ICS has the capability to serve our community today and for decades to come. ICS is grateful for Linda and Larry's support! For more information about how you can help ensure the continuation of ICS and its services for future generations, contact Andrea Dillenburg at (520) 526-9299.
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ICS STAFF UPDATES
e m o c l e W
Vicky Buelna, Resource and Intake Specialist Andrea Dillenburg, Director of Development and Communications Rebekah Hawes, Senior Case Manager Jelena Norzagaray, Resource and Intake Specialist Beverly Schlosser, Accounting Assistant Anne Thwaits, Communications Manager Evelyn Wright, Workforce Development Manager
Donated peanut butter (14–16 oz. jars) will be accepted at the two ICS food banks from July 1 through August 5, 2022. Northwest Food Bank: 2820 W. Ina Rd. Eastside Food Bank: 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn more at icstucson.org/peanut-butter-party or contact Jay Deskins: jdeskins@icstucson.org
No brand is too nutty for us!
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MEMORIALS & TRIBUTES Memorials and gifts of honor are a special way to remember friends and loved ones while making a tax‑deductible donation to ICS. These gifts were received January 1–June 1, 2022.
IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY Anita and Joe Michael, James and Mikki Gries Barbara Hulse, Ed and Lois Britton Beverly Ann Jones, Laurie Tahija Carol Rucks, Gerald Rucks David—From Kim, Lisa Jane Beckel-Tiensvold David Moss, Adele and Peter Lindquist, Bill and Debbie Dixon, Lou Mobley, Nancy Beckel Dick Weill, Donald and Betty Walters Don Tegeler, Donald and Betty Walters Edmund L. Jenkins, Anonymous, Morgan and Sharon Hunter Our family members who have died, Anthony and Mayme Beauto Frederick Burnham, Timothy Kromer and Laurel Burnham-Kromer Ginny Richardson, Bonnie Kampa, Randall Richardson Gypsy Holley, Christine Hardyman John Almquist, Tom McKinney and Dee Dee Connel John and Eloise Clymer, Brian and Patty Clymer Judy Marvel, Arthur and Joy Werner, Barry and Patti Robinson, Bruce and Pamela White, David and Ellen Vellenga, Deborah Leksell, Herbert Blom, Judith A McLaughlin, Kathleen Jenkins, Kelly Lazzaroni, Laurel Olson, Maria Christie Walkuski, Mary Louise Luna, Michael Kuhn, Mitchell and Rhonda Fure, Patricia Smith, Sheryl Nosbish, Victoria Struse, Virgil and June Roeder Karen Locke, Cynthia Wood Lee Hunt, Barry and Susan Bedrick Lena Moore D'Albini, Clara Campbell Lynn Manis, Sara and Sean Lippitt Madge Lockett Evans, Jeff and Shannon Lockett, Jim and Jill Carey, Judy Lacy Marion Rosenbaum, Allan and Eileen Rotman, Sherri Rutman Matie Jorgensen, John Engel Matt Schneider, Roger and Marybeth Schneider Michael Rowe, Steven Rowe My cats Whitie, Simon and Kaya, Ruth Robertson My Pap, who would give anyone the shirt off his back, Sara Wolfe Vaughan Nathlie Badian, Anonymous Pastor Jim Toole and Pati Toole, Richard & Violet Davis Paul Den Herder, Craig and Jan Littlefield, David and Ellen Vellenga, Jeanette and Dave Taylor, Joan Craig, Kelly Drumm-Janoski, Marlene Den Herder, Wayne and Carol Dawson
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Paul Walton, Carolyn McGorray Pauline Roberta Shively, Elaine Hall Risa Crockett, Sandy and Bob Crockett Robert (Bob) Sterritt, Bruce and Estelle McDoniel Robert and Marie Brauer, Lawrence Brauer Ruth Ganeles, Paul Ganeles Tom Murphy, Frances Walker Walter Beecher, Geraldine Merrifield William Hoag, Barbara Hayes, Lynne Dunn, Roadrunners Alumnae Welcome Wagon William Lawrence Filippone, beloved husband, Colleen Filippone
IN HONOR OF: GIVEN BY All of the people showing human kindness, Gregory and Cathy Mannel All our wonderful grandchildren, Anthony and Mayme Beauto All the new immigrants seeking opportunity, Gregory and Cathy Mannel All who are and have ever been homeless, Janet Ageh Ann Garn, Mollee Richey, Mariah Erhart and Rikki Mioduski, Celena Robles Bertha Wolfe's 90th Birthday, Janet DeKeyser Catherine Shaw, Eve Hady Celena Robles, Debra and Barry Caldwell Diane Wilson, James Springer Georgia Dunsworth's 94th Birthday, Janet DeKeyser Gwen Sweeney's birthday, Jane Espinoza Julia Futrell, Linda Herrera Kreg Beck, Richard Teugh Mollee Richey—You’re amazing, Mollee! Thank you all for what you do, Scott and Annie Matlick Nancy Peterson's 70th Birthday, Lon Berkeley Rev. Jay Deskins, Rachel Srubas S Roberta's Birthday fundraiser, Avi Alpert, Kay Coggins, S Roberta Kurtz Sandy Ricker, Kay Sullivan Sheryl Perry, Anonymous Those who struggle on the streets, Gregory and Cathy Mannel Volunteers at the El Pueblo Center on May 28, 2022, Diane Loving Your first granddaughter! Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa Smith Mills! Nancy and Christopher Myers
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION PARTNERS Thank you for supporting Interfaith Community Services! Connie Hillman Family Foundation B & D Brady Foundation
Millwood Foundation
David S. and Norma R. Lewis Foundation The Kautz Family Foundation
Lester & Millie Rosen Foundation
Bert W. Martin Foundation
Beaty Martinez Foundation
Tucson National Lady Niners Witthoft Apprill Family Foundation
Denton Family Foundation Cardinals Charities Elizabeth Read Taylor Foundation Tucson Charity Bridge Club PICOR Charitable Foundation Eliot Spalding Foundation William and Ruth Pendleton Memorial Fund Splendido at Rancho Vistoso Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Private Foundation CTI Inc Kai Family Foundation The Lewis Hertz Foundation
Tucson Arthritis Support League WYR Foundation Casas Adobes Elks - Lodge #2663 Covenant Foundation Frederick Gardner Cottrell Foundation Intel Foundation Pella Rolscreen Foundation Phillips 66 Corporate Giving Program The Carl and Mabel Shurtz Foundation Dream Dinners Edward Jones
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Rise
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A Celebration of Empowered Women
onors, partners, vounteers, friends—and, most importantly, superstar single moms—gathered at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites on June 25 to raise money for the Single Mom Scholars (SMS) program. It is ICS' 2Generation approach to breaking the cycle of poverty by giving low-income single moms the supports they need to earn a college degree and establish a career. SMS program participants shared their personal stories of growth, community, and triumph through challenging times.
info@icstucson.org
photo courtesy Dominic Ortega
www.icstucson.org
Northwest Office
Eastside Office
Central Office
Southside Office
2820 W. Ina Road Tucson, AZ 85741 campus of Christ the King Episcopal
8701 E. Old Spanish Trail Tucson, AZ 85710 campus of New Spirit Lutheran
122 N. Craycroft Rd. Tucson, AZ 85711 campus of Rincon Congregational UCC
101 W. Irvington Rd. Building 2A Tucson, AZ 85714 El Pueblo Neighborhood Center
If you are receiving duplicate publications from ICS, please let us know at (520) 526-9304.