| In 1964 in response to growing community
needs relating to serving the working-poor, indigent and homebound
elderly in South Metro Denver, leaders from all segments of
the community - led by Inter-Faith founder Maida Navis - came
together in what was and is truly a community-based effort
to form Inter-Faith Task Force for Community Services (now
Inter-Faith Community Services).
Starting with simple programming designed
to meet the basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter,
Inter-Faith has grown into the largest
emergency and continual support systems in South Metro Denver
for low-income families, children and seniors. Inter-Faith
is dedicated to providing services that bridge the gaps
between crisis, survival and independence. In 1968 Inter-Faith
was designated the "official poverty agency" in
its service area and together, with the board, staff, volunteers
and community support, the agency has served numerous low-income
persons since its inception. With a philosophy of a "hand
up, not a hand out" the agency strives to support its
clients in every phase of their climb to self-sufficiency
and success.
Donations from businesses, individuals, service
clubs, churches and grants from foundations and federal,
state and local governments are Inter-Faith's major sources
of funding. Fundraisers also play an integral part in the
continuation of services. In addition to actual funding,
donated services and equipment supplement the budget. Thousands
of volunteer hours, food, clothing and household items are
donated by individuals, schools, churches and community
organizations to insure that Inter-Faith can continue to
provide much needed services. The support Inter-Faith receives
from the community really makes its motto of "Neighbors
Helping Neighbors" a reality.
Inter-Faith is probably best known for its
food and clothing banks, which are truly a reflection of
our community. Community members - schools, churches, service
clubs, businesses and families, donate all the food and
clothing.
One of Inter-Faith's
main goals is homeless prevention. Through a variety
of resources including financial assistance (rental and
mortgage help), transitional and off-site housing IFCS is
able to help families achieve their housing goals, access
more affordable housing or simply help its families maintain
their present shelter.
Inter-Faith also has many other programs to
help the community-programs for homebound seniors: medical
transportation, lunch bunch and grocery shopping help; financial
assistance: medical prescriptions, gas vouchers, bus tokens
and birth certificates; gift of hearing and sight programs;
victim's assistance; youth programs including Pack to School:
a program where low-income children are sponsored by groups
or individuals and the children receive a brand new outfit
(shoes, underwear, clothes, socks, etc.), a new backpack
and school supplies to start their school year off on the
best foot possible; and Thanksgiving, Holiday and Easter
Baskets for families and seniors that would not be able
to celebrate these holidays without the community's help.
All services and programs
are delivered in a manner that preserves the dignity and
sense of self-worth of all clients.
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