Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) is a unique organization built on the power of community. It isn’t just another helping hand; it’s a testament to the strength found when compassionate people with a shared vision for a better world, come together. Founded by Henderson County churches, the synagogue and faith community leaders in 1984, IAM’s goal was to develop an umbrella organization that could review and relieve the urgent needs of any local resident or family.
Says Elizabeth Moss, Executive Director, “This spirit of unity among so many diverse people and organizations allows IAM to provide access to essential support like food, clothing, financial assistance, and more for thousands of our neighbors every year.”
40 Years of Service
Celebrating their 40th year of serving neighbors in need, IAM has grown into the largest provider of crisis services in Henderson County. They are open five days a week, offering a safety net for as many neighbors as possible with food, clothing, financial assistance for rent and utilities, personal hygiene items, cleaning materials, gasoline and bus passes, heating assistance, linens and pet food.
As a 501©3 nonprofit organization, IAM is primarily funded by financial gifts, grants and in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, civic service organizations, congregations and private grant foundations and government grants. All donations made to IAM stay in Henderson County. In 2022, IAM opened the IAM Thrift Store which provides our first permanent revenue stream in our 40 years of operation.
Moss notes, “We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community. The generosity shown by everyone supporting IAM’s mission allows us to continue to help our neighbors in need during a time when those needs are greater than we’ve ever experienced.”
2023 Impact Statistics
A recipient of the Charity Navigator 4 -Star Award, IAM’s mission is to “assist members of our community experiencing crisis with basic needs in an atmosphere of compassion and respect”. The organization’s effectiveness is reflected in their 2023 Impact Statistics, including:
- 18,846 neighbors received at least one form of assistance
- 5,285 unique households received assistance, representing one in 11 of all households in the county
- 18,522 neighbors received food a total of 80,949 times
- 4,214 neighbors received clothing
- 1,132 households received financial assistance with rent, utilities, transportation or prescription medications
- 3,262 households were served by IAM’s mobile pantry
- 337 young students received new school clothes during IAM’s Back-to-School Blessings event
Volunteer & Support Opportunities at IAM
With their motto of ‘Helping Hands & Caring Hearts’, Interfaith Assistance Ministry is a place where area residents can volunteer their time, donate food or clothing, or donate financially to support IAM in its efforts to help Henderson County’s neighbors in need. Working together with their compassionate and generous supporters, IAM works hard every day to make sure that Henderson County is a happier, healthier, and safer place for all of its residents to live and work.
Learn more at www.iam-hc.org
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