Interfaith is a private non-profit ministry supported by persons of many faiths from over 50 member congregations along with many others. IMI also receives support from individuals, civic organizations, schools, local businesses, corporations and foundations. Through Interfaith Ministries all supporters are able to “Join Hands to Serve Others.”
IMI Mission Statement
Interfaith Ministries is a united effort of the religious community to show God’s love. We respond to those in need through advocacy and coordination of community resources.
History
Interfaith Ministries’ history started on April 10, 1979, when an enormous tornado devastated Wichita Falls and flattened 1/5 of the town. Thousands of people were homeless and hurting. Church World Service, an arm of the National Council of Churches, sent representatives to the city to organize a response from the religious community, and Interfaith Disaster Service (IDS) was the vehicle created to help families unable to finance the rebuilding of their homes. Congregations of all denominations and different faiths banded together to rebuild homes and lives. This was a “first” for our city, as congregations had not previously cooperated for any purpose across denominational and faith lines.
IDS funneled monies from major religious groups and federal disaster funds to purchase construction materials, and feed, house, and direct the work of volunteers from across the nation and Canada. By October 1981 the work of IDS was finished, but those who had worked side by side through the past one and one-half years did not want this cooperative spirit to die. They looked for another avenue by which their efforts could be channeled to improve the lives of Wichitans. The decision was made to open an emergency center for families whose lives had been devastated by medical emergencies, loss of employment, or other financial crises.
Twenty-five churches pledged to support Interfaith Ministries, Inc. (IMI), as the new organization was named. Their purpose was to eliminate families going from congregation to congregation to ask for food and financial assistance. Having a central location supported by many congregations enabled resources to be pooled, eliminated duplication of effort and assistance, and saved families a lot of time and frustration trying to find help. IMI member congregations can refer families to the Center, joining their financial and food contributions with the others to help more people in a more efficient manner. Congregation staff and volunteers can then choose the times that are convenient for them to work at the center.
Member congregations are asked to support IMI in three ways:
- Food for the pantry
- Financial contributions
- Volunteers
Four staff members, three full-time and one part-time, supervise the activities of approximately 150 volunteers. These dedicated individuals serve on the Board, interview clients, administer the Prescription Project, answer phones, do office work, sort and package food in the pantry, provide interpretation for non-English speaking persons, and give loving support and information to hurting people. The material assistance provided may only help temporarily with the problem, but the emotional and spiritual support offered can make a real difference in a person’s perspective during a crisis situation.
Over fifty congregations have made a written commitment to support the work of IMI. Approximately 15 other congregations lend a helping hand as well, making a total of 65+ congregations that give time, talents, financial, and pantry donations making possible the outreach ministry of IMI. Individuals, local foundations, businesses, civic groups and other organizations also provide resources necessary to help over 2,200 families with over $240,000 in direct financial assistance each year and 1500+ individuals with pantry assistance valued at just over $70,000 annually. In addition to these resources, the ministry of IMI is made possible because of the willingness of the volunteers to freely give just over 9000 hours of their time and talents, worth $160,000+.. IMI is truly a locally supported effort that takes care of our Wichita Falls and Iowa Park residents in need.
