Inter-Faith Ministries Volunteers Share Common Belief in Helping Others
Published Aug 17, 2009
Karen Dobbins is the director of development for Inter-Faith Ministries, an organization that has brought together diverse faith-based congregations since 1885, uniting them in the common goal of improving the lives of others.
At Wichita’s Inter-Faith Ministries‚ volunteers may differ in political affiliation‚ religious belief or race‚ but they share at least one commonality – a desire to help their fellow man.
That’s how the nonprofit organization has been able to continue its mission of providing hope‚ healing and empowerment worldwide since 1885.
“Inter-Faith Ministries represents the diverse faith community and helps meet human needs from the faith perspective‚” says Karen Dobbins‚ director of development for the organization.
Inter-Faith Ministries’ dynamic mission has led to the development of programs designed to promote anti-racism; stop local childhood hunger; strengthen relationships between area congregations; promote independence among the aged‚ sick and disabled; provide after-school tutoring; implement mother-to-mother programs; assist those in need during the holiday season and beyond; encourage disaster relief preparation and support the community of Lambert‚ Haiti.
Still‚ Dobbins says a main focus of Inter-Faith Ministries is a 10-year mission to end homelessness in Sedgwick and surrounding counties. Working alongside national advocates in Washington‚ D.C.‚ Inter-Faith Ministries is committed to building 40 new units for permanent‚ affordable and community-based housing for the area’s homeless.
“The biggest misconception surrounding the homeless is that they don’t work‚” says Dobbins‚ who estimates that 90 percent of the area’s homeless hold jobs. “Many have two or more jobs‚ but still have a low income and no benefits. One major illness can destine them for failure.”
Once completed‚ Inter-Faith Ministries’ low-income housing will assist a total of 105 families‚ who pay their own rent and work with Inter-Faith staff to pay utilities‚ find jobs‚ learn to care for themselves and their families‚ and learn to live in a community.
“What makes us unique is that we provide supportive services which help families readjust to society‚” Dobbins says.
Story by Melanie Hill
Photo by Wes Aldridge
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