Faith-Based Organizations Commend IW Partnership
“Interfaith Works opens opportunities for us to live out our faith in service.”
This was the statement of Hettie Fleming, a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Rockville, at the Montgomery County Faith Community Advisory Town Hall Meeting on September 13, 2022.
Hosted by the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, the meeting brought together representatives of faith-based organizations to foster deeper collaboration in helping more neighbors who are most in need.
Interfaith Works (IW), who has been addressing homelessness and poverty for the last 50 years, was described as a “valuable resource” by their partners, particularly during the pandemic.
“The dedication of the staff is unique and infectious,” Ms. Fleming said, explaining that she started supporting IW in 2007 and has since connected the non-profit organization with other groups such as the National Council of Negro Women because of IW’s ability to immediately take action on the community’s most pressing issues through its inclusive approach.
“Regardless of the value and size of our donations, the IW team receives them with sincere appreciation. This inspires us to do more because IW makes us feel that every bit of help makes a great impact.”
Adileh Sharieff, a trustee of the Islamic Center of Maryland, proudly described IW as a partner in food distribution. She also attributed IW staff’s efficiency in sharing information and their close ties within the community to their high number of donors and volunteers.
“Working with IW becomes a family activity. You will see many mothers and their children preparing meals and happily delivering them to IW facilities,” she said. “We will continue to work with the IW team because they do not only help us build a stronger connection with our neighbors, they also deepen the bond of families, as well.”
Simma Kupchan said that members of the Ohr Kodesh Congregation have always been eager to contribute to communities. “IW provides the platform for us to reach more people and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with them.”
Mr. Ron Wright, IW Board Member, and Mr. Courtney Hall, IW Chief Executive Officer, gave thanks to the representatives for their statements of support. They also credited the assistance of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Rockville, the Islamic Center of Maryland, and the Ohr Kodesh Congregation through the years for the success of IW initiatives.
To access a recording of the town hall meeting, visit https://cutt.ly/QVGUtRk.
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CONTACT
Reverend Dr. Rosetta Robinson
IW Director of Faith and Community Partnerships
rrobinson@iworksmc.org
(301) 315-1105
Ms. Soraya Ututalum
IW Communications Manager
sututalum@iworksmc.org
(301) 851-1591