Non-Profits
Interfaith Works Montgomery County
Rebecca Wagner, Executive Director, Interfaith Works
As hard as things are these days, it is good to know that our community is not walking away from our neighbors in need here in Montgomery County. At Interfaith Works, we and our legion of more than 140 congregations of diverse faiths, 60 corporate partners and over 7,000 volunteers are hard at work – neighbors helping neighbors - ensuring that a safety net is in place for vulnerable residents of the County.
More than 30,000 men, women and children receive assistance from us each year. We shelter homeless men, women and families, provide free clothing, new school supplies, baby layettes and household goods to income-qualified individuals, provide job counseling for those ready to work, mentor vulnerable families and give cash assistance of more than $200,000 to alleviate hunger, prevent evictions, and provide prescription and utility assistance. We have been hard at work for over 36 years. You may know us as Community Ministry of Montgomery County. Although we changed our name to Interfaith Works in 2008, our mission and programs are as vibrant as ever.
I thank those of you who have invested in our work. We are careful stewards of our resources; 95 cents of every dollar is on the front line serving our community. You have given your resources, your time and your employees’ time. These days, many of our supporters are creative in their giving, providing pro-bono services, discounts on purchases, job mentors for those in our vocational programs, hosting workplace activities such as clothing and diaper drives and sending food donations – all critical ways the community is stepping up to meet growing needs.
I don't have to tell you the challenges that we are facing, as needs are increasing and resources are reduced. You too are struggling with important decisions everyday in your families and businesses. The people we help at Interfaith Works are struggling as well. They are working poor families, disabled adults, seniors on fixed incomes and now, victims of the recession. A family may be short on rent one month because the utility bill was higher than expected, or medication costs used the family food budget, or hourly work was missed for a sick child, or a job was eliminated.
Together, we are the safety net for these neighbors in need, and they need us now, more than ever, to help provide the basics of food, clothing, shelter and compassion so they may maintain their dignity and work to a better future for their families. I invite you to join us in this fulfilling work.
