FAITH CENTERS. EMPLOYEES. VOLUNTEERS. SUPPORTERS. FRIENDS. We are people helping people help themselves.


Winter 2011


people help themselves. In particular, we will seek to find ways to connect the capacities of our society to help people, to the needs of people, and to the network of the more than 450 faith communities who are our members. There is huge untapped potential here! We will explore how the human needs of members of local congregations might be better met through Interfaith organizing a network of service assistance, so that people in need can get the help they require quickly, locally and effectively, with a support network involving local faith congregations and other service organizations.


As unemployment goes up, more people lose their homes, and the ability to buy food, clothing, and medical care -- the needs of society increase just when donations decrease.


more. OUR HUMANITY IS BEST WHEN


WE CENTER IT ON LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.


YOUR HELP IS NEEDED --


YOUR DONATIONS ARE NEEDED AS NEVER BEFORE.


Our goal, simply stated, will be to help organize a system of support so that everyone gets the help they need. We can’t do this alone. We will do it with other organizations, we will do this with our faith community members, and we will do it with you!


That’s what Interfaith will do. Now to the question: What can you do?


It is well-known that individual contributions to most charities and faith communities often goes down in a faltering economy. We all tend to be more generous when we feel financially secure. But when the stock market falls, when the market fluctuates wildly, when unemployment increases, when companies cut back – when we feel less secure – donations decline. You know this about yourself. It is easier to be generous when you yourself are enjoying good financial times.


What you can do is to remain generous and to help even more when it is not so comfortable to do so. This is asking a lot of you- to ask that you be generous, even more generous, when you yourself are concerned about the financial uncertainty that you face.


But as an inter-connected humanity, that’s exactly what we each need to do. We need to keep our eyes open to the great needs all around us and help even more although it might be more difficult than before to do so.


Your help is needed -- your donations are needed as never before.


Your contributions are important, very important. But your help is needed in several other ways. Consider becoming a volunteer with us or with another local charity. Find ways to become more generous to others in your everyday life. Look with a new vision to see the needs of others all around you. Reach out to touch others with your grace and help and love.


As our economy falters, many people have great needs. Interfaith has a choice: in face of funding challenges do we shrink back when human needs are much greater? You have a choice: in the face of economic uncertainty do you give less or give more? And if you give more is it more money or also more of yourself?


We have choices. As we choose we should reflect on what basis should we make our decision?


I suggest our decisions should be based on love. Love of God. Love of one another. Mindful of the love of God for each of us.


If our view of life is that we are connected to one another, that we should love and care for one another, that we should care about building the humanity of our society… then our answer becomes easy. We act to extend to others our help to support them in their time of need. In doing so, we become the best we each can be.


pray for us and those we serve.


I look forward to my new role at Interfaith, and I am committed to lead this organization with a passion for expanding our vital work to uplift people in need and strengthen our communities.


Sincerely,


Your prayers, your volunteer work, your everyday help for others is what will make a difference as much as your financial support… maybe


ay to plug into a volunteer opportunity for make an immediate difference in the lives of


unteer


___________ Phone ___________________ _____________________________________ for opportunities in: ____________________


89-6380 ext. 221 jmaestas@interfaithservices.org y Services - 550 W. Washington Ave., Escondido, CA 92025


Richard Batt Executive Director


INTERFAITH WILL... • USE BEST PRACTICES • REALIGN SERVICES • SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO COMBINE WITH OTHERS


• EXPAND VOLUNTEERS


• COLLABORATE MORE • INNOVATE MORE • INTRODUCE NEW CONCEPTS


• STRENGTHEN FAITH COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS


• BUILD An expanded local NETWORK OF HUMAN SUPPORT


• engage donors to make legacy gifts


• evidence the principles of servant leadership


YOU CAN... • VOLUNTEER • LOOK WITH NEW SIGHT AT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS and RESPOND


• PRAY FOR THOSE IN NEED


• PRAY FOR all the people and organizations HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED


• INCREASE YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT


• Make a legacy gift • connect with us


Sign me up, so I can receive up-to-date information via email about Interfaith.


Name ___________________________________________ Phone ___________________ Email _____________________________________________________________________


@interfaithcs facebook.com/interfaithservices


Are you following us yet? Have you ‘LIKED’ us yet?


Jomylene Flores, Communications Coordinator - (760) 489-6380 ext. 218 jflores@interfaithservices.org Interfaith Community Services - 550 W. Washington Ave., Escondido, CA 92025


connect WWW.INTERFAITHSERVICES.ORG


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