Interfaith Ministries of Greater Modesto was organized about 40 years ago by a group of caring and sharing individuals and organizations working toward the common good of helping those in need. Since that time, Interfaith Ministries has served thousands of individuals and families in Modesto, Ceres, Salida, Empire and Waterford. Services are available to low-income people who have proof of residency and income.
Our main services are food, clothing and the food coalition. This year, 2011, we are providing groceries to 2500-3000 people each month. Children, ages 18 and younger, make up 80% of people served.
Our food coalition is made up of over 50 nonprofits and congregations. These groups pick up surplus foods and bread weekly. That food is used to feed thousands of people throughout Stanislaus County, including congregational dinners, breakfasts for the homeless, groceries to shut ins and many more food related activities.
Our clothes closet provides clean and sized garments free of charge to individuals and families weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 1p.m. to 4:30p.m. We are serving approximately 1,500 people each month in our clothes closet and giving out over 8,000 garments monthly.
Our facility is also open on the 4th Saturday of each month providing pantry and clothes closet services simultaneously. This is a volunteer-run service and clients should call to confirm our 4th Saturday hours.
Interfaith Ministries operates from 120 Kerr Avenue, Modesto at the entrance to the Airport District, one of the poorest neighborhoods in our community. Our small facility houses the food pantry and clothes closet, administrative offices and warehouse functions. Clients may receive services from the Clothes Closet and Choice Pantry every 30 days.
There is a common misconception about our client population. First of all, we are not an agency for the homeless. However, we do provide snacks and clothing to homeless people.
For our pantry service, we require that clients have two forms of identification for each adult (for children, one form of identification) current proof of address (rent receipt, recent utility bill) in their names. Also required, for first time service, is proof of income.
Every day, we see individuals and families. Our clients are unemployed, receiving unemployment, single moms, low wage earners, and welfare families too. If you know of anyone who needs our help, please have them call us for eligibility status. Interfaith Ministries does not discriminate against anyone or any group.
Interfaith Ministries is a non-denominational organization governed by a 17 member volunteer Board of Directors. The day-to-day operation is managed by an Executive Director and 4 paid staff members. Over 100 volunteers help to offset the small workforce along with County workers from the Stanislaus Alliance Program who are trained in work tasks by Interfaith Ministries.
Services are supported mainly by private donations and grant funds support our special services. All services provided meet our mission to feed and clothe the needy in our community and other humanitarian service.
Interfaith Ministries of Greater Modesto exists because of community donations. Your gifts great and small are lovingly counted as the sweet gifts they are.
For everything, we trust in God.
Barbara England
Executive Director
