Community Strong: Interfaith Makes a Difference in the Community
In May I joined the staff at Interfaith as a marketing associate and have been learning so much about what Interfaith does for the community. I have seen firsthand the many ways Interfaith helps and interacts with our community. When I share that I work at Interfaith people always express positive feelings towards Interfaith. Multiple people have told me that they love what Interfaith does for the community and are regular shoppers! The first event I have been a part of is Legacy Night. There I saw the community come together to celebrate the legacy of Interfaith.
It was encouraging to see and hear stories of how much Interfaith means to others. More than this, it was uplifting to witness the fellowship our community has with each other. Many also donated money toward the store. It was a fun-filled night with much preparation. Oftentimes the hard work of others goes unnoticed or we forget how much goes into events like Legacy Night. More than the promotional aspects, there was so much time that went into the event. Without the hard work of the staff, events like this wouldn’t be possible. More than this, the support of the community means so much to Interfaith.
I have also witnessed all that goes into our Back to School Shoe Program. We had over 600 children signed up to receive new shoes, a backpack, and school supplies! There were many appointments and much preparation that occurred to be ready for the appointments. Our community’s generosity helped make this possible. Bridgewater Church helped pack backpacks on their Be the Church Sunday. They generously gave a few hours of their time to help Interfaith. Interfaith has so many amazing programs that make a difference in our community. Here is a brief overview of the many programs that greatly impact others.
These programs have given me a glimpse into the work Interfaith does. Their impact doesn’t stop there. Interfaith has many impactful programs that I am excited to learn and promote.
What Interfaith does
Our Mission: Provide transformational help & hope to Susquehanna County.
What We Do
We provide hope and help to those in our community who need it most. Interfaith has several programs that run throughout the year. Each program provides for the needs of our community. Programs include Adulting 101, Emergency Assistance, our Back to School Shoe Program, Christmas Bureau, Dream Camp, Pathways, and Parent Pathways.
Adulting 101 is a course that covers topics such as interpersonal skills, self-care, budgeting, housekeeping, food preparation, safety skills, health and wellness, work & school readiness, and
transportation. High school students will learn hands-on skills that are useful for everyday life.
Emergency Assistance is a program that offers help with rental assistance, fuel, electricity bills, and gas for getting to cancer appointments or treatments. Interfaith offers help for individuals and families whose utilities could be shut off. Utility assistance may include help with natural gas, electricity, water, propane, and fuel oil bills, and is offered as funding is available.
Our Back to School Shoe Program is a program for income-qualified families to receive new shoes, a backpack, and school supplies. Students can pick out a new pair of shoes from The New Shoe Store in Montrose. Our shoe program is more than just giving shoes, it is giving children confidence and setting them up for a successful school year.
The Christmas Bureau helps families experiencing hardship have a cheerful holiday season. Families can receive clothing, gifts and meals for their families at no cost.
Dream Camp is a summer day camp where middle school students explore a variety of careers and community services through hands-on learning! Campers will discover their interests, develop new skills, and connect with professionals in a fun and engaging environment.
Pathways is a one-on-one mentorship opportunity to find an individualized path to personal success. Participants learn budgeting, explore possible careers, and learn real-world transferable skills.
Parent Pathways is designed for single parents, combining all Pathways’ tools with extra support for navigating life as a family.
Grief Groups are designed for men and women to gain community and support during times of loss.
Our programs meet the needs of the community in a way that offers hope and gives others dignity. Here is what a few participants of each of our programs have to say about the impact Interfaith has made.
Emergency Assistance: "If not for your assistance I would have run out of fuel and my pipes may have frozen, causing further financial hardship."- anonymous participant
Shoe Program: “If it wasn’t for you guys my kids wouldn’t have gone to school with anything new this year thank you so much for all you do for our kids in our community.” - anonymous participant
Christmas Bureau: “It helped so much, without this program our 4 boys would not have had a Christmas this year. We wouldn't have had a Christmas dinner or presents. My family and I are so grateful for this program. We hope to give back one day when we can afford to.” - anonymous participant
Pathways: “I got a new perspective on things and what to change for the better with where I want to be.”
We couldn't do our programs without the support of our generous donors. Because of you we can provide even more individuals and families with hope.
Ways to get involved:
Donate
Give
Sponsor a student
Purchase toy tags
We not only run programs throughout the year, but we have volunteers who generously give their time and effort to Interfaith. Our volunteers give their time week after week to sort donations, tag donations, and place them in the store. Hundreds of hours go into store operations. Here’s what one volunteer said: Interfaith means to them: “A beacon of hope in our community.”
Now I understand why people smile and have great things to say when I say I work at Interfaith.
Help us share hope by volunteering, giving, or donating gently used items.