220 results for author: lelzinga

DMARC Launches Data Visualization Dashboard for the Public

DMARC has launched a publicly-accessible data visualization dashboard for its Food Pantry Network. The data visualization dashboard is now live and can be accessed at data.dmarcunited.org. DMARC has been utilizing an internal data visualization dashboard since 2017, but the dashboard has been housed on a limited number of DMARC computers due to privacy concerns. The new public-facing dashboard aims to provide similar data in a way that protects the privacy of people who use the Food Pantry Network. “DMARC’s data visualization dashboard paints a stark picture that is hard to deny – that hunger and food insecurity know no bounds in our ...

DMARC Holds Second Storytellers Roundtable on Hunger and Food Insecurity

DMARC held its second Storytellers Roundtable on Hunger and Food Insecurity on Saturday, February 26, at Central Library in downtown Des Moines. 10 participants joined DMARC to share about their own experiences with hunger and food insecurity. Some common themes and beliefs that were shared by the group included: Many people have medical reasons that keep them from working, either mental or physical, both acquired and innate. Some participants expressed that they wish they could work, but can't. A general sense of despair, feeling looked down on, exploited, stigmatized, and cast aside by society. Politicians on both sides are completely ...

Attacks on Public Assistance Programs are Offensive and Wrong

By Matt Unger, Chief Executive Officer, DMARC For 70 years, the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) has been bringing people together from across the religious spectrum to meet basic human needs for Greater Des Moines. One thing that people of all faith backgrounds can agree on is the need to feed our neighbors who are facing hunger and food insecurity. The DMARC Food Pantry Network assists tens of thousands of people in our community with healthy food, and we know our work is most effective when paired with strong state and federal programs. Additional resources from the government, such as monthly payments via the enhanced child tax ...

DMARC Statement on Hostage Situation at Congregation Beth Israel

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) stands with the Jewish community of Colleyville, Texas, and with the wider Jewish community of Greater Des Moines, the state of Iowa, and the world. While we are relieved that all four hostages were physically unharmed, Saturday’s hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel is just the latest example of the rising levels of antisemitism our nation is experiencing. No one should feel unsafe in practicing their faith or attending a house of worship. DMARC condemns all acts of religious hatred and violence. From slurs and stereotypes, to vandalism and religious persecution, to murder and genocide, ...

DMARC Statement on Bomb Threat at Burns United Methodist Church

This weekend, DMARC was saddened to learn about the bomb threat directed at Burns United Methodist Church, a Historically Black Church that has been a part of our community for over 150 years. This threat is not one that should be taken lightly. Throughout our nation’s history, Black churches have been the targets of racist intimidation and violence through bombings, arsons, and shootings. And as we have seen, these threats continue to this very day. It is imperative that we call out racism and religious bigotry whenever and wherever we witness them, and refuse these hateful ideas to take hold in our society. Burns United Methodist Church is a ...

Opportunities

by Tara Leigh Kramer. A shorter version of this article first appeared in the Nov/Dec/Jan 2021-2022 issue of The Voice. One definition of the word "opportunity" is "a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something." I fell ill, and my symptoms became profound. I lost the ability to eat and digest food properly. The malnourishment and weight loss changed my appearance drastically. My brain wasn't functioning the way it had before. I was confused by everything and lost the ability to communicate. I lost the ability to advocate for myself, and nobody I knew was willing to advocate for my care. I'd been living with the same ...

Marisol’s Story

by Leslie Garman, Director of Development & Outreach "If you were here right now, I'd give you a hug!" No, I'm not the one saying that; Marisol, a DMARC food pantry visitor is. And she's saying it because she's grateful—to you. Thanks to you and your support, the DMARC Food Pantry Network continues to serve as a safety net for our community's most vulnerable, including women like Marisol, who are doing their best to make ends meet and provide for both themselves and their family. And Marisol's story is all too common. She is just one of the 58,700 unique individuals that DMARC assisted in 2020 through the DMARC Food Pantry Network. As a ...

Support DMARC this Season of Giving

Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? You can support DMARC during the month of December with our Season of Giving Calendar (31 days) or Advent Calendar (24 days). From donating funds and food to learning more about DMARC and the issue of food insecurity to advocating with your community and elected officials, there are a lot of ways to stay engaged with DMARC this holiday season! Both calendars are available below for download. Instructions for each day are on the second page. Don't forget to reach out and share your experience with us once you've completed the calendar! Questions? Contact Sarah Trone Garriott at stronegarriott@...

Staff Spotlight: Michael Sirois

Get to know DMARC Warehouse Associate Michael Sirois! What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then? Well to be honest, I got a text from Andrew (another member of the DMARC team) asking me if I was looking for a job. And, well, long story short, I said yes. That is how I got drawn to DMARC. What do you like most about working at DMARC? What I really like most about working at DMARC is the fact that we are not afraid to change for the better. We are always looking for better ways to meet the needs of the people we serve. What is your proudest moment at DMARC? This might seem like a cop out answer, but it is true. ...

DMARC Honors the Life of Forrest Harms

Rev. Forrest Harms, former Executive Director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council, passed away on November 5 at the age of 79. Harms served as Executive Director of DMARC for 17 years, from January 1990 to July 2007. Rev. Harms was dedicated to the interfaith mission of DMARC, and worked to create opportunities for interfaith learning through the January Thaw adult education series and interfaith panels, forums, and worship services. In 1992, he created the DMARC Interfaith Service Awards Luncheon to honor congregations and organizations who demonstrated a shared commitment to DMARC’s mission. With his encouragement, DMARC and Des Moines ...