Agency Details:

The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization that exists to provide a common means of responding to basic human needs in ways single congregations can not do; also providing a context for interfaith dialogue, support, education, and fellowship and serving as a liaison between DMARC member congregations and the greater Des Moines Community.

Description:
We seek to carry out this mission by:
A program that subsidizes the cost of child care for qualified working families.
A program of financial assistance for non-food related emergencies.
A program that makes free food available for needy persons through eight pantry sites.
A collaborative effort of core leaders in education, business, human services, religion and youth charities that nurtures the growth and development, academic achievement, and the
hope of urban youth.

History:
The Des Moines Area Religious Council had its beginnings in the early 1950’s when the Des Moines Area Council of Churches was formally organized on May 12, 1952. John Clinton became the first part-time executive in March of 1953. During the early years, the Council’s focus centered on taking a religious census, cooperative stewardship campaigns, annual Holy Week services in a downtown theater, human rights, mass choral concerts, art shows and worship experiences.

Under the leadership of John Donovan, the council played a key role in beginning the Homes of Oakridge in 1971. In the late 70’s another agency that continues to play a significant role in our community, Hospice of Central Iowa, also had its beginning through the auspices of the Council.

A highly significant change took place in 1972, when the Des Moines Area Council of Churches became the Des Moines Area Religious Council. This signaled an intent to invite non-Christian congregations to become part of the work. Under the leadership of Harold Varce, the intent became a reality in 1979, when the first Jewish synagogue joined the Council.

Forrest Harms became the fourth executive director of the Council in January of 1990. Under his leadership, the Council continues its mission by using the resources of the broad faith-based community to meet needs and by encouraging greater understanding among the various faith traditions present in Greater Des Moines.

Contact person: Sarai Schnucker Rice, (phone)

Address:

3816 36th Street #202 Des Moines, IA 50310 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.dmreligious.org

Last updated on October 19, 2009