HSM Agency Highlight March 2009
Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) Food Shelf
Minnetonka, MN
Cathy Maes, Executive Director
History:
In 1970, two local couples became aware of the mounting need for emergency services in their Minneapolis suburb. They began distributing food and clothing from a house in downtown Hopkins. Five local churches were alerted to their work and met to discuss how their congregations might assist in the effort. Each church agreed to donate a portion of their budget and a special grant was given from Faith Presbyterian Church. Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) was incorporated on December 15, 1971. Over the years, additional congregations have joined as partners, and they now have 33 partner congregations. ICA is also supported by many business partners, civic organizations, schools and fraternal organizations, and local community members.
ICA Services:
The people they serve are neighbors who find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Most clients work but do not make enough money to cover the basic needs of their families. Some are able to achieve financial stability rather quickly, while others require ongoing assistance and support.
- Food Distribution Program – food orders are filled within one week’s time.
- Walk-ins – Clients who come to ICA without an appointment will be given an ICA emergency bag of food and a future appointment will be set up.
- Emergency Financial Assistance Program – Assistance for financial aid such as rent, mortgage, and utilities.
- Transportation Program – Transportation for clients 55 years of age or older to medical appointments provided by ICA volunteers.
Mission:
To offer hope as we provide assistance to our neighbors in need.
Vision:
To uphold the dignity of our neighbors in need as they strive for self-sufficiency. To share the ongoing work of assisting our neighbors in partnership with the congregations, organizations, businesses and individuals in our communities.
Belief:
ICA’s presence in our communities makes our neighborhoods more stable and secure.
Their Clients, Their Neighbors.
Dear ICA:
This morning I visited your foodshelf for the first time as a person in need. We have always donated and never dreamed we would be in this position. I was treated so kindly and sent home with enough groceries for two or three weeks. I cried the whole way home. Today for the first time in weeks I ate lunch and I felt like a queen! Fresh fruits, cheeses, yogurt – and no guilt! It was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. – Signed, One Grateful Mom
Dear ICA:
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the help with food over these very hard times. I am a disabled veteran and also have had a very tough time finding and keeping work this winter. If it had not been for the help over the past few months I am not sure how we would have made it through. Thank you so much for all that everyone has done for me and my family.
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Cathy Maes, ICA Executive Director, recently testified on behalf of hungry people and hunger-fighting organizations at the Minnesota State Legislature. Cathy’s message regarding working on the front lines was moving and poignant. Colleen Moriarty, HSM Executive Director, said, “Cathy is a powerful advocate at the table in hearings at the State Capitol and inspires her staff to fight on behalf of hungry people in our state.”
Hunger Solutions Minnesota officially recognizes Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) Food Shelf for their outstanding service to their community. Congratulations!