Celebrating Our Differences
At DMARC, we have a mission of working together to meet basic human needs for the greater Des Moines community - and that includes everyone. As we celebrate Pride this month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and recognize the unique hardships faced by the queer community in meeting basic human needs.
According to the Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021:
30% of all LGBTQ+ youth experienced food insecurity in the past month, including half of all Native/Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth.
Only 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth found their home to be LGBTQ-a...
DMARC Honors the Life of Harold Varce
Rev. Harold A. Varce, former Executive Director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council, passed away on June 8 at the age of 96.
Varce served as DMARC’s Executive Director from June 1973 to December 1989. Under his leadership, DMARC established its Food Pantry Network (originally known as the Emergency Food Pantry), the Compassion in Action program, Hospice of Central Iowa, the January Thaw interfaith educational series, Life After Death of Spouse (LADOS), and numerous other programs and initiatives. DMARC also transitioned from an ecumenical organization to an ...
Making DMARC a More Equitable Organization
by Matt Unger, Chief Executive Officer
At DMARC, one of the foundational pillars of our Food Pantry Network is equitable access to food. We believe that if you need food, you should be able to get the same kind of food, the same quality, and the same amount, no matter where you live in the metropolitan area. By fundraising throughout the metro and by being able to move food around the area, DMARC is able to ensure that people living in lower-income areas have the same access to good food as do people living in wealthier areas.
But the murder of George Floyd last ...
DMARC Statement on the Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death
Today marks one year since George Floyd was murdered. In the days and months that followed his tragic death, our nation, state, and local community have seen some of the largest protests and calls for racial justice in decades, demanding action and systemic change. Individuals and organizations across the country are finally reckoning with the racism that has afflicted our country since its founding - racism that has held a pervasive grip on our society even to this day.
At DMARC, we have been taking a hard look at our internal and external practices and asking oursel...
Meals From The Market Starts Up Again this Saturday
Those interested in volunteering with Meals From The Market can sign up online at dmarcunited.org/volunteer.
Join DMARC for Our Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm
via Zoom
You're invited! Join DMARC for a virtual annual meeting on Thursday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm.
Learn more about our work over the past year and how we adapted and stayed flexible in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hear from DMARC staff, pantry partners, faith communities, and volunteers.
Receive an update on our advocacy and interfaith efforts.
Help us recognize our outstanding volunteer of the year and outgoing board leadership.
Find out more about how you can stay involved in our work.
DMARC has moved away from ...
Staff Spotlight: Patrick Minor
What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then?
Originally, DMARC moved into the building next to my apartment. I had never heard of the organization before. I was working as a regional minister for young adults in my church, until the position lost its funding. Then, a neighbor at the time, John Robinson, the former Red Barrel coordinator, posted a job listing for a warehouse associate at DMARC. I started researching the organization and was amazed to discover the amazing work that was happening just across the street from me. As a minister and ...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jerry Wylie
Why should others consider volunteering with DMARC?
It's an easy way to help others in need while getting some exercise and spending time with family or friends.
Interested in learning more about how you can volunteer your time and talents with DMARC? Visit our Volunteer page or contact Volunteer and Outreach Manager Nisha Kishor at nkishor@dmarcunited.org.
DMARC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa Relaunch Refuel Station
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (BGCCI) are relaunching the “Refuel Station” this week, a mobile food pantry specifically designed to cater to children. The Refuel Station was originally launched in April 2019, but operations were suspended in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are grateful for our partnership with DMARC, which allows us to continue meeting the critical needs of our Club members and their families,” said BGCCI Chief Executive Officer Tony Timm. “We look forward to seeing the ...
Staff Spotlight: Daniel Beck
Daniel Beck is the Data, Analytics, and Program Coordinator at DMARC. Daniel joined DMARC during the spring/summer of 2010, initially as a volunteer assisting with some construction in the former warehouse, and was hired as staff later in the summer that same year. Daniel’s role within DMARC has been ever-evolving as the organization itself evolves and expands its reach and impact on the community.
Daniel has an educational background in nutrition and exercise science, and worked in this field as a nutrition advisor and personal trainer while attending Northwest ...
