Kristi King-Brock, Executive Director

kristi.king-brock@aimcharity.org

2012 Board of Directors

Leigh Miller, Chair

Bradley Richardson, Vice Chair

Norman Smith, Treasurer

Bill Pitts, Asst. Treasurer

Courtney White, Secretary

Hugh Burgess, Past Chair

Rick Adkins

Buck Buchanan

Shannon Forrest

Tricia McDougald

Jonathan Lazarus

Varada Ogale

Hattie O’Neal

Judith Feltman

Chesley Tench

Laneika Musalini

Audrey Bufkin

Dr. Jamie Ressler

ANDERSON INTERFAITH MINISTRIES

2012 Issue 3

HANDS OF FAITH

AIM’s Mission:

“Connecting people with

support, resources, and

education so they can

empower themselves to

become self-sufficient”

“What we want to do is find what works &

expand on that.”

- SC DSS Dir. Lillian Koller about partnership with

AIM & WACS

Giving Hope. Changing Lives.

Follow us online: facebook.com/aimcharity

twitter.com@aimcharity

Dancing For Our Heroes:

Over $40,000 raised for AIM

(Rep. Brian White dances with Mary Ann McBride)

The Sixth Annual Dancing for Our Heroes event was held on April 13, 2012 at the Anderson Civic Center. The annual event was made possible by the efforts of the Greater Anderson Rotary Club and raised money for local charities. This year’s event benefitted 8 local charities and the Rotary Foundation. AIM was represented by “celebrity” dancer Representative Brian White and his experienced dancing partner Mary Ann McBride.

Our representatives won The Peoples’ Choice award by raising the most money for their charity. More than $40,000 was raised for the general operating expenses of AIM during this event! Our sincere appreciation goes out to Representative Brian White, Mary Ann McBride, the Greater Anderson Rotary Club, and all who supported this event. Thank you for helping AIM continue to Give Hope & Change Lives.

AIM to be Sassy “All In” Fashion Preview

Sassy’s of Clemson transformed the Christian Activities Center at Boulevard Baptist Church into a tiger-themed boutique with a runway fit for the football season fashion show. The event was a fundraiser for AIM’s Supervised Visitation Program, designed to strengthen families receiving help in the foster care system. Read more inside...

T h ro u g h Ed

uca

tio

n

Changing

Ge

ne

ra

tio

ns

SPECIAL GIFTS & SUPPORT

Westminster Garden Club,

Anderson Networking Professionals,

Corner Bagel Shop

NEW PARTNERSHIP

Homes of Hope - 4 Duplexes for WACS

participants

CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS

First Baptist Church,

St. John’s UMC,

First Presbyterian Church,

Oakwood Baptist Church,

YMCA Daycare & South Fant ECE

LIFE SKILLS HOSTS

Starr United Methodist Church,

Anderson Church of Christ,

Oakwood Baptist Church

SPECIAL NEEDS

Toilet Paper, Paper Towels,

Kleenex, Children’s Vitamins,

Diapers & Pull-Ups (4,5,6),

Laundry Detergent,

Cleaning Supplies,

Toddler Bed,

Vacuum Cleaner

THANK YOU!

Over the Summer...

13 kids had a ball learning to swim with FREE swimming lessons. Thank you instructors: Brooke Oxendine, Mary Margaret Guilbault, and Elizabeth Baker

Winshape Camp hosted by Chick-fil-a and Covenant Baptist Church was wonderful. THANKS John Holmes for the scholarships!

Children’s Health Workshop, hosted by ECPI nursing students. We appreciate you!

Many, many thanks to Foothills Sertoma Club for providing a scholarship for a WACS child to go to Camp Sertoma SC.

Anderson Arts Center gave camp scholarships for WACS children. Thank you Arts Center Summer Camp staff!

“Get ready for school” Camp was provided by United Way’s Youth Volunteer Corps at AIM. It was awesome!

Note from WACS

School has started back up and both mom’s and kids are very busy. We had a wonderful summer with so many outstanding opportunities and scholarships made available to WACS for camps and activities. Thank you so much to all who have made it possible!! Now we are gearing up to help our WACS youth have a chance to play football, be a cheerleader or play an instrument in the band. These are joys our kids can only dream about. You can help!! Contact the WACS program at (864) 226-2273 to help.

Many blessings to all of you,

Judy Swanson WACS Coordinator

Congratulations Graduates!! (left to right)

Jessaca Clemmons from TCTC in Criminal Justice, Nicole Kyker from TCTC in nursing as a LPN, and Dottie Dean from TCTC in Accounting and Business.

*Dottie is now working at AIM in our training center.

Thank You Donors...

In Memory Of... Robert L. Gaines YMCA Water Aerobics Class Lloyd Shelton Bill & Bonnie Ledbetter “Pete” Thomason Lee & Mickey Moon Sandy LaTerre James W. Wright

In Honor Of… Shaila and Dilip Amin Amod & Varada Ogale Dodie Clark William Mytko

In Honor Of…

Ann & Larry Josey Amod & Varada Ogale Steve Kay Margaret Asmussen Nisha & Sidarth Patel Amod & Varada Ogale Carla Shuler Amod & Varada Ogale Reeta & Raj Singh Amod & Varada Ogale Jay Mahajan & Asoo Vakharia Amod & Varada Ogale Beth Duncan Sue L. Barnett Ralph & Linda Laughridge

In Honor Of…

Dr. James Walker William & Kathryn Hood Jerry & Susan Lark Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church Connie & Brenda Smith

*AIM is committed to recognizing

the people who give generously

and sacrificially of their time and

money. In an effort to keep the list

of donors up to date and more

accessible, the lists of In-Kind and

Financial Donors have been

moved from the newsletter to the

website: www.aimcharity.org

SC DSS Director Koller Announces Partnership With AIM

A Press Conference was held at Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM) on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. All community members were invited to attend as the Director of the SC Department of Social Services, Lillian Koller, announced the formation of a new public/private partnership between AIM and DSS. Director Koller spoke of three ways this partnership will be expressed. The first is thru the Women and Children Succeeding (WACS) program of AIM. DSS agreed to help fund childcare for participants who do not qualify for ABC vouchers. All participants will be able to have their children enrolled in full-time accredited daycare while they pursue their post-secondary education. The second is by the placement of a DSS employee in AIM’s Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry. The DSS employee will assist clients in applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The DSS office can also refer clients to the Food Pantry for recertification of SNAP benefits. Lastly, the partnership referred to as “Supervised Visitation” will allow AIM to assist DSS with visitations for families being helped by the foster care system. Director Koller shared how the visitations typically take place in the cold atmosphere of the DSS offices. AIM can help by providing a more welcoming environment for a family visitation. Staff and volunteers will also be available to mentor these families. The goal of this program is to aid in the reunification of families or permanent placement of the children. To find out more about this program, please contact Alexandra Haymond at (864)965-9086 or email alexadra.whitley@aimcharity.org.

AIM’s New Education

& Training Center

Officially Opens

An Open House was held at AIM’s newly renovated Education and Training Center on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. Thanks to all supporters who helped make these renovations possible! This Training and Education Center will be open daily for classes such as Financial Literacy, Basic Budgeting, Job Skills, Couponing, and Parenting. The classes will be taught mostly by volunteers from the community. AIM welcomes any suggestions for classes you think will benefit community members. To find out more about Classes, class schedules, or to volunteer to teach a class, contact Lorin Larason at (864)965-9075 or email lorin.larason@aimcharity.org.

On August 9, 2012, AIM partnered with Sassy’s of Clemson, a boutique located on Sloan Street in Clemson. Sassy’s presented a Clemson University themed fashion show with models and attire. The event was created to raise support for AIM’s newest initiative, a partnership with Anderson County DSS to provide a supervised visitation program. The goal of this public/private partnership is to connect the faith based community with families that have children in Foster Care. The program will allow families to meet on a more frequent basis in a family-friendly environment. Guest speakers included Representative Anne Thayer, Anderson County DSS Director Glenn Farrow, and Dana Grant of Henkels & McCoy. Many thanks go out to all who helped make this event possible. Our hope is that we were able to introduce this new initiative to ladies in the community in

a fun way. Ideally, individuals, churches, and small groups will support this ministry opportunity by becoming visitation sites or mentors to families in need. If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please call Alexandra Haymond at (864)965-9086 or email alexandra.whitley@aimcharity.org. The response to this event was so positive that AIM has begun planning for next year. The “AIM to be Clemson Sassy or Carolina Cocky” Fashion Show will be held at that the Anderson Civic Center on August 10, 2013. Carolina-themed fashion will be added to next year’s show.

So, mark your calendars now!

AIM

to be

SASSY

“ALL In”

Fashion

Preview

Congratulations! WACS participant, Ashley Hall, a Computer Technology student at Clemson University, was awarded one of the largest PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) grants ever given to a WACS participant.

YEA!! Congrats Ashley!! We are SO PROUD of you!

THANK YOU SPONSORS! Title Sponsor:

Henkels & McCoy, Diamond Sponsor: Big O Dodge, Other Sponsors: Blue Water Carpet Care, Chick-fil-A, Chez Julie’s Florist, Sassy’s of Clemson, Sissi Bruner with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Scentsy Sales Consultant Laura Capell, and Oasis Day Spa.

. First Year Summer Food for

Kids a Success!

AIM’s newest hunger initiative, Summer Food for Kids, wrapped up a successful summer of service on August 17th. A total of 3,934 weekend meals were distributed to 1,967 children living in seven different Anderson public housing developments. The warm, welcoming smiles of the children and their families, as volunteers arrived each week, were evidence that all were excited to be able to take part in this initiative. On August 3rd, volunteers at each site distributed school supplies to 269 children in addition to the weekend food

bags. On the final Friday we surprised all the children with yummy ice cream cups! We are all excited about how well this program went. We plan to continue and expand it in the future beginning with the two weeks school is out for winter break in December. We extend a special thank you to all who helped make these special Friday’s happen for the children! We couldn’t have done this without your contributions of funds, food, time, and effort.

Thank you!

Letter from a Client...

July 26, 2012 Dear Steve , I wanted to thank you for the assistance your agency has given me and my girls. I know my situation isn’t any more special than others that you’ve helped, but I want to say how much I appreciate what you’ve done for us. It has been a very difficult past four years. I have been trying to get back on my feet after losing my house, going through a divorce, and doing it all with no assistance from my ex. I’m in school for nursing (R.N.) and also work. Although the pay is low, I am able to be at home for my girls. The peace-of-mind that gives me for their safety and security is priceless. I’m determined to not only finish school, but to do well. There’s no way that I could do all that I am doing on my own strength. It has been God who has carried me along. I put complete trust in Him for everything. When I feel overwhelmed, I stand on what He has promised me. I know my Father will bring me through every one of these hurdles; and it won’t be for me to say, “I did it”, but to say “look what God has done.” So, thank you for helping me and my girls to keep going.

God Bless You All, Determined Mom & Student

As fall approaches, AIM is starting to prepare for the winter heating assistance program. We are particularly in need of electric heaters. As you are out shopping at the hardware store or elsewhere, please consider buying a heater or two to donate to AIM so we can help families in need make it through the cold winter months. Last year AIM gave out over 40 heaters to needy families. With your help we can do that again! We do ask that any heaters you donate be electric heaters, as AIM no longer gives out kerosene heaters due to safety concerns. Call (864) 226-2273 for info.

Many school supplies were donated to help needy children this year. Special thanks to NewSpring, Publix, and everyone who contributed!

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunity

Days & Hours Needed Job Description Requirements Contact

Budget Counselors/Teachers

As needed on a bi-weekly basis

Teach budget classes to clients in the new Education & Training Center

Meet with clients 1x - 2x a month for a couple hours. A kind heart & compassionate demeanor. Experience with budgeting, financial planning, etc.

Contact Lorin Larason at 864-226-2273 ext. 103 or email: lorin.larason@aimcharity.org

Talented Individuals to Teach Classes in New Training Center

As needed per schedule

Come up with a great idea for a class that can be held in our new Training Center & TEACH it! Classes such as: gardening, scrapbooking, computer skills, nutrition, etc.

Dependability, a loving spirit and willingness to teach others something you are passionate about.

Contact Lorin Larason at 864-226-2273 ext. 103 or email: lorin.larason@aimcharity.org

Front Pantry Customer Service

Mon-Fri 8:30-11:30am

Help get the buggies ready, help clients get items to their cars, etc. This is a “moving & stay busy” position.

Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Contact Angie Shaw at 965-9077 or email: angie.shaw@aimcharity.org

Manna Truck Volunteers

2nd Saturday of MOST months

Help the sponsoring group unload a truck filled with food items, sort & bag and then distribute the items to the needy. Location varies. Call ahead for additional details & to see if additional volunteers are needed.

Families can do this together. Children under 14 should have an adult present. Ability to lift & sort various grocery & produce items.

Contact Angie Shaw at 965-9077 or email: angie.shaw@aimcharity.org

Want to Get Involved?

For more information, please visit our website: www.aimcharity.org

or email Nancy.Henderson@aimcharity.org

Specialized Help Needed: AIM is pleased to announce we received a grant from Bi-Lo Charities for a much needed renovation to the customer service area of the food pantry. Plans call for the expansion of

the customer service office as well as customer waiting area. If you are skilled in construction we can use your help this fall. We desperately need help with framing and

drywall installation. Please contact Ammon Palmer at 226-2273 ext 123, if you are interested in helping.

Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program

AIM now has a DSS employee housed in the food pantry to

help clients apply for and get recertified for SNAP (formerly

Food Stamps) benefits. Call 226-2273 ext. 105 to schedule an

appointment.

Other Services

Also, don’t forget that AIM offers help in applying for SNAP

benefits, Medicaid, filling out FAFSAs, and filing taxes through

The Benefit Bank.

Call 226-2273 to see if you qualify or to schedule an

appointment to apply.

AIM ORIENTATION & TOUR

Third Tuesday of Each Month:

9:30am at AIM - 1202 S. Murray Ave.

Come spend an hour with AIM

Learn about how AIM serves area families

in need and about opportunities through

which you too can serve others in our

community. Sessions are held monthly on

the third Tuesday, or for groups upon

request.

Space is limited so call 226-8729 or email:

Nancy.Henderson@aimcharity.org to

Prayers!

Volunteers!

Donations!

Office Supplies:

Magazine Rack For Lobby

Copy Paper,

Black Permanent Markers

Non-Food Items:

Shampoo & Toothpaste

Bath Soap & Anti-Perspirant

Cleaning Supplies

Laundry & Dish Detergent

Toilet Tissue & Paper Towels

Feminine Hygiene Items

Plastic Grocery Bags

Boxed Food Items: Rice,

Noodles, Spaghetti, etc.

Canned Meats: Salmon, Beef

Stew, Soups, etc.

Staples: Sugar, Flour

Join AIM in “Trick or Treating”

For Hunger!

Facing hunger is a SCARY thing, so

for the 13th year. AIM plans to hold

their annual “Trick or Treat So Others

May Eat” food collection event.

We are recruiting teams now to

canvas local neighborhoods. Teams

will be responsible for dropping off

food collection bags and then

collecting them on a specified date.

This is always a FUN and

SUCCESSFUL event that comes at a

pivotal time for our food pantry each

year. We fill nearly empty shelves and

literally create a mountain of food

bags in our warehouse that will be

used to feed clients during the winter

months. Youth groups, scout troops,

sororities, fraternities, schools,

churches, Sunday school classes,

businesses, civic clubs, home groups…we invite you all to be a part of a team. There are MANY neighborhoods

and subdivisions in Anderson County that teams can cover, as well as additional ways that volunteers can help with

the event. Perhaps you would like to collect through your church, business, civic club or school or maybe even

plan a fun food-raising event of your own in conjunction with the neighborhood collections. Whatever your

thoughts or ideas, we’re ready to hear them and to sign you up to FIGHT HUNGER & FEED HOPE!

With YOUR help, we can make 2012 our most successful year yet! If you would like to be a part of “Trick or Treat

So Others May Eat” and make a difference in the lives of hungry families in Anderson County, please contact us

NOW to learn how to get started. Contact Angela Shaw at 864-965-9077 or email angie.shaw@aimcharity.org.

1,790 households received assistance through the AIM Food

Pantry

3,917 individual members in these households

$174,483 = total value of items distributed to these households ($97.48 = average value of each individual food package)

38 Community Connections participants had food delivered

each month by volunteers $29,849 = value of food items shared with other area agencies $19,156 = value of 2,826 weekend meals distributed to 1,413

children during the Summer Food for Kids program

Statistics

July & August 2012

NON PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE PAID ANDERSON, SC 29622

PERMIT NO. 595

Report mailing changes or submit content:

(864) 226-2273 or Kelly.evans@aimcharity.org

1202 S. Murray Avenue / PO Box 1136

Anderson, South Carolina 29622

TEL: (864) 226-2273 FAX: (864) 225-0349

WEB: www.aimcharity.org

Giving Hope.

Changing Lives.

Mark you calendar...

The Hats Off To Women Luncheon

Thursday, October 4th Anderson Civic Center

A “hat friendly” event...this themed

table luncheon is a hit

every year!

Visit AIM on the web to learn more about our current news and activities…

www.aimcharity.org

Follow us online: facebook.com/aimcharity

twitter.com@aimcharity

In order to be better stewards of the organization’s funds, AIM will start sending the newsletter via email.

If you are willing to receive your newsletter via email please let Kelly Evans know at: kelly.evans@aimcharity.com.