Keri Caruthers, executive director of Interfaith Ministries
Club President John Derry introduced Keri Caruthers, executive director of Interfaith Ministries (IFM). Keri is very active in several community organizations and joined Interfaith Ministries this past year.
Keri introduced the members to the Interfaith Ministries organization and its history in Denton. In 1991 local churches and civic agencies were being inundated with requests for food and clothing, as well as financial assistance for rent, utilities, medications, and other individual needs. Rather than providing fragmented services, several area churches decided to pool their resources under one roof.
IFM was officially chartered by the State of Texas in October of 1992 as the Social Action Committee, and the name was changed in 1993 to Interfaith Ministries of Denton, Inc.
Today, as the primary resource for short-term emergency assistance in Northern Denton County, IFM serves over 486 households and 3,000 people a year. IFM’s goal is to help individuals maintain financial stability and prevent homelessness. They are supported by several area faith-based organizations, individual donors, contracts, grant funding, and special events.
The primary goal is aiding in assistance with electric bills, but there is the opportunity to offer clients other small but significant resources. Examples of needs are Diaper Depot (infants and adults), hygiene products (soaps, razors, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene), cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, detergent wipes), and clothing (socks, shirts, basics).
IFM’s largest budget is the Utilities Program with Denton Municipal Utilities. The annual budget for 2023-24 is $225,000 to assist clients with utilities during hardships. This contract was just renewed for five years.
Interfaith Ministries had several special events and major activities this year. The Robson Ranch Kiwanis Club donated to the Appletree Project, which provided over 5,000 backpacks to local students in the Denton Independent School District.
Please see their website, www.ifmdenton.org, for more information about this very important organization in our community.