Unity in Bloom
This year has been an extraordinary year for Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM), filled with joyous celebrations and natural disasters. Both have strengthened the bond between IAM and the community they serve, bringing everyone closer together.
Founded by the local faith community four decades ago, IAM began as a crisis services resource hub for those in crisis. In their first year, they served around 1,000 neighbors. This year, they will reach 20,000 individuals, or 1 in 11 households, in Henderson County and have grown to become the third-largest food pantry in Western North Carolina.
After joining the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) in February 2023, IAM expanded its reach to Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania counties, increasing services from 100 to more than 650 HOP households. One key pilot service they offer is delivering healthy meals to members, many of whom are overweight or diabetic. This support has helped members lose weight, improve their health, and gain self-confidence. It’s not uncommon for HOP members to eagerly meet delivery drivers to express their gratitude.
Beyond providing access to healthy food, IAM also participates in HOP services by assisting with rent and utility bills. Participating as an HSO in the HOP has been so successful that IAM is in the process of expanding its team.
“We hear so many positive stories from the HOP clients we serve,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Willson Moss. “Our clients thank us for providing healthy food they cannot afford, for the simple healthy recipes we are providing, and frequently comment on how friendly our delivery drivers are.”
“It’s so affirming to hear reports from HOP clients whose physicians have put them on special diets to improve medical diagnoses share with us that they have seen an improvement in their health as a result of receiving our healthy fruit and vegetable boxes,” Moss added.
This past spring, IAM celebrated its 40th anniversary by unveiling a landmark mural created by Charlotte-based artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner. Moss had dreamed about this mural since her arrival at IAM in 2017. “We wanted to make our building look more friendly,” she said.
“Unity in Bloom” was commissioned with the support of STEAP, Inc., The Arts Council of Henderson County, and the Community Foundation of Henderson County. The mural highlights the area’s Latino neighbors and celebrates the entire community’s spirit of unity, resilience, and compassionate service.
Just a few months later, that same spirit was put into action as IAM responded to the unprecedented impacts of Hurricane Helene. The region’s largest food bank, MANNA, experienced devastating damage to its facilities, leaving IAM scrambling to meet its community’s increased needs.
IAM quickly set up a drive-through food distribution site, thanks to a flood of donations and volunteer support. Community response was so overwhelming that IAM had to rent a storage unit for all the donated supplies, which they will continue distributing throughout the winter. IAM is looking forward to providing Christmas meals for the community in addition to their regular groceries and plans to host a winter coat drive.
Moss modestly refers to their disaster response as “an organized mess,” but she recognizes the importance and impact of their work. Like many organizations, they tirelessly helped the community while dealing with their own losses from Helene. Many team members lacked power and water, and some lost their homes. Yet, they still showed up to help others. Moss noted this has been “truly a community working together.”
