The mission of Service and Ministry of InterServ..... 

Provide for the basic needs of people; food, shelter, housing, inclusion, access to health care.

Develop comprehensive services to seniors and those who provide for their care.

Help children & youth be successful in school and in life.

Address unmet community needs through collaboration and innovation

In 2018, InterServ remained committed to the organizational goals above. Through the support of generous donors and committed, dedicated volunteers and staff, we have been able to provide vital services to thousands of people in the community and the greater St. Joseph area.  

A major accomplishment from significant contributions of faithfully serving people helped us to build a new InterServ Community Center – which is a gift for our community for generations to come. We were able to move in to our new facility in July 2018 and the former Wesley Center, built by the United Methodist Women in 1926 and served the community well for over 90 years, received a fitting retirement and was razed last October.

In early 2018, after 20 years of service, I announced my retirement to the board of directors, so they could begin that important work of planning for the transition of leadership of the organization. We know that change is good, a part of our lives, and yet it is important to know the aspects about InterServ that won’t change, which is a commitment to the values in the social teaching of the Gospel - those beliefs and values which persevere over time and remain relevant in all seasons.  They will continue to give meaning, energy and guidance to this mission of service and to the work of staff and volunteers in their role as; the compassionate and willing servant, the advocate for the voiceless and convener of the faithful.  And I remain mindful and grateful to you, for the support, prayers and commitment to this mission throughout my time in leadership of this organization.

Through your support InterServ remains a strong human services organization to address the social challenges of our day which impact families and communities and allows us to help families and communities … so that all may live their lives more fully and more capably.

Peace.

+ Let us continue to pray for one another

Sincerely, 

David G. Howery, LCSW

Executive Director

MEALS ON WHEELS BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERYONE

This voicemail from a Meals on Wheels client was recently received by InterServ during one of our
numerous snow storms this winter.

“I get my meals three times a week and I am just calling, basically, this is supposed to be a very dangerous week regarding this weather. I am concerned about the people getting out in this terrible, terrible weather. I am concerned for their well-being. And I do have some food here. I don’t want them coming out for my sake and endangering their lives.
I guess basically why I am calling is I want you to know that I will be OK if they can’t make it. But, I know that there are some people that just have to have it. Maybe they have nothing at all, not even a cracker and they are going to need their food. But, I am just worried about these guys. I asked my little guy today “Where are your gloves?” Those little hands get cold.
You know they are just really wonderful volunteers. And, I want you to know that I just appreciate this and their efforts.”
Compassion for our fellow human beings exsists on both sides of the delivery bag. Our clients are also compassionate and caring for those who serve them as well.