Agency - Des Moines Area Religious Council

The Des Moines Area Religious Council is an interfaith organization that exists to provide a common means of responding to basic human needs in ways single congregations can not do; also providing a context for interfaith dialogue, support, education, and fellowship and serving as a liaison between DMARC member congregations and the greater Des Moines Community.

Description:
Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) has a variety of services that we offer in the Des Moines metro area. Our Emergency Food Pantry offers a five-day supply of food to individuals or families once per month through our 11 neighborhood food pantry sites. DMARC’s Compassion in Action program partners with the Salvation Army to provide temporary relief in the form of emergency rent and utility assistance. The cost of childcare can be an oppressive burden for families near poverty level. Our Childcare Assistance program subsidizes that cost and gives families an opportunity to succeed. DMARC strives to bring together the different faith traditions in Des Moines. Find out how you can share your faith and learn about the faiths of others in our community.

History:
The Des Moines Area Religious Council had its beginnings in the early 1950’s when the Des Moines Area Council of Churches was formally organized on May 12, 1952. John Clinton became the first part-time executive in March of 1953. During the early years, the Council’s focus centered on taking a religious census, cooperative stewardship campaigns, annual Holy Week services in a downtown theater, human rights, mass choral concerts, art shows and worship experiences.

Under the leadership of John Donovan, the council played a key role in beginning the Homes of Oakridge in 1971. In the late 70’s another agency that continues to play a significant role in our community, Hospice of Central Iowa, also had its beginning through the auspices of the Council.

A highly significant change took place in 1972, when the Des Moines Area Council of Churches became the Des Moines Area Religious Council. This signaled an intent to invite non-Christian congregations to become part of the work. Under the leadership of Harold Varce, the intent became a reality in 1979, when the first Jewish synagogue joined the Council.

Forrest Harms became the fourth executive director of the Council in January of 1990. Under his leadership, the Council continues its mission by using the resources of the broad faith-based community to meet needs and by encouraging greater understanding among the various faith traditions present in Greater Des Moines.

Contact person: Sarai Schnucker Rice, (phone)

Address:

3816 36th Street #202 Des Moines, IA 50310 (See a map)