MISSION
Interfaith Social Services is a nonreligious multiservice center for families and individuals in need. Since 1947 Interfaith has endeavored to strengthen family life and offer assistance to residents of Massachusetts’ South Shore region by feeding, clothing and comforting our impoverished neighbors.
PROGRAMS
The Pantry Shelf, distributes over 400,000 lbs. of food to impoverished local residents every year. HomeSafe, provides assistance and homelessness prevention services to families and individuals in emergency situations. Harvest Helpers organizes backyard gardeners and community groups who donate fresh local produce to food pantries. New Directions Counseling Center serves adults, children, couples and families who are dealing with a myriad of life issues. A special program within the center reaches out to clients who cannot afford the help that they so desperately need. Quincy Medical Center Interfaith Chaplaincy delivers counseling to hospital patients and grieving families. The Bureau Drawer thrift shop provides the community with an affordable option for clothing and household items. The shop is run entirely by volunteers. Career Closet outfits low income job seekers with free professional attire. For more information about ISS or to donate online please visit: www.interfaithsocialservices.org
HISTORY
In 1947 religious leaders from the city of Quincy MA. were struglling with the question of how to help the poverty stricken familes in the area. They decided to unify thier efforts by founding Protestant Community Services. The newly formed organization provided professional counseling, foster care and some financial assistance to children in crisis. By 1957 the organization had expanded its service area to include ten South Shore communities and changed its name to Protestant Social Service Bureau. In 1998 the Agency became Interfaith Social Services to reflect the fact that its support, volunteers and staff represented a variety of faith communities. From its inception the organization has assisted persons of all backgrounds and beliefs. Over the past six decades Interfaith Social Services has evolved into the South Shore’s center for families in need.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Each year the Pantry Shelf food program distributes over 350,000 lbs. of food to hungry families and individuals. The New Directions Counseling Center helps suffering clients who needs emotional or mental health assistance. Homesafe is a homelessness prevention and emergency assistance program which assisted hundreds of South Shore families last year. The Career Closet distributes free professional attire for low income job seekers to wear to job interviews. The Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop offers low cost clothing and household goods to thousands of low income families every year.
VOLUNTEERS
Hundreds of volunteers serve at ISS each year. Many are involved in direct client service in the Pantry Shelf, Career Closet, and Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop. Others are active as office volunteers and organizers for our fundraising events, as well as members of our Board of Directors and its committees.
SUPPORT
Support for the Agency comes from a variety of sources including gifts from individuals, faith communities, businesses, organizations and foundations.
STRUCTURE/TAX EXEMPT STATUS
Interfaith Social Services is incorporated as a non-profit agency in Massachusetts and is tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code
COMMUNITIES SERVED
Quincy, Milton, Holbrook, Randolph, Braintree, Weymouth, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset and Scituate.
Annual Reports:
Interfaith Social Services 2011 Annual Report