I first became involved at Irving Cares as a volunteer in the food pantry. It felt so great to help people in my home town. As I became more familiar with the agency, I learned that Irving Cares is more than a food pantry. They offer help with rent, utilities, employment and other services. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and caring. They provide services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect know that it's hard to ask for help.
Irving Cares meets basic human needs with compassion, customer service and experience. Its long-tenured staff is rare compared to "revolving doors" @ most agencies. I applaud board and staff for making specific pantry/funding asks, diversifying revenue sources & board composition. Service delivery with a temporary crisis focus gets clients on track. I routinely refer clients, prospective employees or volunteers, corporate citizens and community leaders knowing they will enjoy the association. As a governance consultant, it's marvelous when 501c3s take process improvement and marketing goals seriously. I'm blessed to see this former client improve in key arenas since 2011 goal-setting.