Congregations
MIFA has its roots in the faith community. It began in September of 1968 with a gathering of clergy and lay leaders after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Members of the Memphis faith community were committed to joining forces to help heal the divisiveness in the city. So they came together - Jewish, Christian, black, and white - to look past their differences and work toward a common goal: a better life for the people of Memphis and Shelby County. MIFA does not deliver any religious message; rather, it provides opportunities for people of any faith to put their faith into action through service.
MIFA as a trustworthy resource
We hope you will view MIFA as a branch of your congregation's outreach. MIFA offers a wealth of programs, education, and meaningful opportunities for Mid-Southerners to live out their faiths.
The MIFA staff can speak to your Wednesday night dinner group about homelessness, arrange a hands-on work project for your youth, or equip you with driving directions and a cooler full of hot meals to deliver to our senior neighbors. When someone in your congregation or at your doorstep needs help due to a house fire, high medical bills, or a job layoff, MIFA will address the situation with dignity and compassion.
MIFA and the faith community as partners
As a faith-based organization, MIFA needs the participation of congregations to preserve the foundation of its mission. Recipients of our programs know that the assistance they receive is provided by people who are eager to serve.
MIFA is strong because it is woven from rich and diverse threads of religious tradition centered on the belief that solving human problems takes cooperation. MIFA clients, volunteers, and staff are not required to leave their faith in the parking lot - rather, they are urged to bring it inside where we can learn from each other and work together to improve this community. After all, Inter-Faith is our middle name!
Congregational resource guide
The MIFA Congregational resource guide provides information for families in need and for the faith communities that help them. Download the resource guide here.
Ways to help
Over 200 area congregations support MIFA with financial gifts. Many choose to give monthly. Financial gifts in any amount help MIFA serve seniors, children and families, and teens in our community.
MIFA knows that recent economic conditions have made it more difficult for congregations to give, but there are several ways to contribute without breaking your budget, such as hosting an event and sharing the proceeds with MIFA.
MIFA representatives
MIFA Representatives are a vital link between MIFA and the faith community. The MIFA representative is that person in a congregation to whom the clergy and members look for continuing information about MIFA programs, workshops, and opportunities for involvement.
Interested in being a MIFA Representative or appointing one? Brief training sessions are provided year-round. To make arrangements, contact Linda Marks at (901) 527-0208, ext. 218, or
lmarks@mifa.org.