Newsletters & Blog

Spring 2018

Happy Spring Everyone!!!!  

I am proud to say that our $100,000 fundraiser in 2017 has been fully matched.  

We have been humbled by your generosity and by the family who matched these donations.  Thank you!!!

Since we began ICM 20 years ago, we have been working on a shoestring budget.  No one can stretch a dollar as far as we can.  Hilton and I worried, from month to month, if we would be able to keep the doors open.  There was no back up in case of an emergency.  If donations stopped completely, our doors would close in a few short months.  If Hilton and I could no longer continue, there would be no one to take over our jobs.  Quite often, our jobs require us to work 60 hours a week with very little time off.  We get calls at all hours.  I am not complaining.  This just means that ICM is growing.  In fact, I believe we have been very blessed.  Hilton and I have met some wonderful people in our community who are now close neighbors and friends.  Many incredible volunteers have visited us and have affected the lives of these families. We have been blessed that our food pantry has stayed full and that we have been able to repair many homes so families can be safe. Our programs have helped our youth look towards a brighter future.  I wish you could visit us and see all of the changes we have made and what we have accomplished.  In the meantime, please look at our new website at ky-icm.org.  We have updated our information and hope this new website is more user friendly.

With the funds from our fundraiser, we have added two amazing people to the ICM family.  Welcome Derrick and Krystie Marcum!   Krystie has been working with Signature Healthcare as an activities and events coordinator. She is very good at it. You’ll not find a more loving, kind, or honest person.  She was bestowed the great honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel. This is an honorary commission given by the state of Kentucky to individuals noted for their public service and their work for the advancement of KY.

Derrick is a computer guru. He takes care of all the audio/video stuff at Stearns First Baptist Church as well as teaching the teenagers and driving the church van. He is a gentle giant. Derrick is also working on his degree in ministry.  We look forward to working with them to enhance and improve the way we serve here at ICM and we look forward to introducing them to you all in person very soon.

 We are also using our matching fundraiser for long needed repairs and projects:

• • We have replaced a falling floor and damaged doors at the learning center.  
• • We are updating our computers and enhancing our education programs.  
• • Storage was in great demand, so we purchased a 40 ft. storage container for bulk donations and to give us the added space for sorting and holding “off season” items.
• • Heat and air units have been added to the bunk rooms for volunteers.  
• • We are using funds to better stock the food pantry.  
• • We are using funds to enhance our after school program, a variety of children’s programs, and family events.
• • Funds will be used to replace our 1986 van.  We are proud that it’s run for so long but we think that it’s the end of the road for this vehicle.  
• • If we can secure a new van, we would like to start delivering food boxes to homes in the community.  (of course, free of charge.)  Many seniors and families have limited transportation.  We want to make sure that no one goes hungry.
• • We would like to start up a summer food program.  If we secure a van, we would deliver healthy bagged lunches to children in the community.  We did this several years ago and it was a great way to replace the meals kids received during the school year.
• • And, we truly need a good full sized pick up truck to pull the trailer for hauling donated items. It doesn’t have to be new - just roadworthy and capable of pulling a heavy trailer.  We have used Hilton’s truck all these years and it is starting to experience mechanical problems from all those miles.

Again, we can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for our community, but we need your continued support.  These past two months have been the lowest we have seen in monetary donations in years.  The funds barely covered the costs of our utilities.  The hardest part of my job is asking for help.  I’d rather work 10 hours straight than to ask for more, especially from people who have been so generous already.  But please keep us in mind so that we can continue to make a difference.

We would love to have you visit us to see the changes you have made possible.  The mountains are beautiful in the Spring.  We are grateful for all you have done and may God bless you in 2018.  

Barbara Duncan