Thank you to our Souper Bowl MVPs!
Thank you to all the parishes and volunteers who took action to tackle hunger on February 9th! The Souper Bowl of Caring is a great way to help those in need in your local community, as well as to support IOCC in sharing Christ’s love around the world. Many of you took collections, shared IOCC with your friends and neighbors, donated to your local food pantry, and more.
A special shoutout to Elaine Karubus and Chris Skogen, our volunteers in Denver, as well as Vickie Klemis from Atlanta, and Eva Economy from Des Plaines, Illinois for all their efforts in organizing a Souper Bowl of Caring fundraiser in their parishes! Thank you for being Souper Bowl MVPs!
Ukraine: Helping Women Start Small Businesses
When Maryna (not her real name) was displaced from her home in the Donetsk region to Western Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict she faced both economic and psychological challenges. “I soon realized the importance of engaging in some form of economic activity to provide a basic income for my family,” said Maryna. After relocating, Maryna soon found out about an IOCC-supported program providing business grants, business training, and vocational training to internally displaced women. Read more about Maryna’s story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Bridgeport, CT
On February 15, the Orthodox community from the New England and Tri-State areas organized an evening of hockey, fellowship, and family fun at a Bridgeport Islanders game. IOCC Board member, Lorraine George-Harik spoke about IOCC’s international and domestic humanitarian work both during a pre-game seminar and during the game’s first intermission. Also, His Grace Bishop John Abdalah, Diocese of Worcester and New England, and Father Peter Orfanakos from St. Barbara’s Church in Orange, had presentations about the seminar’s theme, “All You Need is Love.” Our gratitude and thanks go to Kyle Laham from St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, who organized this special event and to the Bridgeport Islanders.
Volunteers & Frontliners Needed in Tennessee and Florida
IOCC’s Action Teams are on the ground in Eastern Tennessee and Pine Island, Florida providing relief to communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Thanks to the tremendous support from our generous donors, we continue to offer home cleanups and repairs, as well as emotional & spiritual care, for hurricane survivors throughout the region.
In addition to Action Teams, IOCC is seeking Frontliners. Frontliners are professionals trained to care for others: priests, counselors, social workers, or medical professionals. As a group, Frontliners are well equipped to support both the people facing disaster, and the first responders and emergency workers serving them. IOCC Frontliners, some of whom are on the ground right now in Los Angeles, working with wildfire survivors, are a key component of emergency response and long-term recovery. If you have a relevant qualification and would like to serve in this capacity, or if you’d like to join an Action Team, please contact Krista Hamann at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812.
Awareness Events
Interested in planning your own virtual or in-person event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize, so please contact IOCC’s Outreach team at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- March 12 – Minneapolis, MN: IOCC Lenten Dinner
- April 27 – Pittsburgh, PA: “Bright Bites” Food & Fellowship to Benefit IOCC
- May 3 – Milwaukee, WI: Tailgate Event to Benefit IOCC
- May 3-4 – Pittsburgh, PA: Team IOCC @ Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend
- May 8 – Chicago, IL: 33rd Annual IOCC Chicago Grand Banquet
- May 19 – Cleveland, OH: IOCC Cleveland 33rd Annual Banquet
IOCC Welcomes New Outreach Coordinator
Please join us in welcoming Theodora Veronis to the IOCC Outreach Team! Theodora shared that she is deeply grateful to join the IOCC family and contribute to the organization’s mission of providing support to those in need worldwide. She is humbled by the opportunity to serve communities in need. With a strong passion for international service work, Theodora was drawn to IOCC’s impactful global efforts. In her free time, she loves exploring the outdoors and traveling, always seeking new experiences and perspectives. Welcome Theodora!
IOCC is Hiring
Bring your expertise to an organization making a difference around the world and join our team. Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Please pass this info along to them! For full job descriptions and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
Marketing Manager – United States, Remote
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