Since its foundation in 1964, IFCS has become a vital source of support for the community. Many local residents visit IFCS regularly, but each week there are also newcomers seeking help for the first time, who may be unfamiliar with IFCS’ services. When arriving at the Market @ IFCS, visitors are greeted by a team of volunteers, and newcomers are directed to one of the Resource Navigators.
IFCS’ Program Team Connects Visitors with Resources Both Within and Outside of IFCS
As members of the Program Team, the Resource Navigators are responsible for assessing the needs of those seeking help and connecting them with available assistance programs in Colorado. Often, visitors have heard about IFCS’ food market, where they are able to shop monthly for fresh, seasonal foods as well as pantry staples. Those coming for food assistance aren’t always aware of the other resources available at IFCS. The Resource Navigators inform those who meet eligibility criteria of programs that provide rental assistance, utility payment assistance, recreation center vouchers, and IFCS’ seasonal enrichment programs – including Ready, Set, School! (which provides school supply and food support for students in K-8th grades before the beginning of a new school year), Fresh Thanks (a seasonal, holiday food distribution event before the Thanksgiving holiday), and Helping Hands for the Holidays (which provides holiday gift and food support for children aged newborn to 10 years). When there are needs beyond these provided through IFCS, the Program Team does their best to direct Program Participants to additional programs near them.
With skyrocketing rental rates and the current shortage of affordable housing, numerous people have contacted IFCS for rental assistance. “Can you help me find other places offering rental assistance?” they will ask. “Previously, we referred people to a national hotline that connects people to assistance opportunities in Colorado,” says Miriam Noriega, IFCS Program Director. “However, feedback indicated mixed results, since the accuracy of the information was hit-or-miss.” To improve this situation and make it easier for participants to find regional resources, Miriam and her team created their own list of assistance opportunities available in the metro Denver area.
IFCS has designated a wall/corner inside the Market lobby where fliers about local assistance programs get posted; these are easily visible to those visiting the Market, and scannable QR codes give easy access to online application forms. The IFCS Program Team also created a resource list on the website, which assists program participants without requiring a trip to IFCS and makes the resources more easily shareable. In addition to housing and shelter resources, they compiled employment, immigration and legal resources.
Introducing Our New Resource Navigators
This fall, IFCS hired 2 new bilingual English/Spanish Resource Navigators. With the majority of program participants being Spanish-speakers, it was crucial for IFCS to have bilingual staff to ensure they feel welcomed, included, and safe to ask for help in their language. We are pleased to introduce our newest team members, Jessica and Nelson!
Jessica Munguia is originally from Mexico, and has a background in food service. She finds fulfillment in helping people, especially through her bilingual skills: from previous jobs working at restaurants, to serving meals in a senior living facility, she enjoys building connections with others. As a resource navigator, Jessica’s role involves pointing individuals to resources that can help them get through a difficult period or move forward with life goals. She sees the Market @ IFCS as a point of contact for people seeking help, since many participants learn about IFCS from friends or community connections. Jessica has a lot of empathy for those she assists, because she knows what it’s like to struggle to pay rent and find employment. She appreciates the support she and her family received from local organizations when they needed assistance, and this experience motivated Jessica to give back to the community, attracting her to the Resource Navigator job at IFCS. Jessica’s greatest hopes are to help people who need support know about the assistance available, and to have a positive impact on those she meets, fostering a sense of community and support.
Nelson Vilaboa is originally from Chile and emigrated to Colorado with his family a couple years ago. He comes from a family of musicians, loves performing Rock-n-Roll with his bands, and has a varied skillset that ranges from technical to social abilities. Having traveled a long distance to settle in the US, and having recently navigated the challenges of transitioning jobs and temporary unemployment, Nelson can relate to those who visit IFCS for help sustaining their households. He enjoys helping others and hearing their stories. “People who have just arrived in the United States come with a thousand different stories, like they have crossed the jungle and then the desert; have seen people die in these exoduses,” he says. “There are also people who have lost their jobs and need help with food and services. Many of them come desperate, yet with a lot of hope.” Nelson appreciates connecting IFCS participants with available resources, hoping they will feel some relief in the immediate and, in the long term, they can achieve economic stability, bringing peace of mind and a clearer sense of direction in their lives.
Keeping the “Buffet” Fresh
In addition to welcoming visitors and helping them find the most helpful assistance for their needs, IFCS’ Resource Navigators are tasked with managing the list of resources provided by IFCS. Each month, Jessica and Nelson review and verify the information on the More Resources webpage, making sure that links work properly and details are still accurate.
Use these resources and links to find and share local services near you:
