History
Interfaith Human Services (IHS) began in 1968 when four congregations in State College, Pennsylvania, joined resources to more effectively assist people in the community who were in need. Little did those dedicated people know that they were creating a grassroots organization that would grow into a diverse human services agency, assisting hundreds of people in Centre County each year who face a multitude of basic needs.
Today, IHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit human services agency focused on breaking the cycle of day-to-day financial crisis of those in need by fostering longer-term financial stability. IHS delivers programs and services that ensure timely bill payments and reduce major expenses so individuals and families can stretch their limited incomes further to cover other essential needs.
IHS continues to evaluate and develop its programs and services in response to the changing needs in the community, and focuses on providing programs and services that are less likely to be available from other human service agencies in the county.
Staff
IHS employs an executive director, two full-time case workers, a part-time office manager, part-time development associate, and part-time coordinator for the Free Furniture and Appliance Program. The office workforce is supplemented by volunteers who serve as receptionists, and help with mailings and other clerical tasks.
[Meet our Staff]
Our Mission
To serve low-income and financially vulnerable people in Centre County through diverse programs that foster financial stability.
Our Vision
Families living without fear of eviction, utility shut-offs, or the inability to afford basic needs.
Our Core Values
• We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
• We believe that justice, equity, and compassion should guide human relations.
• We believe that, as an interfaith organization, we are compelled to be respectful of all faith communities.
• We believe that our work is to improve the health of our community by attending to the needs of its members.
Governing Board
IHS is managed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from its governing faith communities, and other representatives as approved by the Board. Governing faith communities are congregations that are invested in IHS through financial support and the appointment of at least one congregational member to serve on the Board. IHS also is supported by Affiliate faith communities that contribute to the organization financially, but do not send representatives to serve on the Board.
The Board of Directors works closely with the Executive Director to ensure the organization’s fiscal stability, and to plan, develop, oversee, and support the programs and services provided by IHS. In addition to their governing responsibilities, Board members are active in one or more of the Board’s standing committees and working groups. They also serve as pipelines to their respective congregations about the activities, programs, and needs of IHS.
Any Centre County faith community that is interested in participating with IHS as a governing or affiliate member is encouraged to contact the IHS Executive Director.
[Meet our Board of Directors]
Community Partners and Supporters
IHS is grateful for the financial support it receives from community social philanthropies such as Centre County United Way, Centre Foundation, and the Hamer Foundation, as well as sponsorships from area businesses that support annual fundraising activities. IHS also values its working relationship with other community social service agencies, county assistance offices, and county government offices. IHS also is a member of the Centre County Council for Human Services.