MOUNT VERNON — Interchurch Social Services was founded in 1968 as an independent agency, backed by United Way and several area churches that support it with regular funding. Its mission has remained the same over 40 years: To serve the underserved, those who are in need in Knox County.
Since 1983, ISS has been housed in a historic home at 114 E. Gambier St., and outgrew the space long ago.
“For many years, the board of trustees of Interchurch Social Services has been looking for a location that would provide ample room for pantry storage, administrative offices and the Clothes ’n’ Counters Thrift Store all under one roof and all on one floor,” said Joy Harris, executive director. “That quest has come to an end.”
When the Rivers Edge store at 306 W. Gambier St. burned to the ground earlier in 2008, building owner Gary Gray decided to construct a building to sell to ISS. The foundation has been laid and construction should be completed, said Harris, late this fall. At that time, the ISS food pantry, offices and the thrift store (currently at 15 E. Vine St.), will move to the new location, making things easier for staff, visitors and those in need.
“The new building will allow us to more efficiently carry out our mission of providing emergency food, clothing and financial aid to residents of the Mount Vernon school district,” said Harris. “It will also provide space for staff meetings and trainings and administrative duties.”
Harris said more than half the needed funds — some of which will come from the East Gambier Street house, currently for sale — are on hand. An additional $160,000 is needed to finish the new building’s interior to meet the organization’s needs, such as interior walls for confidentiality, windows, counters, shelving, clothing racks and more.
“I think it will be nice,” said Clothes ’n’ Counters volunteer Iva Berry, who works at the store on Fridays. Especially, she said, to have all three entities in one building.
Pat Adkins, who volunteers on Mondays and Fridays, said she especially appreciates that the new building will have just one floor. She said the stairs to the basement at the current East Vine Street location are dangerous and she no longer uses them.
“I think it could be very nice [the new building] because we have clients who go over there [the East Gambier Street house] and then they come here sometimes at the time we’re ready to close,” said Adkins. “As long as we have plenty of room in the new building, that’ll be nice. And those of us ‘up in years’ won’t have to deal with steps.”
ISS services include a food pantry; financial aid, including assistance with utility disconnections and rent; clothing; transportation, out-of-county medical appointments; prescription assistance, with the exception of pain medications; and Turn the Tide holiday assistance. In 2007, more than 3,500 families were served by the Mount Vernon office. More than 8,200 customers shopped at Clothes ’n’ Counters Thrift Store. During 2007, an average of 228 households per month sought pantry services. At the end of July 2008, that number had risen to an average of 249 households per month.
Contributions designated for the building fund may be sent to Interchurch Social Services, P.O. Box 1052, 114 E. Gambier St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050. For more information or to view the building plans, call 397-4825.
