E-mail: info@icstucson.org | Phone: +1 (520) 297-6049
Dedication of the Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund
- June 11, 2021
- Rikki Mioduski
- No Comments
Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is pleased to announce the renaming of its Good Samaritan Fund to the “Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund,” in honor of ICS Board Emeritus Member and philanthropist, Ed Jenkins. Jenkins passed away in late 2020.
The Ed Jenkins Helping Hand Fund will help individuals or families receive assistance for emergency situations. These situations may arise from a loss of income, illness or injury, or during a waiting period for other forms of public assistance. The goal of this program is to provide for acute basic needs that help clients in distress get back on their feet and take steps to stability and independence. The types of assistance offered include: rent and mortgage, utilities, emergency prescription medications, food and gas vouchers, and miscellaneous back to work expenses as well.
For over 17 years, Jenkins was the kind of volunteer every organization dreams of: committed to the mission, an intellectual thought-partner, contributor, ambassador and a passionate volunteer. His impact on ICS and the Tucson community is immeasurable. He was a tireless advocate for those less fortunate in our community and an inspiration to all.
It is a fitting tribute that this fund that helps so many be renamed to reflect the man who was always the first to speak out in aid those who needed extra help or support. “Every Monday morning, Ed sat at the ICS front desk fielding calls from residents needing food, financial assistance, transportation, a daily wellness call or home repairs. The position gave him a vantage point to see this community’s huge needs,” says ICS Chief Executive Officer, Tom McKinney. “Many people witness on a daily basis what Ed saw, but Ed took action by providing time, resources and most of all caring,” added McKinney.
The fund was renamed on June 11th, during a small private commemorative ceremony for Ed Jenkins at the ICS offices. Ed’s family, along with a few ICS staff and board members honored and reminisced about the man who meant so much to so many.