DMARC's History

In 1952, 12 Des Moines churches and the YMCA formed the Des Moines Area Council of Churches with the purpose of coming together to celebrate common principles and to accomplish good in the community.  Initial efforts focused on holding joint worship services and choral concerts and on joining the struggle to advance civil rights for all Americans.  These foundational principals of shared faith and working to meet human needs have been at the heart of DMARC ever since.

As the Council grew, it continued to look for ways to reach out to meet the needs of the community.  In 1968, it took a step that shaped the path the Council would take.  Drawing from the resources provided by its many members, it played a formative role in the creation of the Homes of Oakridge.  Then in 1977, the Council followed up on this success by playing a key role in the founding of Hospice of Central Iowa.  Throughout its rich history, DMARC has been able to accomplish far more than any of our members could accomplish alone. 
 
In the spring of 1976, the Des Moines Area Religious Council set up a central food warehouse to meet the emergency needs of the hungry in the city and suburbs, and the 107 member congregations were invited to help stock it.  The first-ever Food Pantry Week was conducted from Sunday, May 10 to Sunday, May 17, and 17 congregations responded with 847 food items and $57.51. They took the food and money to council headquarters in Kirkside, a large house at 3807 Grand Avenue where the basement had been converted into a warehouse.
 
 Since the founding of the Emergency Food Pantry, DMARC has continued to expand the services we offer the community.
 
1978    Compassion In Action emergency financial assistance program started
1981    LADOS program for widowed persons established
1984    Childcare Assistance program founded
1988    DMARC Foundation established
1990    Red Barrel Program begins in grocery stores
2003    Cross Cultural/Interfaith Activities Committee enhances diversity efforts
2004    Project Connect mentoring collaboration begins
 
 
TODAY                      
150     Member/Affiliate Congregations
10     Different Faith Traditions
400+   DMARC Volunteers                                                     
Thousands served every year
  • 3816 36th Street, Suite #202
  • Des Moines, IA 50310
  • Phone: 515-277-6969

Welcome to DMARC

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is an interfaith organization that exists to provide a common means of responding to basic human needs and, in so doing, offers a context for interfaith dialogue, education, fellowship and support while serving as a liaison between member congregations and the greater Des Moines community.
Some Facts About DMARC
  • DMARC has received IRS designation as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
  • We have more than 150 member congregations
  • We have partners from ten different faith traditions
  • DMARC was founded more than 50 years ago in 1952
DMARC offers a range of programs designed to help fulfill our mission: