Established in 1979 as a grassroots initiative, Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP) has evolved into a highly esteemed organization renowned for its collaborative efforts in addressing the basic needs of families. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year as a nonprofit direct service provider, IOCP serves at-risk families and individuals in Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth, and Wayzata.
Founder and Executive Director LaDonna Hoy has been at the helm of IOCP since its inception, providing vision and leadership. “IOCP is really about a community working together for the common good,” Hoy stated. “Many wonderful people helped us chart our course. And many equally wonderful partnerships have allowed us to leverage resources and enhance our ability to bring about long-term solutions for the people we serve.”
Anniversary Events
Two events are slated to commemorate IOCP’s 30th anniversary. The Annual Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 30, will feature key representatives from IOCP’s past sharing their stories and the organization’s impact. Open to the public, the meeting includes a soup supper and will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Mithun Hall at Wayzata Community Church, 125 East Wayzata Blvd.
“Spread Your Wings,” IOCP’s signature anniversary event, is set for Thursday, June 25, featuring dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction. Chaired by Jim and Kathryn Ramstad, the benefit will take place at the historic Lafayette Club from 6 to 11 p.m. at 2800 Northview Road, Minnetonka Beach. Tickets, priced at $130 per person, are available online at IOCP’s website. For more information, contact Nancy Holden at 952-288-2570 or nholden@iocp.org.
History
IOCP’s roots trace back to a church basement in 1979, where representatives from nine area churches gathered to address community needs. Initially named Interfaith Outreach and housed at St. Bartholomew Church, the organization, led by Hoy, provided services such as transportation and food and clothing shelves.
Recognizing the need for partners to address complex challenges, Hoy restructured the organization in 1985, renaming it Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners. The organization found a permanent home at 110 Grand Avenue after the building that housed the convent at St. Bartholomew was slated for demolition in 1989.
The 1990s witnessed significant program and service growth, largely due to partnerships. Initiatives included the St. Mary’s Neighborhood Clinic offering free services, the launch of CONECT to serve Plymouth apartment neighborhoods, and the completion of IOCP’s first home building project in Wayzata. Bob Fisher’s fundraising for Thanksgiving meals also evolved into the annual Sleep Out campaign.
In 1997, IOCP convened the Vision for the Village, laying the foundation for programs addressing affordable housing, childcare, employment, transportation, and on-site services in Plymouth apartment complexes.
In subsequent years, IOCP expanded in key areas through partnerships with communities of faith, schools, government, businesses, community groups, foundations, health systems, and individuals. Collaborative initiatives included the development of 54 new affordable housing units in Plymouth and Wayzata and the Caring for Kids Initiative, a scholarship program in partnership with Wayzata School District Family Learning Center, Kids’ Care Connection, and area childcare providers.
Adopt-a-Neighborhood involved volunteers from various congregations and community groups collaborating with CONECT staff to support residents of CONECT neighborhoods. Additionally, more than 3,000 community members annually support the Sleep Out campaign, focusing on affordable housing.
Hoy attributes her leadership approach to her parents, who instilled in her a sense of hospitality and inclusive love. As IOCP navigates the challenges of the current recession, she reflects, “If there is anything I have learned along the way, it is that there is always enough, enough for everyone. This community has demonstrated the heart and will to respond.”
For more information about IOCP, visit www.iocp.org.
