Interfaith Human Services celebrates 50 years

STATE COLLEGE — On April 12, Interfaith Human Services paid tribute to some of the people who founded the organization 50 years ago. Staff, guests, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of IHS met at Foxdale Village for an afternoon of accolades and appetizers.

Wendy Vinhage, executive director of IHS, welcomed the guests and thanked those instrumental in putting the event together. She remarked that 50 years from its beginning, IHS is still helping Centre County families in need.

State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Philipsburg, read a congratulatory citation from the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, recognizing 50 years of IHS helping its neighbors.

“I am very proud to be present here to honor this organization that strives to keep people warm, provides furniture, helps with prescriptions and transportation and much more,’ said Conklin.

The county commissioners and the mayor of State College also were present for the celebration. Commissioner Michael Pipe’s remarks included a reference to answering the phones for a day at Interfaith Human Services, which was an enlightening experience. “The IHS organization works with others to help build a better community where people’s needs are met.”

In 1968, four congregations united to provide social services under one umbrella. Two husbands from the group “volunteered” their wives to answer the phone for a newly formed Emergency Fund for Christian Mission. Mary Lou Bennett was one of those wives. She said her husband came home and announced that he had volunteered her for a job.

“We started with $300 in that fund for the first year,” she said. “Home heating oil at the time was between 11 cents and 17 cents a gallon, and the oil companies would fill a half tank for those whose tanks were empty. After a while, we received a donation of $1,000 a  year from a generous person.”

Ernest Hawk, an IHS founder, remembered the early days of the organization, too.

“I moved to State College in 1967, and in 1968 we started the Ecumenical Mission in State College. The phone was in my home for calls. People would call that needed a place to stay.”

Dorothy Wiggins and Jean Quinn were other early members of IHS who were able to attend the 50th anniversary celebration.

Interfaith Human Services will be part of the Centre Gives event on May 8 and 9, which will provide an opportunity for community members to offer financial support the neighbor-focused nonprofit.