AGENCY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
​JUSTICE, PEACE, AND ​INTEGRITY OF CREATION (JPIC)

AGENCY PARTNERS are agencies and organizations whose work contributes directly to carrying out our Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) goals and objectives of our parish. In most cases, our parishioners are significantly involved in working directly with these groups. Direct financial support for these agencies is included in our annual Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) parish budget. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS are agencies and organizations whose work complements the parish’s Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) mission and with whom the parish collaborates on special projects. The parish maintains a supportive relationship with these organizations and promotes their work within the parish. Although they do not receive direct funding from the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) budget, they may receive financial and other support through other JPIC social justice programs/events (i.e. JPIC Advent Alternative Gift Fair and fair-trade events, second collections, Love Fund ministries, etc.).

​If you have any questions about our JPIC Agency and Community Partners, please contact:
Ken Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)

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​JPIC AGENCY PARTNERS
(Included in the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation budget)

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

Durham CAN 
Work with a diverse group of area community leaders from different religious, denominational, and ethnic backgrounds to identify neighborhood and citywide issues to develop support and implement solutions.
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Durham Congregations in Action (DCIA)
An interfaith, inter-racial organization of 58 Durham congregations. In a spirit of reconciliation and with gratitude for the gift of diversity, DCIA seeks to engage and empower people of faith to create a community of justice and peace through our common prayers and acts of compassion; and with prophetic courage to act as advocates for the dignity and well-being of all persons, recognizing that behind every human face is the face of God. 
 
Franciscan Action Network (FAN)
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of Saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform United States public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights.

North Carolina Congress of Latino Organizations (Latino Congress)
A broad-based, multi-issue coalition of grassroots Latino congregations, neighborhood associations, unions, community centers, and sports associations dedicated to building relational power among immigrants in North Carolina. Members seek to strengthen the leadership, voice, and participation of immigrants in local, statewide, and federal issues.  

EDUCATION AND YOUTH

Durham Nativity School (DNS) 
Durham Nativity School’s mission is based on the highly successful model of other Nativity Network and Nativity Miguel Schools across the country--to help break the cycle of poverty through a quality middle school education that helps to empower each child to reach his or her full potential. 

WHOLE Schools Campaign - Durham Public Schools (DPS) Foundation
An innovative whole-schools approach in Durham Public Schools addressing mental health as the essential foundation for learning for everyone. The essential foundation for learning is that everyone in the whole school feels they are safe, supported, and belong. WHOLE schools are healthier whole-school environments for learning and teaching and are focused on Wellness, Healing, Opportunity, Learning, and Equity.​

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

El Futuro
A nonprofit outpatient clinic that provides comprehensive mental health services for Latino families in a bilingual environment of healing and hope. Each year, El Futuro serves more than 1600 familias through a combination of therapy, psychiatric services, groups, community projects, and case management. Since 2004, El Futuro has grown to become North Carolina’s trusted resource for trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health services.

HOMELESSNESS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND FOOD INSECURITY

Bread for the World 
Helps Christians translate the Gospel call for justice into effective policies on hunger/poverty issues through prayer, study, and action. The local group meets monthly for 1 hour to write letters to national legislators.
 
Catholic Charities/Durham Community Food Pantry
A private, nonprofit social service agency serving the people of eastern NC. For over 100 years, they have continued a rich tradition of providing a wide range of services. All programs are available to individuals and families regardless of race, creed, or ability to pay through seven regional offices. Their mission is to assist the parishes, communities, and Diocese in accomplishing the social mission of the church. In its roles as servant, advocate, facilitator, and convener, Catholic Charities acts in the parish and community at large to heighten awareness of issues and, when appropriate, provides services to fulfill unmet needs. Catholic Charities serves people in need by advocating for social and economic justice as well as addressing immediate needs with emergency resources or direct services. 

Durham CROP Hunger Walk 
Help organize IC’s participation in the Durham CROP Hunger Walk by walking to help raise funds, sponsoring a walker with pledge, or other means of volunteering/support.

Families Moving Forward (FMF)
Offers a temporary home to families with children in the crisis of homelessness. Working with congregations and other community partners, FMF creates a path to self-sufficiency and stability through services and ongoing community support. Our parish provides evening meals and young children's programming one week per quarter, together with partners Westminster Presbyterian and Judea Reform Congregation. In addition, numerous individual opportunities abound, including weekly "study buddies" and mentoring of parents for the 2-3 months while they are in FMF prior to gaining permanent housing.
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​​Furniture Project of Durham
Provides gently used, donated furniture free of charge to individuals and families moving from homelessness to housing.

Habitat for Humanity of Durham
As a hands-on volunteer, work side by side with the new homeowner, to help them accomplish the dream of home ownership, pride, and self-esteem. Time commitment is a few hours on a Saturday when a house is being constructed. 
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Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) 
The primary homeless shelter in Durham, housing a food pantry, clothing closet, and soup kitchen. AA and NA meetings and a host of other services create a welcoming and compassionate environment where people can heal, find hope, and begin to rebuild their lives. They believe that no one should be without food, clean clothing, or a safe place to sleep. 

IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

La 72 Migrant Center
La 72 is a Franciscan migrant and refugee shelter in Tenosique, Mexico. Located in one of the most conflictive and dangerous areas on the migratory route, since its foundation on April 25, 2011, it remains dedicated to the comprehensive care of migrants and refugees who flee abject poverty, hunger, violence, and the powerful environmental and political forces that wreak havoc on vulnerable people. La 72 has opened its doors and cared for more than 100,000 people, the vast majority of whom are fleeing life-threatening situations in Central America. La 72 offers each person humanitarian assistance in the form of medical attention, psychosocial care, advice, case management, internet access, food, basic hygiene items, rest, shelter, clothing, and other necessary items. All guests receive human rights education and information, as well as legal assistance in accessing asylum and residency status in Mexico. Special attention is given to women, children, unaccompanied minors, and LGBTQ+ people (the first migrant shelter in Mexico). Finally, La 72 works to change immigration policies in order to guarantee the safe passage of all migrants in Mexico. This includes advocacy at the national level, establishing effective partnerships with the local population, as well as outreach and human rights education for border communities (the “School of Human Rights”).

PEACE AND JUSTICE ADVOCACY & DISASTER AND WAR RELIEF

​Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve, and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching, 1) they promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies; 2) serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world; and 3) as part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, work with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.

Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham
This organization acts to prevent and rectify the injustice of violence in Durham.  through public prayer vigils at the sites of homicides, a Reconciliation and Reentry Ministry connecting men and women returning from prison with a congregational faith team, monthly community luncheons and roundtable discussions, and the Hands Without Guns art education project. 

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JPIC COMMUNITY PARTNERS

CARE FOR CREATION

Eno River Association 
A 501c3 nonprofit conservation organization whose mission is to conserve and protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Eno River basin. 
 
North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light
An interfaith ministry devoted to deepening the connection between ecology and faith. Our goal is to help people of faith recognize and fulfill their responsibility for the stewardship of creation.

SEEDS
Teaches respect for life, the earth, and each other through gardening and growing food. Located in the heart of Durham, they promote principles of sustainable agriculture, organic gardening, food security, and environmental stewardship through a variety of garden-based programs. ​

Serere Eco-Reserve
The Serere is located at the foothills of the Andes mountains, adjacent to Madidi National Park in the Amazonian rainforest of Bolivia. Madidi is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, home to an amazing variety of birds and animals, including several jaguars. IC helps support the efforts of this reserve and the work of a prominent Bolivian conservation activist, Rosa Maria Ruiz, who has worked tirelessly over the last 50 years to protect the Amazon rainforest and safeguard its rich biodiversity which is rapidly being lost to illegal logging, poaching, and destructive gold mining.

Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF)
A 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to bring students and farmworkers together to learn about each other's lives, share resources and skills, improve conditions for farmworkers, and build diverse coalitions working for social change. SAF accomplishes its mission by working with farmworkers to address their concerns through documentation of human rights violations, grassroots education and mobilization, leadership development of young people, policy advocacy, and support of labor organizing.

ECONOMIC JUSTICE/FAIR TRADE

Bull City Fair Trade
Bull City Fair Trade is part of a worldwide movement that is striving to improve the livelihood of disadvantaged people in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade. Fair trade is an ethical, environmentally conscious, sustainable business approach rooted in dialogue, respect, and transparency. It is a set of principles that focuses on opportunities for disadvantaged artisans and farmers living in developing countries.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH

​Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School
Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School’s mission is to transform education by providing eager students with a rigorous college preparatory education integrated with professional work experience. They prepare students to succeed in college and in life by cultivating their intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth. They also foster a commitment to social justice, empowering students to become leaders in their communities and advocates for change.
 
Emily K Center
The Emily Krzyzewski Center, a nonprofit organization in Durham, North Carolina, implements four distinct programs designed to build on the academic, career, and leadership potential of students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Collectively, our programs serve students from elementary school through college and equip them with the skills necessary to successfully complete higher education, connect to promising careers, and become agents of change within their communities.

FOOD INSECURITY

Interfaith Food Shuttle
Each day, thousands of people in our community wake up hungry and have no means to satisfy this basic human need. We believe that hunger is unacceptable, and we are doing something about it. It's called food rescue. We have been doing it since 1989. We know we make a difference.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Reality Ministries
Dedicated to creating opportunities for adults with and without developmental disabilities to experience belonging, kinship, and the life-changing reality of Christ’s love.
 
Senior PHARMAssist
Promotes healthier living for Durham seniors by helping them obtain and better manage needed medications and by providing health education, community referral, and advocacy.

PEACE AND JUSTICE ADVOCACY & DISASTER AND WAR RELIEF

Franciscan Relief Fund
Established by the Franciscan Friars in 2020 to provide food and other assistance to people during times of natural disaster, disease, war, poverty and unemployment.

North Carolina Council of Churches (NCCC)
A statewide ecumenical organization promoting Christian unity and working towards a more just society.

People of Faith Against the Death Penalty
The mission is to educate and mobilize faith communities to act to abolish the death penalty in the United States. 

Witness For Peace (WFP)
A politically independent, nationwide grassroots organization of people committed to nonviolence and led by faith and conscience. WFP’s mission is to support peace, justice, and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing U.S. policies and corporate practices which contribute to poverty and oppression Latin America and the Caribbean.

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© All rights reserved.
​If you have questions regarding our various JPIC ministries, please contact me directly.
Kennith M. Chiha, Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church - 901-A West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-3449 Ext. 293 - [email protected]