Tracy Interfaith Ministries

There was a call to do God's work and it all began for us in February of 1988. Twelve area churches joined together to expand what had previously been done unilaterally. The name chosen was Tracy Interfaith Ministries (T.I.M.) The logo was designed with three triangles coming together at one point to signify our one goal. The T.I.M. lettering was designed to give the illusion of the Cross of Jesus. T.I.M. originally took over an area of the First Presbyterian site but eventually outgrew that location. Since inception, we have outgrown three facilities. We are now planning on building a larger and more suitable building on City of Tracy property.

Originally there were six volunteers but by the end of the first year that number had grown to thirty-five. In 1988 we provided food for 1,396 adults and 1,825 children with an average of 106 homes served each month. In 2001 we served 17,177 adults, 14,438 children and an average of 727 households each month. In 2006 we served 24,267 adults and 21,213 children and an average of 1,000 households each month. We remain an all-volunteer staff but our numbers have increased to sixty-five to seventy-five very dedicated and caring people who volunteer each month and we are always looking for more. Most, but not all, come to us from member churches which now number twenty-two.

Each member church has a seat on our Board of Directors and a say in our operating policies and procedures. Each church contributes in some way (volunteers, cash, food, etc.) to our support. We also have strong support from individuals, organizations and corporations in our community. In addition, several grants (see Recognition) cover a large amount of our food, rent and infant products costs.

We service the low-income residents who live within the Tracy Unified High School District and we also help those stranded in Tracy without food or money. Sometimes we provide bus tickets or gas to those passing through. We always provide some food even when we must refer some clients to another town for help. No one leaves our premises hungry. Although we are a faith-based organization, we require nothing more than evidence of need from our clients. In addition to food and clothing, we provide many other essentials such as shampoo and toothpaste, and in some instances we provide emergency bus tickets and motel vouchers (courtesy of the Salvation Army) plus referrals to other service organizations (see Other Resources).