Meet Our Community Partners: DEAM

DEAM (Decatur Area Emergency Assistance Ministries) is an independent ministry established in 1973 by Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) and is supported by 22 area churches to meet the emergency needs of the local community. They serve more than 250 local families a month, providing food and clothing, as well as assistance with utility service and prescription payments. They stock a food pantry and a clothing closet and distribute bagged lunches weekly. When Decatur locked down in March 2020, DEF established a coalition with DEAM, St. Vincent de Paul, Threshold, DCM, and some local Decatur churches and neighbor groups who provide for the local homeless and food insecure population. By joining forces, the groups have been able to maximize resources, eliminate redundant services, and serve more families in need.

“Our partnership with DEAM has made my job easier and more rewarding, said Marie McCollum, DEF Director of Programs and Partnerships. “Some of the families we serve have been hit really hard by COVID-19. When they come to me for services DEF does not offer, I am so happy that I can refer them to DEAM and know that their needs will be met. I see firsthand the power of collaboration, and I am so encouraged by our work with DEAM.”

With DEAM in place serving the food insecure, DEF is shifting the focus of its Lighten the Load initiative from supplying grocery cards to connecting local families to resources like DEAM. Through regular communication between the organizations, DEF will be able to help support DEAM if supplies run low, and can offer its volunteer base to help deliver food from DEAM to those without transportation. Lastly, DEF will continue working with CSD social workers to assist the families with the most need. Working together, we will ensure that all Decatur families can get the help they need, so that our students can learn and thrive. To learn more about DEAM, you can visit www.deamdecatur.org.