We Can Help: MIFA

We Can Help is a feature here at Bird on a Wire where we spotlight a community organization and tell you how you can help. To have your organization featured, email sgreenberg@mlgw.org.

Thanks to Linda McNeil, MIFA’s vice president of development, for answering a few questions about MIFA. 

What is MIFA?

Founded in 1968, MIFA is one of Memphis’ leading nonprofit social service organizations.  Assisting nearly 55,000 people annually, MIFA works to unite the community through service. Our mission is to support the independence of vulnerable senior and families in crisis through high-impact programs.  Through our Emergency Services, we proudly partner with MLGW in the Plus-1 program, which provides utility assistance to individuals who have suffered a sudden loss of income due to illness, catastrophe or unemployment. MIFA is about promoting independence.  We have a total of ten effective programs, including the well-know MIFA Meals on Wheels and a college readiness program called COOL (College Offers Opportunities for Life).  We also serve as the central intake location for the Memphis and Shelby County Emergency Housing Partnership, which has proven successful in helping individuals and families avoid homelessness and find stable housing.

How did you get involved?

I’m a newcomer to MIFA, having joined the staff in November as vice president of development.  I’ve long admired the work MIFA does in the community.  The mission is great, the programs are strong, and everyone I’ve met here has been really amazing.  It’s a good feeling to be able to contribute each day to such an outstanding organization.

How can readers of this blog help?

We have a diverse array of volunteer opportunities, which are described on our website MIFA.org. Also on the website, you can sign up for Plus-1, an easy way to contribute and help our neighbors in need by contributing $1 or more to your monthly utility bill.