Vineyard Church and EMBARC’s Partnership Strengthened by Volunteers

EMBARC and Des Moines Vineyard Church have worked in tandem to empower immigrants and refugees for years. With the help of Vineyard Church’s volunteers led by Associate Pastor Becky Waugaman, the partnership has flourished and impacted the lives of countless EMBARC clients. 

Located just across the street from one another, Vineyard Church connected with EMBARC when it was getting its footing in 2014. They began meeting weekly with the board members and offered a free space for English classes. From there, the partnership grew to initiatives such as free hygiene baskets, holiday supplies, medical clinics, and much more. The church also provided space for parent navigator meetings, English classes, and walk-in clinics before the pandemic.

Associate Pastor Becky Waugaman of Des Moines Vineyard Church

“When COVID came and upended all our lives, EMBARC was one of the first groups we reached out to to ask, ‘How are you? What are your needs?” Waugaman said. “We were just trying to find a new way to serve in the city. That's when the increase in food need was brought to our attention.”

While many immigrants and refugees suffered financially after the pandemic onset, food insecurity was met with a coordinated response from the two organizations. They began distributing the free USDA food boxes with pounds of supplies to clients. When the USDA food isn’t available, EMBARC and Vineyard Church split the expenses of weekly food packages for families in need. The project is ongoing, providing about 105 refugee families with nourishment.

“[Waugaman] is always willing to learn more about ethnic foods and willing to advocate to get what the community wants in regard to foods,” EMBARC Family Focus Director Abigail Sui said. “Becky and her team are doing so well in communicating with other volunteers from our refugee community who pick up the food every Wednesday.”

With the exception of Waugaman, Des Moines Vineyard Church’s services for EMBARC clients are 100 percent volunteer-run. Most recently, volunteers spend an hour each Thursday conversing with immigrants learning English.

“If you look for the opportunities when you can to help, it really does make a big impact on the world and our world in return,” Waugaman said. “Because it is true, you always receive more than you give.”