History
Immanuel Community Outreach Association from the Beginning
Immanuel Community Outreach Association (ICOA) has as its roots in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kansas City, KS, which was formed in the Argentine community in 1884. The first members of the church worshiped in German, the native tongue of the German immigrants in the community. Many immigrants still settle in the Argentine area. Today, approximately 80% of the community are of Hispanic decent and speak Spanish.
In 2007, the primarily English-speaking congregation made a conscious decision to begin to look more like its surrounding neighborhood. They began with English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to meet a need of their Spanish-speaking neighbors. Three years later, with the friendships developed during ESL classes, the church began bi-lingual worship services in Spanish and English under the direction of Deacon Tom Eckard.
Knowing the Needs of the Community
Being aware of the physical needs in their community, Immanuel Lutheran Church began a food pantry in November 2018.
The year 2020 saw the continued aging of the English-speaking congregation at Immanuel, the impending retirement of the Hispanic congregation’s pastor and the inception of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. Classes and church services were suspended in March 2020. The pantry reorganized to serve their neighbors in a safe manner during the pandemic. This included switching to a drive-through operational model from the pre-pandemic walk-in client choice operational model.
The first organizational meeting of the ICOA Board was held amid these difficult times in September 2020. ICOA was formed to reach the community in tangible ways. To continue current ministries, as well as to develop new ministries, to take over the ownership and usage of the church building, and to provide support for both the aging congregation and the community.
Today
Today ICOA is reducing the food insecurity that many children and adults in the community regularly experience, reducing the stress that occurs when young families can’t afford to diaper their babies, and building relationships through prayer, English and citizenship classes, and other events.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Help Our Cause
Donations provide food, pantry supplies, diapers, children's faith resources, building expenses, maintenance, curriculum for English and Citizenship classes, community events, and operational expenses.