A Message From Our Executive Director

Even after 27 years here at Associated Ministries, I find that each new year brings fresh excitement and challenges to our life and work.

The excitement comes from what we are able to do together, for that is the core of our mission at Associated Ministries. Our work is about the coming together of the faith communities, about bringing people to a common table, where we can put aside our differences for the greater good. It's about keeping the conversation going, even when it's difficult, because we are committed to building community that is humane, compassionate and just.

Thus it was that in 2006, despite an extraordinarily busy and challenging year, we were able to bring people together to step up our Disaster Response program and add such new initiatives as the Pierce County Asset Building Coalition and the Interfaith Camp. And in the midst of adding new programs and new staff, we also completed an upgrade to our offices, with interior painting, new carpeting and a much-needed new roof.

People coming together make all these things possible. This is the most dynamic group of people that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Our staff and board are deeply committed to our mission and make it a joy to come to work each day. And I want to take this opportunity to thank you, our generous donors, whose unwavering support makes our work possible.

The 2007 program year will bring new challenges but we look forward to it with excitement and hope that you will continue to join us on our journey.

Grace and Peace,

Building Community that is Humane,

Compassionate and Just

Now completing our 36th year of service, Associated Ministries’ mission is to build community that is humane, compassionate and just. Representing about 200 congregations, religious groups and interfaith partners in Pierce County, we provide human services, mediate conflict, connect diverse churches and faiths, and advocate for a fair and just society. Our programs aid individuals and families struggling with hunger and homelessness, the elderly, the mentally ill, the disenfranchised and the isolated, and people searching for meaning and unity through faith and deed. In addition, we help institutions and individuals work together on difficult issues such as domestic violence, civil rights, police accountability and fair wages.

Associated Ministries and its programs serve approximately one-sixth of Pierce County residents directly or indirectly. In 2006, we estimate that we directly served more than 6,500 clients, ranging in age from birth to 94. When considering our other indirect services, we served more than 150,000 people in Pierce County with the help of over 4,000 volunteers.

Rev. David T. Alger
Executive Director