Our Daily Show! North Alton Godfrey Business Council Spotlight on RFM and Persnickety!
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WOOD RIVER - As temperatures drop and the holidays approach, the services offered by Riverbend Family Ministries are as important as ever.
Located at 144 E. Ferguson Avenue in Wood River, Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) is composed of several nonprofits working together under one roof. RFM itself provides a daytime warming center for those in need during the colder months. They have also partnered with other community organizations to serve their clients through Community Christmas, and they’re asking for toys, clothing and hygiene products so families can celebrate the holidays.
“We are trying to help people get back on their feet, get to a place of stability so they can be a productive community member and give back to the community that we all love. RFM really is a big part of that solution,” said Rachael Craddick. “It really does take all of us to lean into that and make sure that people have access to those resources so that we can all benefit from that upward mobility.”
Craddick, who serves as RFM’s Fund Development Director, added that today is Giving Tuesday, a great opportunity to support RFM and give back to an organization that is working to support the community.
During these colder months, RFM collaborates with the local Overnight Warming Locations to ensure community members have a place to go during the day and night. RFM serves as a warming center during their operating hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“Even just standing out there for a few minutes, you feel how dangerously and uncomfortably cold it is,” Craddick said. “It’s just for people to have a spot, eat a warm meal, watch a movie, hang out, and they don’t have to worry about where to go today to avoid frostbite or potentially something even worse.”
As 2026 approaches, it’s also a new beginning for RFM. Founder and long-time Executive Director Tammy Iskarous is retiring, and RFM is looking to fill her position. Craddick is sad to see Iskarous go, but excited to watch RFM grow in the coming months as they narrow down their search.
“It really feels like the end of an era,” Craddick said. “We also have an exciting process ahead. We’re searching for that new leader to lead us into that new chapter. We’ve really grown as an agency as we prepare for that transition. Our team has grown. We’re able to serve more and more and more people.”
In the meantime, community members can support the RFM mission by joining their Community Christmas drive. You can donate monetarily or drop items off at their Wood River location until Dec. 15, 2025, to help local families in need.
Craddick thanked the community for their continued support, highlighting organizations like the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council as a positive resource for businesses and nonprofits. She added that it’s only through the community’s help that they’re able to help others.
“We know the need is there. We know the community really is counting on us. We are committed to being here for that next chapter,” she said. “But we really couldn't do that without the amazing community that continues to surround us. Groups like the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council, just having the chance to tell our story, to connect with business leaders, to invite them to our events and spread awareness about the work we’re doing, it really makes all the difference.”
For more information about Riverbend Family Ministries, including how to receive assistance or how to support them, visit their official website at RiverbendFamilyMinistries.com or their official Facebook page.
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