The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service announced the hiring of a new executive director yesterday following a search process that began in the fall of 2016.

Jackie Jenks, who has served as the director of the San Francisco-based community organization Hospitality House since 2001, will begin work as the IFC’s executive director April 10.

The IFC chose Jenks from a pool of 72 candidates.

“We are looking forward to having Jackie lead us as we move forward,” said IFC Board President Keith Taylor. “She brings with her an abundance of knowledge and experience as well as tremendous passion.”

Jenks’ primary experience comes from her work with Hospitality House, which offers peer-based programs for local residents in San Francisco, including employment services and health-oriented drop-in centers.

Jenks also has a masters’ degree in social work, along with other leadership certifications, and is a member of Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), a national service organization designed to fight poverty.

The IFC position also filled her desire to relocate closer to family in Durham.

“I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work alongside the guests, staff, volunteers, and board members to write the next chapter of the IFC story,” Jenks said.

Jenks will take over for co-interim executive directors John Dorward and Kristin Lavergne. Dorward previously served as IFC executive director for two years before retiring in the summer of 2015. He was succeeded by Michael Reinke, who held the position for about a year before he resigned in August 2016 in order to be closer to his family.

Related Stories
‹
IFC Holds Groundbreaking for New FoodFirst Facility
Carrboro’s Inter-Faith Council for Social Services held a groundbreaking recently for their new FoodFirst facility on Main Street. The IFC has been working for two years to raise nearly $6 million to go toward the facility, which will centralize all of their programs, making them more accessible to the public. Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle says […]
Inter-Faith Council to Hold Meet and Greet with New Executive Director
The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service will welcome new executive director Jackie Jenks with a community meet and greet Monday, May 1, from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Carrboro Century Center. The IFC officially announced the hiring of Jenks February 28 to replace co-interim directors John Dorward and Kristin Lavergne. Jenks began work in […]
The Inter-Faith Council Serves Community From New Building in Carrboro
The Inter-Faith Council completed a project beginning in 2019 to build a brand new building in Carrboro to house their services. IFC held a virtual launch on January 21 to celebrate the opening.  
On Air Today: Jennifer Gill and Quinton Harper of Inter-Faith Council
The Inter-Faith Council in our community recently opened a brand new building in Carrboro. IFC's Jennifer Gill and Quinton Harper join 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to share how the virtual opening of the building went and what new elements it brings to IFC's community service.
IFC Holding Public Meeting on Proposed Good Neighbor Plan Changes
The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service currently operates a 52-bed transitional housing facility on Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. But IFC leadership is proposing several changes to the Good Neighbor Plan that was agreed to when the facility was approved in 2012. Some of the changes are aimed at using alternate terminology, eliminating redundancies and […]
IFC Shelters Preparing Extra Space for Cold Nights
Temperatures are expected to drop into the mid-20s overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday. And it will feel much colder than that thanks to a frigid wind chill. These temperatures are highlighting a need at local shelters as they work to accommodate as many individuals as they can during the cold. When the temperature drops below […]
RSVVP Day Turns Dining Out Into IFC Dollars
Helping out community members in need is as simple as going out to eat on Tuesday. The effort is part of the 29th annual RSVVP Day efforts that will turn dining out into thousands of dollars to help the Inter-Faith Council’s Food Pantry and Community Kitchen. Participating restaurants have agreed to contribute 10 percent of […]
Chapel Hill Officials Consider New Purpose for Old Town Hall
The old town hall in Chapel Hill has hosted the homeless for years, but municipal officials are mulling over plans to repurpose the historic building. A committee was established last year to brief the Chapel Hill Town Council on potential uses for the property, which will soon be left vacant. Megan Dale, a municipal analyst […]
Nonprofit Meal House Approved in Carrboro Despite Objections from Local Businesses
A plan to expand a social services outlet near the center of Carrboro has been approved by town officials, but local business owners claim that the expansion may create problems. Those claims were presented last week to the Carrboro Board of Alderman by Nathan Milian, who spoke on behalf of over 20 commercial tenants in […]
Inter-Faith Council Hires New Executive Director
The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service announced the hiring of a new executive director yesterday following a search process that began in the fall of 2016. Jackie Jenks, who has served as the director of the San Francisco-based community organization Hospitality House since 2001, will begin work as the IFC’s executive director April 10. The […]
›