AIM's Philosophy

Mission: AIM is an organization of people and churches of various faiths providing assistance to the needy while encouraging and guiding them to function independently within their own resources.

Vision: Promote an environment where all people in the Anderson, South Carolina area can provide for themselves and their families.

Values: The following values represent our core principles and beliefs, which serve as non negotiables and will not be compromised during the achievement of our mission.

We believe in:

1. Loyalty to the mission of AIM. We will not chase dollars/grants that are not congruent with our mission and focus.

2. We will remain true to our Faith-based focus in the development and delivery of programs and services.

3. We will protect and preserve of our organizational history/background.

4. We will proactively seek feedback and input from all stakeholders to ensure we remain effective and relevant.

5. Our programs will be designed and delivered in a manner where they are non-restrictive and accessible to those that are in need.

Early in 1989 a small group of Anderson Churches and Synagogue members gathered to discuss a concern regarding people in the community who needed help, as well as those who receive a duplication of assistance from various churches or religious groups for assistance in buying prescription drugs, paying utility bills, putting food on the table and other needs. Some received more help than they needed, others received none.

With knowledge of successful programs in other cities, this group of church members hoped to form an organization of Anderson churches and individuals, which serve as a clearinghouse for Anderson's citizens in need.

Letters were sent to all churches in Anderson to solicit financial support and personal involvement. During the next few months, the personnel committee selected the name, Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM). On May 7, 1990 Anderson Interfaith Ministries opened its doors at 618 S. Manning Street. This building was donated rent-free by one of the local churches.

AIM's philosophy of creating opportunities and encouraging responsibility fostered the development of "Women and Children Succeeding" (WACS). The major objective of WACS is to provide quality childcare for mothers who receive government assistance and have found the resources to continue or complete their education. Assisting mothers with child care creates an opportunity for them to become fully educated, trained, employed and moved from a state of dependence to one of independence. Other services provided to WACS' clients aim to stabilize the family and assist them in reaching goals.

Over the years AIM has assisted families in the Anderson County area through the Emergency Assistance program, the Women and Children Succeeding, in building ramps and making minor repairs for elderly and handicapped clients, in providing non-perishable food items to the less fortunate, seasonal programs such as Back to School Backpacks and Christmas gifts, among others. As the ministries of AIM grew, so did the need for space. In September 1995 AIM moved to a larger building at 1202 South Murray Avenue, with dreams of improved and expanded service to the community.