Author: mikeadams

RFM’s 2022 Annual Banquet

Make plans to join us for this year’s RFM Annual Banquet. It’s going to be an exciting time as we join together in person! This year’s event will be held at the beautiful Leclaire Room, 600 Troy Rd., in Edwardsville, featuring dinner catered by Bella Milano! The event is free but you will need to reserve your space.

We are also looking for additional sponsors for the event. Walnut and oak level sponsorships include a VIP table for 8 as well as recognition in various media.

Scan the qr code or follow this link to make your reservation or to become and event sponsor.

2022 RFM Annual Banquet Tickets, Thu, Nov 10, 2022 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

RFM Flood Relief

RFM’s new offices were hit hard in the recent flooding. Damage is much more severe than we originally thought and is going to take extensive repairs before we can settle back into our space. Thanks to all those who have helped move furnishings to dry spaces and clean up the mess. There is much to be done. Several of you have asked how to help or where to donate to help cover repair costs. You can do so by clicking the link at the top of this page. Thanks so much for your continued support of the work that happens every day here at Riverbend Family Ministries. Your contributions continue to bring health and wholeness to families in the Riverbend!

RFM Inaugural Golf Tournament

Join us on Saturday, May 21st for the RFM Inaugural Golf Tournament at Spencer T. Olin Golf Club in Alton. Registration begins at noon and lunch is included. The four-man scramble tournament kicks off at 1pm with a shotgun start. The event will conclude with dinner and awards at the clubhouse.

Registration fee is $110 per golfer and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Metro East Research Foundation in loving memory of Jennifer Catherine Smith.

Register for the event here.

Phase 2 of the RFM Community Center fund raising begins!

We are so excited to launch Phase 2 of the Riverbend Family Ministries Community Center!

We have already moved our offices into the lower level of the facility and are using every square in available to better serve our community. Now with Phase 2 we will be able to expand even further adding new offices for non profits, training facilites, laundry and shower facilities for our unhoused neighbors and so much more.

We need your help to finish strong. You can make your donations here or by calling the RFM office. We look forward to partnering with you!

Reserve Your Table Today!

We are so excited about this year’s Banquet. Our theme this year is BRANCHING OUT AND TAKING ROOT. Mayor David Goins and his wife Sheila will be our Hosts for the evening, along with Mike Roberts former weatherman of KSDK as our MC. Come join us for a great evening with guest speakers sharing about how they have taken ROOT at RFM and are now BRANCHING out to serve this community. This event is free. Table space is limited so get your tickets now.

Riverbend Family Ministries 2021 Fundraising Banquet Tickets, Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

RFM Hosts Annual Banquet

In 2020 RFM announced the purchase and remodeling of new facilities that would allow us to dig deeper roots in our community and branch out in new areas of outreach, providing more space for current partners as well as opportunity for other NPO’s to join our efforts in providing an expanding variety of resources and support under one roof. We are excited to share more with our community about this ongoing effort and the progress made thus far.


On Thursday, November 4th at 6:00pm we invite you to participate with us in our Annual Banquet as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past and set the pace for our future. Due to the ongoing pandemic and rising numbers across the county, we are opting to conduct this year’s banquet as a hybrid virtual event. A limited number of guests will be joining us in person at Post Commons on Alby and 3rd St. in Alton as well as others joining online as we stream the event via Facebook. We look forward to you joining us for this event!


We invite you to partner with us as we continue this great work. We appreciate your support as together we “Branch Out & Dig Deep” to continue providing hope and healing for individuals and families in Madison County.
Grace & Peace!


Tammy Iskarous
Executive Director

RFM Launches New Youth Program

Tammy Iskarous, the Executive Director of RFM is pleased to announce the expansion of the Youth Development Program throughout Madison County. “We have hired a full-time therapist that will work very closely with Madison County Probation, Truancy, Juvenile Justice and School officials in order to give our youth the tools they need to be successful.” “We know that if we can change the trajectory of a young adult’s life, we are changing generations.” S.O.A.R. (Students learning the Ongoing Approach to Resilience) is designed to be a 10-session weekly psychoeducation group. Each session will provide education and activities related to relevant topics and critical to promoting resilient adolescents. Some of these topics include healthy relationships, conflict resolution, impacts of violence, and empathy. As part of the program, adolescents will be required to complete pre and post-test assessments to evaluate level of change. S.O.A.R. also seeks to include parents or guardians in this process through weekly check-ins and at least one parent engagement session. Adolescents will not be able to successfully complete the program without the parent engagement session.

Jenny Langley MA, LPC, has been hired by RFM to be the Director of the (S.O.A.R.) program at Riverbend Family Ministries. Jenny graduated with her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from McKendree University. Since graduating, she has counseled individuals ranging in age from three years old up to college students for a variety of mental health and social emotional issues. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Illinois since 2019. She has also completed 40-hour trainings in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault advocacy during her undergraduate college experience. If interested in joining our growing team and are a SW or LPC please contact our office for more information.

RFM is awarded Rebuild Illinois Shovel Ready Sites Grant

February 25, 2021

Today Governor Pritzker and DCEO announced $11m in Rebuild Illinois Shovel Ready Site grants awarded to 11 new development projects across the state. These investments will unlock over $50m in total investment in the state – creating 800+ jobs and unlocking long-term economic growth and community benefit for years to come. Projects include enhancements for transit hubs, community centers, affordable housing, business training centers, and more. For more info: https://wsiltv.com/2021/02/25/gov-pritzker-announces-11-million-in-rebuild-illinois-capital-grants/

Tammy Iskarous, the Exec. Director of RFM stated, “We are so thankful to be selected as a recipient of this grant. We want to thank the Governor and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for believing in the work that RFM continues to accomplish in Madison County. With this grant, RFM will provide more space for each organization, and further opportunities for training and education. RFM will be able to serve and strengthen more individuals, youth, children, and families affected by trauma. RFM will also add additional services and programs to our team of already incredible organizations.”

Investments are part of the Governor’s historic $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan – aimed at modernizing infrastructure and bringing new investments to every corner of our state. Learn More: https://bit.ly/3cGMtHv

Mrs. Iskarous continues, “Not only will the expansion help strengthen families and the organizations that are housed here, but this money will also be such an economic boost to the Riverbend area as well as all of Madison County, by putting over 100 people to work at prevailing wages. Again, many thanks to the Governor and the DCEO for the opportunity to provide economic growth and community benefit for years to come.”

“100+ Women Who Care from the 618” Glasses Available

Thank you Patti Lash of Budget Signs, Trophies, and Plaques and Denise Riggar Arendell of 100+ Women Who Care from the 618 for coming together and doing this for RFM. They have engraved these beautiful glasses with the 618 logo.  We are offering them to you for a donation of $10 each.  Because they have donated their time, talents, and resources to this project, 100% of the proceeds will go to RFM.  If you would like to get one of the commemorative glasses please shoot us an email at tammy@riverbendfamilyministies.com or call  (618) 251-9790 

Supplies are limited so act now!

Riverbend Family Ministries would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s Grace Skief Volunteer Memorial Scholarship.

Aubrey Robinson –  EAWR High School
Aubrey is at the top of her class.  She has excelled in academics and sports.  In addition to that, she has been a volunteer for many activities.  She is going to attend Illinois State University to become a nurse –like her dad.  Aubrey is a kind, dedicated person.  She has done a lot of activities with special education students, other students who need to be tutored, and has worked each year with with families who do the Relay for Life at the high school. She has received many honors during high school and as a graduate; however, she will not be receiving financial aid, aside from scholarships and honors she has earned.
Tyler Gilbert – Roxana High School
Tyler has been accepted to Illinois College in Jacksonville.  He comes from a family of 4 and intends to major in Sociology and then continue grad school to become a Social Worker. Tyler comes highly recommended by his Youth and Family Minister from the Vaughn Hill Church of Christ, and the Science Club Sponsor from Roxana High School.  He says that helping others allows him to fill an empty hole where he felt the need for help himself.  He has gone to children’s homes and helped clean and has gone to retirement home to spread happiness and play games. In addition to his local volunteer services, Tyler has gone on mission trips to Arkansas to help others.  His Youth Minister also said Tyler’s work ethic is outstanding and he has been the janitor at the church this past year.  Tyler is a strong “B” student.
 
Madelyn Kate Ehlers – Civic Memorial High School
Madelyn is going to start her college education at Lewis and Clark Community College and then transfer to a 4 year university to complete her education in the field of Special Education.  Her friend, and teacher, Michele Kirby said Madelyn has always loved being around children whether babysitting, tutoring, working in the church nursery, or volunteering in a special education classroom.  The students “love” her. Madelyn’s world was shattered when she was in sixth grade. Her father, a teacher,was arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison.  It was a complete shock to the family and to the community.  She felt out of control but realized she could control what she did with her education.  She knew she would need scholarships some day if she wanted to go to college.  She believes many teachers made a difference in her life and that is something she wants to do for others in return. She has been involved in athletics, as well as school organizations, honors programs, and academic volunteer opportunities.
We are so proud of all of our scholarship winners and look forward to the great things they have in store for their future!!