IOCP Executive Director Kevin Ward
Q: You’ve had an incredible, well-rounded journey. How has it shaped you?
My journey started back when I was a little boy growing up in Southern Virginia. I would tell [my mother] that I was going to be a minister. I’ve done many things, but I think that has been core to my work journey. From graduating college, going into business, and being trained at some of the world’s largest companies to being an entrepreneur to working with nonprofits… I’ve learned something new every day. There’s always been a combination of doing good in the world and bringing people along so they can do their best, too. At the end of the day, it’s all about impact.
Q: What inspires you the most about the IOCP mission?
The mission of Interfaith to me is very holistic. The way we work together to meet basic needs and equip families and individuals for ongoing stability – ultimately can help people feel like they belong. Now that’s powerful.
Living into our values of collaboration, inclusion and integrity is core to the work. And, we can’t do it alone. When I think about Interfaith supporters, we all have one thing in common: we aim to serve our neighbors. Having continued passion to support each other, at the end of the day, is what makes our community so strong and vibrant.
Q: What else would you like the Interfaith Outreach community of supporters to know about you?
There is so much wisdom in this community. I am the type of person who takes the time to get to know the stories of those around me and learn from their experiences. Growing up, my family would have been one of the families that would have certainly benefited from the services in which Interfaith and our partners offer. I am grateful for my lived experiences. It allows me to be a bridge between those who are experiencing poverty and those who want to offer support. It’s with that same gratitude that I build upon this work.
Together we work towards ongoing stability and success. I have a heart for people, wanting to see families succeed no matter their challenges. And I think that’s indicative of my story. And so as I serve alongside of each one of you, my story allows me to humanize every person and to really empathize with their struggle.