Thanks to Linda McNeil, MIFA’s vice president of development, for answering a few questions about MIFA. 

Founded in 1968, MIFA is one of Memphis’ leading nonprofit social service organizations.  Assisting nearly 55,000 people annually, MIFA works to unite the community through service. Our mission is to support the independence of vulnerable senior and families in crisis through high-impact programs.  Through our Emergency Services, we proudly partner with MLGW in the Plus-1 program, which provides utility assistance to individuals who have suffered a sudden loss of income due to illness, catastrophe or unemployment. MIFA is about promoting independence.  We have a total of ten effective programs, including the well-know MIFA Meals on Wheels and a college readiness program called COOL (College Offers Opportunities for Life).  We also serve as the central intake location for the Memphis and Shelby County Emergency Housing Partnership, which has proven successful in helping individuals and families avoid homelessness and find stable housing.