Interfaith Community Outreach Honored with 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award
Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO), a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families facing temporary emergency crises, has been honored with a 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of its long-standing commitment and impact in the community.
The nomination was submitted by Leigh Brinkley, Senior Social Worker with the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Social Services Division, who praised the organization’s nearly 20 years of service in Dare and Currituck counties.
“Interfaith Community Outreach has been in existence for almost 20 years and has made a lasting and continued impact on the residents of Dare and Currituck counties,” Brinkley wrote. “There have been well over 15,000 families served (over 1,000 annually), and Interfaith Community Outreach averages $400,000–$500,000 in outreach annually, with that number increasing each year.”
Since its founding in 2003, ICO has served more than 19,000 individuals. Its outreach has expanded to include disaster recovery, home rehabilitation, cancer outreach, and most recently, mental health support through the Sound Minds initiative.
Despite employing only one full-time and two part-time staff members, ICO is powered by over 80 dedicated volunteers and the generous support of local grants and donations.
“Interfaith Community Outreach is one of the most well-known and most-accessed nonprofits in our community,” Brinkley added. “They are a trusted community partner with our local community foundation and a valued community resource for our residents.”
The award was presented as part of the 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, a program that honors individuals and groups who have made significant contributions through volunteer service across the state.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Governor’s Office,” said Jennifer Albanese, Executive Director of Interfaith Community Outreach. “This award is a reflection of the incredible volunteers, partners, and supporters who make our mission possible every day.”
ICO’s vision — “Bridging the gap, where no one will face an emergency crisis alone” — continues to guide its work and inspire lasting change across the Outer Banks region.
If you are interested in donating, volunteering or if you need help, please contact ICO at (252) 480-0070 or go to our website interfaithoutreach.com
Interfaith Community Outreach
115 Mustian Street (physical address)
PO Box 1663 (mailing address)
Kill Devil Hills NC 27948
(252) 480-0070 phone
(252) 261-6342 fax
interfaithoutreach.com
Governor’s Volunteer Service Award 2025
Currituck County Chamber of Commerence Non Profit of the Year 2024
Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Non Profit of the Year 2013
Currituck County Chamber of Commerence Non Profit of the Year 2015
