Archive for category: News

“During this battle, I couldn’t have done it without you all.”

Each year, more people die from lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. Behind that statistic are individuals like Michael Byrd, whose lives are turned upside down by a diagnosis no one expects.

For Byrd, a longtime Outer Banks resident, Army veteran, and skilled carpenter, life changed in an instant in November 2025, when he was diagnosed with non-small cell carcinoma. As treatment began, the fatigue quickly became debilitating, forcing him to stop working and disrupting the rhythms of his daily life. “Everything was different,” Byrd shared. “I get up in the morning, brush my teeth, wash my face, and I have to go lay back down. It changed every part of my life.”

He underwent four rounds of chemotherapy, totaling more than 30 hours of treatment at the Outer Banks Health Cowell Cancer Center. While that care offered hope, it also brought immediate financial strain due to his inability to continue working. Byrd did not know where to turn.

That is when Interfaith Community Outreach stepped in. Through ICO’s Cancer Outreach Program, Byrd received mileage reimbursement for travel to treatment, help with rent and essential living expenses, and referrals to trusted local agencies for additional support. Just as importantly, ICO helped him navigate those resources, so he did not have to face the system alone during an already difficult time.

Those words reflect what your support makes possible. Because of donors like you, people in our community who are facing cancer can focus less on how they will afford gas, rent, or basic necessities, and focus more on healing, recovery, and hope.

Today, Byrd continues immunotherapy treatments, which are expected to continue through 2028. He is working through physical therapy and slowly rebuilding his strength, with the goal of returning to carpentry work.

Looking ahead is still not easy, but because of compassionate support from this community, it is possible. Your generosity provides more than financial assistance; it offers dignity, relief, and hope at a time when they are needed most.

If you would like to help support people like Michael, a gift to ICO’s Cancer Outreach Program makes a direct impact right here in our community. All gifts big and small are vital for ICO to honor our mission of providing a hand up, lifting our neighbors and helping them to get back on their feet. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

For more information about Interfaith Community Outreach and ways to support its programs, please visit www.interfaithoutreach.com.

Contact:
Jenniffer Albanese, Executive Director
Interfaith Community Outreach, Inc.
P.O. Box 1663 | 115 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Phone: 252-480-0070 | Fax: 252-261-6342



Interfaith Community Outreach is proud to once again honor the extraordinary life and legacy of General Paul X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), through the 2026 Veterans Tribute Pickleball Social. We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity and support of his daughter, Chris Kelley Cimko, whose sponsorship helps make this meaningful event possible while continuing her father’s lifelong commitment to serving others.

This special event supports local veterans and reflects the values General Kelley carried throughout his distinguished military and civilian career: leadership, service, integrity, and dedication to country and community.

General Kelley served as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1983 until his retirement in 1987. Subsequently, he served three Presidents as Chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission, where he was responsible for the legislation, construction, and dedication of the National World War II Memorial.

As Commandant, General Kelley was responsible for the preparation and oversight of the Marine Corps’ budget and the training and equipping of more than 200,000 Marines serving across the globe. Prior to his nomination to the position of Assistant Commandant in 1981, the President appointed him to serve as the first Commander of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, a role in which he spearheaded the effort that culminated in its redesignation as the U.S. Central Command.

In the private sector, General Kelley served on ten New York Stock Exchange boards and twelve additional private corporate boards. He was a member of the Board of Advisors for J.F. Lehman and Company, and a Director of Saul Centers, Inc. and The Non Proliferation Trust. He also served on the Advisory Board of Governors for the Partnership for Public Service, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Advisory Board of the First Jobs Institute, Beta Gamma Sigma, and was President of the prestigious Alfalfa Club.

General Kelley held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Villanova University and was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air War College. He received honorary doctoral degrees from his alma mater, Norwich University, Webster University, Jacksonville University, The United States Sports Academy, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

General Kelley was also an accomplished athlete. He played football in high school and college, was a Master Parachutist, a long-distance swimmer, and an avid handball player. Had he lived to see the rise of pickleball, there is little doubt he would have enjoyed the competition and camaraderie found on the court.

General Kelley was married to the former Barbara Adams of Fall River, Massachusetts, and was the beloved father of Chris Kelley Cimko and father-in-law of John Cimko of Duck, North Carolina.

Interfaith Community Outreach sincerely thanks Chris Kelley Cimko for her generous sponsorship of this year’s Veterans Tribute Pickleball Social. Her continued support honors her father’s extraordinary legacy and helps ensure his commitment to service lives on through direct support for veterans in our community.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating and continuing this legacy of service while supporting the men and women who have served our nation with honor.

Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO) recognizes Connie Zhao, a junior at Manteo High School, for her service as a student intern.
Connie joined ICO with a desire to not only fulfill her volunteer hours, but to use her time in a meaningful way by supporting individuals and families facing temporary crises. During her internship, she has assisted with a variety of day-to-day responsibilities, including managing mail, organizing and maintaining files, preparing deposits, and entering volunteer information into the system.

Through this work, Connie has contributed to the organization’s daily operations while also developing strong organizational and professional skills. In a short time, she has become a dependable part of the team, known for her attention to detail and positive attitude.

Reflecting on her experience, Connie shared, “Overall, I’m very glad I chose to volunteer at Interfaith Community Outreach. It has been a really fun learning process for me. I am excited to continue with this process and play a small part in supporting this extraordinary nonprofit organization.”

ICO appreciates Connie’s time and the contribution she has made in support of its mission.

If you are interested in donating, volunteering or if you need help, please contact ICO at (252) 480-0070 or go to our website www.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

Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO) is grateful to announce a generous $500 donation presented by Nick D’Amato and Mike Mueller of Knights of Columbus Council 8759. This contribution will help ICO continue its mission of providing essential support and services to families in need throughout Dare and Currituck counties.

“We are incredibly thankful for the Knights of Columbus for their continued support,” said Jenniffer Albanese, Executive Director of ICO. “Every donation helps us meet immediate needs and make a lasting impact in the lives of local residents.”

Interfaith Community Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through a network of programs that address urgent needs. ICO provides direct services including emergency assistance, veteran support, mental health outreach, cancer support, disaster relief, and home rehabilitation. By collaborating with local agencies, faith partners, and volunteers, ICO ensures families receive timely, compassionate, and practical support when they need it most.

The Knights of Columbus has a long-standing tradition of supporting community initiatives, and this donation exemplifies their commitment to charitable outreach and local service.

For more information about Interfaith Community Outreach and ways to support its programs, please visit www.interfaithoutreach.com.

Contact:
Jenniffer Albanese, Executive Director
Interfaith Community Outreach, Inc.
PO Box 1663 – 115 Mustian Street
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
252-480-0070 phone
252-261-6342 fax

Interfaith Community Outreach was excited to take part in the Currituck Annual Senior Health & Wellness Day yesterday!

Outreach Coordinator Lindsey Kee and volunteer Linda Chisman (pictured) enjoyed connecting with community members and sharing information about the many resources ICO offers including emergency outreach, veterans support, and cancer outreach.

A program we’re especially proud to highlight is EnergyShare. ICO administers the EnergyShare funds for Currituck County, providing emergency heating assistance to residents facing financial hardship. Through this program, we help local families stay warm and safe during the cold winter months ensuring comfort and security when it’s needed most.

The event also featured flu shots, local vendors, and helpful information on health, financial, and community services.

It was a wonderful day of learning, connection, and community care!

About Interfaith Community Outreach:

Interfaith Community Outreach (ICO) serves Dare and Currituck Counties by providing compassionate assistance to individuals and families facing temporary crises. Through partnerships, community support, and emergency programs, ICO bridges the gap for those in need — offering hope and help when it matters most. If you are interested in donating, volunteering or if you need help, please contact ICO at (252) 480-0070 or go to our website www.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