1946 - 2026

80 Years of Community Care

Celebrating eight decades of putting faith in action and building pathways to community care.

80 Years of Community Care

Since 1946, we've been putting faith in action and building community compassion through chaplaincy services, fighting food insecurity, and connecting our neighbors to resources.

Founded as the Attleboro Area Council of Churches in 1946, our organization began connecting faith groups with community care work through the establishment of a chaplaincy program at Sturdy Memorial Hospital. From there, the organization expanded to fighting food insecurity, providing resources to people experiencing homelessness, building relationships between local houses of worship and social services, and more.

1956 Planning Committee gathering
1956 Laymen's Breakfast - Early community gatherings

In 2017, the organization changed its name to the Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative to foster connection and understanding across people of many faiths and backgrounds.

Today, our work continues through our three core programs: Food n' Friends, fighting food insecurity in collaboration with local partners; Interfaith Chaplaincy, providing interfaith spiritual care at Sturdy Memorial Hospital and fostering connections between houses of worship; and Resource Junction, offering pathways to stability through referrals, rides, IDs, and more.

AAIC volunteers serving the community today
Today's volunteers continuing the mission

For 80 years, we've created pathways for communities to put their faith and values into action. Help support our next decade providing a healthy, secure, and meaningful life for all.

Our Journey

Eight decades of service, compassion, and community care

1946

A Vision Takes Root

Local faith leaders came together to serve the most vulnerable in our community. From these humble beginnings, a movement of compassion was born.

Historic photo from AAIC archives
1950s

Building Community Connections

Laymen's breakfasts and planning committees brought together faith leaders from across the Attleboro area. These early gatherings laid the foundation for decades of collaborative service.

1956 Laymen's Breakfast gathering
1960s

Interfaith Collaboration Takes Shape

Our 1968 church directory reflects a deep commitment to inclusion—welcoming diverse religious institutions into a shared mission of community care. Clothing drives and charitable programs expanded our reach.

1968 Church Directory
1970s

New Voices, Global Vision

Church women stepped into leadership roles, bringing fresh perspective to our mission. The Week of Concern for World Hunger launched our CROP walk tradition—extending compassion beyond our community to address hunger worldwide.

Church women installing officers, 1976
1980s

United in Song

Nearly 140 voices from different churches across the Attleboro area joined together in song—a powerful expression of unity and shared faith in action.

Community choir gathering
1989

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy

Reverend Theodore Lockhart of Centenary United Methodist Church delivered a sermon celebrating the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—deepening our commitment to justice and inclusive leadership.

Reverend Theodore Lockhart, 1989
1998

Food 'n Friends Grows Strong

Volunteer coordinator Marguerite Burt celebrates Food 'n Friends' 12th anniversary. What began as a simple idea had become a cornerstone program and lifeline for our community.

Food 'n Friends 12th anniversary celebration, 1998
2000s

Adapting to New Challenges

Youth engagement initiatives and expanded chaplaincy services met emerging community needs. Our interfaith approach continued to strengthen connections and deepen impact.

Community worship gathering
2010s

HUNGER to HOPE Begins

The annual HUNGER to HOPE fundraiser brought our community together in powerful new ways—raising critical funds and awareness for those experiencing food insecurity.

Scripture workshop
2026

80 Years Strong

Today, AAIC serves thousands of individuals and families annually. As we celebrate this milestone, we recommit to our founding vision: building community compassion and pathways to hope.

After 80 years of service, help shape what comes next

See How to Help

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Help carry AAIC's mission into 2026 and beyond

Community sponsorship program

Join Our Community Sponsorship Program

A monthly sponsorship opportunity for businesses, civic groups, and congregations to support local meals.

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Volunteers working together

Volunteer with Us

Our organization is fueled by 150+ monthly volunteers. Connect with us to learn about volunteer opportunities!

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