About Caring Hands
Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners that mobilizes eastern Polk County for compassionate service toward our neighbors.
​Caring Hands carries out its ministry
according to our core values.
01
Everyone Matters
(Luke 15:3-7)
Jesus models for us relentless love without labels or borders. We desire to give that same kind of love to everyone we encounter.
​
02
Everyone has a part to play.
(1 Corinthians 12:27)
God gives everyone gifts to serve others; we are better when we work together. We desire to mobilize as many community members as possible to serve their neighbors.
03
It’s all about Jesus
(John 6:35)
Jesus is the reason Caring Hands exists. He is the hope for the hurting, the bread of life for the hungry, and our motive in serving. We desire to point people to Jesus in all that we do.
History
In 1995, Caring Hands Outreach Center began as Matthew 25 Ministries, an outreach of Adventure Life Church. We provided boxes of food to local families struggling to feed their families. In the first month, we served 14 families and were astounded by the need in our community.
As the number of families we served increased, other local churches began volunteering their time and resources. In 2003, this coalition of churches formed Caring Hands Outreach Center to serve the entire Southeast Polk community.
Since then, our programs and locations have changed, but our mission has not. Our neighbors require more than just food. Cyclical poverty affects access to the many support services that are available in our community. We respect the whole person and choose to walk beside them as they navigate life's challenges.
Our Team
Church Partners
Adventure Life Church
Altoona Christian Church
Altoona Methodist
Altoona Regular Baptist Church
Berean Assembly of God Church
Bondurant Christian Church
Bondurant Cross Point New Church
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Evangel Chapel Foursquare Church
Federated Church
Ivy Centennial Methodist church
Lutheran Church of the Cross
Oakwood United Methodist Church
Prairie City United Methodist Church
Radiant Church
Rising Sun Church
Rising Sun Church of Christ
Runnells Christian Church
Saints John and Paul Catholic Church
Santiago United Methodist Church
Southeast Polk Family Church
Trinity on Fifth
Walnut Creek Church
Woodland Hills Church of Christ
New Life Church
Donors
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Green State Credit Union
Cargill
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Hy-Vee
Altoona Lion's Club
Bank Iowa
Casey's General Store
Fareway
Kiwanis
Kyle Savage
Between the Edges Lawncare
Testimonials
We love hearing the stories of those who have been positively impacted by our ministry!
Christian A
While I was on disability and short on food, Caring Hands provided me with help several times when I needed it.
Hannah S
Caring Hands helped me when I needed food to make it through payday.
Sarah B
When I was short on food and money, I went to Caring Hands, and they were such a blessing to me.
