Who We Are
About Us
Caring Hands Outreach Center is a community-based organization dedicated to serving the needs of our neighbors in eastern Polk County. We partner with local Christian churches and community groups to provide essential services, including a food pantry in Altoona. Our thrift store, also located in Altoona, helps support the food pantry through its sales.
We know that people have different seasons in life. Sometimes, you need someone to come alongside you and walk through a difficult season. Later, you are in a position to donate your time, talent, or treasure to those who need a helping hand. Wherever you are in your journey, explore the different opportunities available through Caring Hands for building relationships within our community.
Caring Hands carries out its ministry according to our core values.
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.
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.
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.
Our 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.
Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners that mobilizes eastern Polk County for compassionate service toward our neighbors.
Our Team
Jodi Urich
CEO
Craig Perry
Chairperson
Sherrie Gibson
Office Manager
Shelley Herrin
Treasurer
Nathan Anenson
Board Member
Deb Stearns
Board Member
Larry OConner
Board MemberCommunity Partners
Our Donors
