Question 1

Why would the Church collaborate with child serving organizations?

Accepted Answer

Child serving organizations, such as social services, schools, dropins, nonprofits, are already working with children and families in the community. They have expertise and a needed role in child/family's life, but they also have limitations in resources and community connections to keep up with the growing demands they face.   Due to privacy laws and isolation, the children and families who need unique timely support the most are often unknown to churches. Yet when collaborating wisely with child serving organizations, churches are eager to jump into action when they see a need has been brought to their attention.    CareImpact takes a strength based approach when working with communities, finding opportunities and connections where churches can add value by coordinating responses rather than initiate projects in isolation. Besides, let's avoid service duplication and assuming people want another frozen turkey ;)   We could tell you countless stories of amazing relationships formed by very diverse organizations and churches. We actually don't need to agree on much, but we all are unified in working for the child's best interest.

Question 2

Why would secular organizations/government work with the Church?

Accepted Answer

That's a great question. And to be honest, it's very natural for an organization to initially look at us like we have three heads when we start the conversation. There is mutual fear for many of organizations, as there is with most churches, to consider collaboration. We get it.   But here's the thing - we all can't afford to NOT work together. Children and families are in crisis, so we might as well get along. CareImpact's sweetspot is creating common understanding, translating between Christianese and Social Service lingo, and inviting everyone to build bridges for the sake of children.   Churches offer a wealth of skills, resources, connections, ecosystems like small groups and volunteer teams already positioned to help others.    Before churches are invited to the table in a new community, there is usually a lot of ground work being done by our team to support a positive experience for everyone involved.    In contrast to a Church and State approach, we are urging churches to live out their faith in action but take on a humble learning posture as we navigate how to do so with integrity and respect.    And for the record, in many regions we are having more agencies ask to get involved than churches ready to serve.

Question 3

How can I get my church / agency / organization involved?

Accepted Answer

Whether you are in a community already active with us or not, fill out the "We Care" form on our website. It let's us know who you are so we can explore your particular process together.   If we are already in your community, the process can take on a very practical strategic path.   If we are not in your community yet but you have vision to see something like this, you can still benefit from our Academy training events and we can look at next steps. While we are mindful to pace our growth wisely, all our newer communities were activated because there were people in those areas eager to make it happen.

Question 4

Why target the Church?

Accepted Answer

While it takes a whole village to raise a child, CareImpact strategically focuses on connecting and equipping local churches to journey with children and families in hard places. The broader community is welcome to collaborate in resourcing ongoing needs, but we're really focused on the Church.   Why? The reason may be different than many think.  1) The Church is called to care, so we are inviting them to put their faith and biblical values into action. 2) The Church is often absent at the table, so we are intentional about building uncommon healthy bridges so that they can support where needed.  3) The Church needs to pursue reconciliation in community, particularly with Indigenous children and families who are experiencing hardship due to generational harm done by the Church. 4) It makes good business sense! There are churches in nearly every neighbourhood across Canada. Imagine if every one of them were connected and equipped to journey well with children and families in hard places.

Question 5

How is the technology funded?

Accepted Answer

The developers of CarePortal (GO Project, a USA nonprofit) have been extremely generous in making it possible for CareImpact to operate the technology in Canada.   We also seek to operate generously with churches and organizations to not make finances a barrier to serving more children and families.    When enrolling, churches and agencies are invited to give monthly or annually, but we rely on the generosity of Canadians to operate so we can reduce the burden on participating churches and organizations.

Question 6

Can churches enter their own requests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CarePortal technology has a Church Entered Needs feature, allowing vetted needs within the congregation or broader community to be shared efficiently. This may be particularly helpful for under-resourced urban churches, who already have strong connections with those in need, to benefit from the collaboration of suburban churches. The local church is still at the point of care.

Question 7

Who can be a requesting agency?

Accepted Answer

CarePortal technology is ideal for child serving organizations who are recognized primary contacts with at-risk children and families (in Prevention, Reunification, Foster/Kinship Care, Permanency, Aging out Youth) and are seeking community to supplement their role in supporting the child/family.   There are 11 purpose statements that guide what types of requests can be submitted, always to enhance the outcomes of the child/family. The amount of requests able to be submitted increases as more churches and community responders enroll.

Question 8

Is CarePortal safe to use? What about confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

ONLY non-confidential & non-identifiable information is shared on CarePortal; no names, addresses or private information. A detailed compelling description of the need along with ages of the children impacted is typically what is shared on a request. This helps community put care for the child/family at the centre, not a cause or program. Recipients consent to receive community involvement and it is monitored and guided by the worker submitting the request.   Approved church responders often are invited to be in direct contact with the family. CareImpact provides training and guidelines for churches for healthy community connections.

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