9/8/25, 5:00 PM

In Central Iowa, 35% of working families can’t cover basic living expenses, even with full-time jobs.

Although the poverty rate hovers around 11%—the reality goes deeper: 37% of households fall below the ALICE threshold—employed yet financially overwhelmed. In Central Iowa, 35% of working families can’t cover basic living expenses, even with full-time jobs. Simultaneously, proposed federal budget changes services: cuts to Medicaid and funding, impacting nonprofits across the state.

The Care Connection Center is receiving more calls than ever—each caller navigating a web of:

• Financial insecurity
• Physical and emotional hardship
• Spiritual longing—a deeper need for belonging, meaning, and hope

Our neighbors are encountering darkness and burdens. As the Body of Jesus, we are called to be Light - being a place of refuge while addressing needs - known and underlying- and introducing people to the One who can meet their deepest longing.

Following the Chalmers Center model, our volunteers don’t offer quick fixes—they walk alongside and point to Jesus and His Body for connection and ongoing relationship. Our volunteers

• Listen empathetically
• Respond practically with resources and referrals
• Bear witness through a gentle invitation toward Christ’s light and community

We’re not just meeting needs—we’re restoring trust, relationships, and spiritual hope.

Invitation to Action & Discipleship

1. Pray – Ask God to illuminate hearts: “Lord, shine Your light in the darkness of our neighbors’ struggles. May they feel their need for You—the Light of the world.”

2. Give – Your support helps us sustain services that address both material and spiritual needs.

3. Volunteer – Be the voice that responds. Be a bridge from despair to hope. Use your time to listen, to share, to guide another toward Jesus.

4. Disciple – Train and empower others to serve with wisdom, compassion, and spiritual sensitivity.

Heavenly Father, We lift to You the growing number of neighbors in Iowa grappling with financial, physical, and spiritual crises. In a time of cutbacks, uncertainty, and broken systems, bring them into Your light. Let them come to see their need—not only for basic provision, but for You, the source of lasting hope. Equip us to walk alongside them in truth and love. Raise up volunteers and donors who embody the fruit of Your Spirit, who bring light into darkness, one compassionate, illuminated step at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.