About Us
Community Care began in 2013 when several area pastors saw the need for better benevolence help, and connecting people to community resources. The vision for Community Care was shared with area pastors, many churches embraced it and began sending funds along with people to serve, and people in need. A building in the downtown Bluffton area was acquired through strategic partnerships of office space with Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army. The journey began for the organization by serving families who were in need of assistance in their daily lives, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to hurting people.
Mission: The Mission of Community Care of Northeast IN is to offer practical, emotional, and spiritual support to women, men, and children who are seeking assistance with difficulties in their daily lives.
Vision: Community Care will help hurting people by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed as we connect people with Relief, Rehabilitation, and Development, which glorifies God.
Community Care of NE IN is the 501(c)(3) charitable umbrella organization for three programs:
There are currently over 40 churches, 100+ businesses/organizations, and 100+ individuals partnering with us in various roles from Funding, Volunteers, Prayer, and Board Members.
We currently need funding and volunteers for mentoring, administration, teaching classes, cooking classes, intake interviews, receptionists, prayer warriors, and thrift store workers.
All donations (money, stocks, trusts, furniture, appliances, household items) are tax deductible.
Our History
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2012
- Recognizing Community Needs: A need for benevolence assistance became evident in the community.
- Laying the Foundation: Efforts were initiated to connect people with resources and support personal development.
- Vision for Community Care: Plans were laid for the establishment of Community Care of Wells County.
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2013
- Foundation of Community Care: Three ministers founded Community Care of Wells County.
- Initial Services: The organization began connecting people to appropriate resources and providing classes at 116 South Johnson Street.
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2014
- Housing Acquisition: Two apartments were acquired to support the development of transitional housing programs.
- Launch of Transitional Housing: Community Care initiated its transitional housing services.
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2015
- Housing Expansion: A third apartment was acquired to expand housing capacity.
- Launch of Change Up Thrift Store: The Change Up Thrift Store was launched to generate revenue and support the organization’s mission.
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2016
- Staffing and Leadership: A part-time bookkeeper and Executive Director were hired to strengthen the organization.
- Board Expansion: The board of directors was expanded to enhance leadership and oversight.
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2017
- Brand Development: Four common, identifiable logos were created, and the organization launched its official website.
- Building Acquisition & Expansion: Community Care acquired A Friend’s House building (1001 Clark Ave) and expanded Grace & Mercy Transitional Housing to include separate housing for men and women/children.
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2018
- Launch of Grace & Mercy: Community Care opened Grace & Mercy Transitional Housing, providing shelter and support for women and children.
- Witnessing Transformation: The organization witnessed lives being touched and transformed through the Grace & Mercy program.
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2019
- Grace & Mercy Milestone: The first woman successfully graduated from the Grace & Mercy program.
- Thrift Store Relocation: Change Up Thrift Store relocated to a downtown location.
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2020
- Navigating the Pandemic: Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Care continued to serve the community.
- Blessings at Grace & Mercy: Two babies were born to women residing at Grace & Mercy.
- Transformational Impact: Four women experienced the transformative power of baptism.
- Thrift Store Growth: Sales at Change Up continued to improve.
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2021
- Grace & Mercy Expansion: Construction projects continued, paving the way for increased resident capacity.
- Record Occupancy: Grace & Mercy reached a record occupancy of nine women and thirteen children.
- Growing Community Support: Community support for the organization continued to expand.
- Leadership Changes: A new Executive Director and Operations Manager were appointed.
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2022
- Rebranding: Expanded roles necessitated new names and logos. Community Care of Northeast Indiana was established.
- Thrift Store Expansion: Change Up was renamed Community Thrift and relocated to a larger, improved location.
- Resource Center Relocation: The Connecting Center was renamed the Resource Center and moved next door to Community Thrift for enhanced community service.
- Thrift Store Leadership: New Thrift Store Manager and Assistant Manager positions were filled.
- Man Up Program Closure: The Man Up program was temporarily suspended.
- Grace & Mercy Expansion: Construction was completed on the back of the building, adding two new resident rooms, two bathrooms, a children’s playroom, and an arts & crafts room.
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2023
- Grace & Mercy Expansion: Grace & Mercy expanded its capacity with the completion of a new 33-bed facility in the back wing.
- Hannah’s House Launch: Community Care opened Hannah’s House, a 3-6 month recovery program for women, on October 23rd.
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2024
- Resource Center Closure and Thrift Store Expansion: The downtown Resource Center closed, and its space was repurposed to expand the Thrift Store, adding a new Boutique section.
- Corporate Office Relocation: The Corporate Office relocated back to Grace & Mercy from its previous location on Wabash Street.