BattleCreek Church in Tulsa has consistently worked to meet family needs through CarePortal. Matt and Tina are members of BattleCreek who have met the needs of several families this year. They are excited to see the ways that CarePortal allowed the church to meet needs in their community. “We believe the local church should be the greatest source of help to folks in our community – physically and spiritually,” Matt emphasized.

This year, they have already helped several families, including a foster family needing help with an electric bill. Matt and Tina said they love helping families reunite and stay together. They know that keeping up with utility bills is a huge factor for many foster and biological families. For this reason, electric, gas, and other bills are frequently posted needs on CarePortal. However, because of the cost and lack of personal connection, they often go unmet. Matt explained why they help with this kind of need, “We know that once a family starts to fall behind on bills, for whatever reason, it can be difficult to catch up, and hopelessness can sometimes snowball from there.” Matt and Tina want families in their community to feel supported and loved. They hope it is encouraging for both families and the DHS case workers “to know how many people care and want to be part of their client’s success.”

Matt and Tina have been encouraged by the participation of other BattleCreek Church members. “I couldn’t recommend CarePortal enough to other churches who are considering participation.” Matt and Tina’s pastor encouraged church members to serve and build relationships with families through CarePortal and by doing so be a light to those around them. Through connections with CarePortal, church members can directly access and provide for their community members. At BattleCreek, many members are able to provide for requests in CarePortal individually as well as coming together as a group, Community Group, and church to fill requests. “Everyone talks about a win-win situation, but this is definitely that,” Matt says. Matt and Tina understand the positive impact these kinds of connections can have within a community. “Not every story will be a success story, but that’s not what Jesus calls us to.” Matt explains, “[CarePortal] is an opportunity to love our neighbors in a practical way, whether it’s a utility bill, a crib, or bus passes to get someone to their job. At the center of all this are kids who need to see God’s love and that he cares about them specifically.”