CareNetworkCR

CareNetworkCR We honor Jesus Christ by helping churches meet the needs of our community.

"When callers complete intake interviews with us, we sometimes get glimpses into their stories of origin. It reminds us ...
06/24/2026

"When callers complete intake interviews with us, we sometimes get glimpses into their stories of origin. It reminds us that we are all in the same struggle to overcome pain of some kind and to grow to become "good-enough" parents.

God, please forgive us when we fail, and help us not become discouraged in well-doing, but to continue to fight the good fight toward healing and growth. We acknowledge where we failed, and we continue to try to do better, trusting that You will make all things right. Amen.

Some callers never had a positive male in their life at all. Thank you to the men who made sure they were there for the kids in their life.

Some callers' fathers were not kind to children or their mothers. Thank you to the fathers who were tender and loving, figuring out how to express their thoughts and to discipline in a healthy way.

Some callers are really grateful for their step-dads, who took over where bio dads failed, and especially to those who protected us from the misplaced anger of others.

Some of our callers are grandpas whose fixed income is stretched thin as they step in to care for or raise their grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren.

Some callers end up talking with a financial advisor and making arrangements that will provide for their special-needs adult child after they are gone. Thank you to the men who work hard to provide what we need and cannot provide for ourselves.

Some callers are having a hard time right now because they are caring for their dads and step-dads who need support in their later years.

Some callers really struggle with depression and budget challenges, especially after their fathers died awhile back. Thank you to the fathers who protected us, and especially to those who refrained from protecting us too much.

We are grateful to all the men who showed up and did what they could to lay a firm foundation for us to build our own lives on." - Care Connection Center Team Member

A Personal Message from the Executive Director

Many of the callers we serve carry wounds connected to fatherhood. Some were abandoned. Some experienced abuse. Some never knew their fathers. Others were blessed by fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, mentors, and men who faithfully chose to invest in the next generation.

The reality is that no father gets everything right. But healthy fathers understand that parenting is not about perfection; it is about faithful presence, humility with a willingness to learn and ask questions, growth that includes breaking generational curses, and dependence upon God.

The good news of the Gospel is that God meets us in our weakness and continues His work of restoration. He is the best Father and models Fatherhood perfectly.

Scripture reminds fathers of both their responsibility and their opportunity:

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." — Ephesians 6:4

"The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." — Proverbs 20:7

To every father, grandfather, stepfather, mentor, coach, pastor, and father figure: thank you. Your presence matters more than you may realize. Your words matter. Your example matters. Your faithfulness matters.

If there is one encouragement I would offer today, it is this: continue showing up. Continue learning. Continue asking forgiveness when needed. Continue seeking God's wisdom. Continue investing in your family. Continue building relationships that reflect Christ's love.

The mission of CareNetworkCR ESL School is to honor Christ by providing a ministry that uses the teaching of English as ...
06/23/2026

The mission of CareNetworkCR ESL School is to honor Christ by providing a ministry that uses the teaching of English as the starting point for building relationships and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both Word and Deed.

OPEN STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS NOW HAPPENING for the 2025-2026 ESL SCHOOL YEAR

Last year, together we celebrated:
✅ Over 100 students enrolled
✅ Students representing 20 countries
✅ 14 heart languages spoken
✅ 11 partner churches engaged
✅ 80 incredible volunteers serving faithfully

And this year, we're growing!

NEW HOST SITE ANNOUNCEMENT

📍 Antioch Stoney Point
Starting September 1
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM – Noon

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Do you love Jesus and speak English?

That's where it starts.

You do NOT need teaching experience. You do NOT need to know another language. We provide the curriculum, training, coaching, and support you need to succeed.

Ready to serve?

STEP 1:
Attend an Informational Workshop
STEP 2:
Complete a Volunteer Application
STEP 3:
Register for ESL Volunteer Training
August 14-15

For next steps: visit our website https://www.carenetworkcr.org/eslschool

Whether you're looking to teach, welcome students, provide childcare, serve hospitality, or support administration, there is a place for you on the team.

🌎 Help us welcome the nations.
📖 Share the love of Christ.
🤝 Build relationships that change lives.

Student Registration Open Now!
Volunteer Applications Open Now!

We have an exciting role at Hidden Gems available- are you mission- minded and enjoy seeing churches work together to me...
06/19/2026

We have an exciting role at Hidden Gems available- are you mission- minded and enjoy seeing churches work together to meet needs in our community? If so, check out our Hidden Gems Manager role.

Hidden Gems is hiring a Store Manager! 💎

As Hidden Gems prepares for an upcoming leadership transition, we are looking for an enthusiastic, mission-minded individual to join our team as Store Manager.

Our current manager will be transitioning into a new role with CareNetworkCR following the arrival of her baby this fall, creating an exciting opportunity for someone to step into this important position.

If you have a passion for people, enjoy leading volunteers, and want to be part of a ministry that serves our community, we'd love to hear from you!

Visit our website for more information and to apply: hiddengemscr.shop

Thank you to Calvary Baptist for supporting Hidden Gems and CareNetworkCR! We love our partner churches supporting our c...
06/16/2026

Thank you to Calvary Baptist for supporting Hidden Gems and CareNetworkCR!

We love our partner churches supporting our community!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

🌞🎉 Volunteers, this celebration is for YOU! 🎉🌞Every phone call answered.Every family encouraged.Every ESL class taught.E...
06/08/2026

🌞🎉 Volunteers, this celebration is for YOU! 🎉🌞

Every phone call answered.
Every family encouraged.
Every ESL class taught.
Every donation sorted.
Every prayer lifted.
Every hour served behind the scenes.

Because of YOU, lives across Cedar Rapids are being impacted through the ministry of CareNetworkCR. ❤️

Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, laughter, and appreciation at our Summer Volunteer Celebration!

📅 Monday, June 22
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Morgan Creek Park

🍔 Grilled hamburgers & hotdogs provided by CareNetworkCR
🌳 Shelter house with park nearby for families
👨‍👩‍👧 Spouses and children are welcome!

Whether you serve through:
✨ ESL School
✨ Care Connection Center
✨ Hidden Gems
✨ Board Leadership
✨ Event & Development Committees
✨ Prayer & Support Teams

—we want to celebrate ALL God is doing through this volunteer community together.

Come connect with fellow volunteers, share stories, build friendships, and celebrate the impact being made through churches helping people with compassion, dignity, and hope.

Please RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWkAjKeNdjRWqNx-Rj5BiAt5lIw-b7krMcIiUSRUG_cYkIXw/viewform?usp=preview

The mission of CareNetworkCR ESL School is to honor Christ by providing a ministry that uses the teaching of English as ...
06/08/2026

The mission of CareNetworkCR ESL School is to honor Christ by providing a ministry that uses the teaching of English as the starting point for building relationships and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both Word and Deed.

CARENETWORKCR ESL SCHOOL RECRUITMENT SEASON IS HERE!

The nations are in our neighborhoods, and God is opening doors for us to welcome, serve, and disciple people from around the world right here in Eastern Iowa.

OPEN STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS NOW HAPPENING for the 2025-2026 ESL School year!

Last year, together we celebrated:
✅ Over 100 students enrolled
✅ Students representing 20 countries
✅ 14 heart languages spoken
✅ 11 partner churches engaged
✅ 80 incredible volunteers serving faithfully

And this year, we're growing!

NEW HOST SITE ANNOUNCEMENT

📍 Antioch Stoney Point
Starting September 1
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM – Noon

Current ESL School Locations:

📍 Veritas Church
Tuesdays | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
✔ Childcare Available

📍 New City Church
Thursdays | 10:00 AM – Noon
Thursdays | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
✔ Childcare Available

VOLUNTEER TEACHERS NEEDED!

Do you love Jesus and speak English?

That's where it starts.

You do NOT need teaching experience. You do NOT need to know another language. We provide the curriculum, training, coaching, and support you need to succeed.

Our ESL School is about more than language learning. It's about building relationships, creating belonging, sharing hope, and walking alongside our neighbors as they flourish.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another."
1 Peter 4:10

At CareNetworkCR, we believe in the principles of healthy helping. ESL School creates opportunities for mutual transformation as volunteers and students learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships together.

Ready to serve?

STEP 1:
Attend an Informational Workshop

STEP 2:
Complete a Volunteer Application

STEP 3:
Register for ESL Volunteer Training
August 14-15

Whether you're looking to teach, welcome students, provide childcare, serve hospitality, or support administration, there is a place for you on the team.

🌎 Help us welcome the nations.
📖 Share the love of Christ.
🤝 Build relationships that change lives.

Student Registration Open Now! https://www.carenetworkcr.org/learnenglish
Volunteer Recruitment Open Now! https://www.carenetworkcr.org/eslschool

✨ Volunteer Spotlight: The Heart Behind the Calls ✨Meet Kenny and learn why he serves in the Care Connection Center! Eve...
06/06/2026

✨ Volunteer Spotlight: The Heart Behind the Calls ✨

Meet Kenny and learn why he serves in the Care Connection Center!

Every phone call into the Care Connection Center represents a real person, a real family, and a real need. Our volunteers are often the very first voice of hope someone hears during a difficult season. 💙

From listening with compassion to connecting neighbors with verified resources, our call line representatives and admin volunteers help churches care for people with dignity, wisdom, and relationship-centered support.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” — 1 Peter 4:10

At CareNetworkCR, we believe healthy helping means walking alongside people—not creating dependency, but empowering sustainable pathways forward. Inspired by Chalmers Center principles, we seek to restore relationships, build community connections, and help people flourish with dignity and hope.

☀️ Have extra time off this summer?
Serve where your passions are.

Seasonal volunteers are welcome, and there are meaningful opportunities for:
📞 Call Line Representatives
🗂️ Administrative Support and Event Planning
🤝 Hospitality & Care Coordination

These roles support one of the most vital parts of our mission — the Care Connection Center.

Want to learn more?

Join one of our Volunteer Informational Workshops:
📅 June 9th | 9:30–10:30 AM
📅 June 10th | 1:00–2:00 PM

Learn about:
✨ Ways We Care
✨ Our Mission & Community Impact
✨ Volunteer Opportunities

Come discover how God can use your gifts to serve others this summer. 💛

RSVP today through the volunteer link!

https://www.carenetworkcr.org/booking-calendar/informational-workshop?referral=service_list_widget

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxdztzq3oBQ&t=3s

Kenny volunteers both at the Care Connection Center and at one of o...

Want to join the mission of CareNetworkCR? Here’s an amazing opportunity…
06/05/2026

Want to join the mission of CareNetworkCR? Here’s an amazing opportunity…

Hidden Gems is hiring a Store Manager! 💎

As Hidden Gems prepares for an upcoming leadership transition, we are looking for an enthusiastic, mission-minded individual to join our team as Store Manager.

Our current manager will be transitioning into a new role with CareNetworkCR following the arrival of her baby this fall, creating an exciting opportunity for someone to step into this important position.

If you have a passion for people, enjoy leading volunteers, and want to be part of a ministry that serves our community, we'd love to hear from you!

Visit our website for more information and to apply: hiddengemscr.shop

Please meet Andrea and learn why she chooses to serve in the mission of CareNetworkCR.
06/03/2026

Please meet Andrea and learn why she chooses to serve in the mission of CareNetworkCR.

Address

PO Box 11333
Cedar Rapids, IA
52410

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+13193780337

Alerts

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