C.A.R.E. Resources

This program was developed by the community members themselves. We often receive telephone calls and e-mails inquiring about our community and community life. Those who live here thought this program would be a wonderful opportunity for people outside the community to have a part in the blessings of community. We have numerous survivors who need intensive counseling, help with groceries, rent, dental assistance, etc. The people who live in our community continue to suffer with dissociation, major depression, programming, fear, anxiety disorders and a variety of other symptoms which make it difficult for them to work a full time job. Most of the community members work at CARE Packaging or in some aspect of C.A.R.E. ministry.
A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. "Look after him," he said, "and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have." Luke 10:30-36
Each member who comes to community has been through a lifetime of abuse. They come for healing, relationships, a sense of family, and to be an integral part of the Body of Christ. Often many have lost their family, their income, their health, and their ability to provide for themselves through work. This makes them feel like they have no purpose in life. They feel like the world is rejecting them by not believing their history. They feel like the church is rejecting them and that God, Himself is rejecting them because of their past. God has gifted each individual with extraordinary talents and desire to use those talents to serve Him. Truly they are a gift to us at C.A.R.E. because we could not run our organization without them. They give and give and expect very little in return except time and friendship. Their ideas are innovative and their excitement is what motivates us to consider such projects.
If you are reading this website, I would challenge you to pray and see if God would not have you participate in this very important year-long project of friendship. You have an opportunity to meet a fine human being and participate in their healing through developing a friendship that will deeply impact you and our community member. Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. (Isaiah 58:6-12) With your adoption of one of our community members you will receive the following: A present photo of the community member whom you have adopted, along with a photo of them when they were younger (if they have one available). This allows each of us to understand how old this person was when the abuse started or was occurring and to remember that there is a little girl or boy within each of them who needs to be loved. The Community Member’s Information Sheet, with information like: How Has C.A.R.E., Inc. challenged you? How many years have you been in community? How has community helped you in your growth? How has your relationship with God changed? What are your goals? These are a Few of My Favorite Things, an information sheet about the Community Member’s favorites: Favorite kind of cookie. Favorite book. Favorite holiday Favorite Bible character The Community Member’s Testimony The Community Member’s Needs (Financially and Prayerful) which include: Counseling Costs Housing; Rent and Utilities Transportation; Car payment and insurance A Community Calendar, featuring the community member you’ve adopted A year’s subscription of our C.A.R.E. Community Newsletter, which is written and published exclusively by our community members. This publication includes annual articles on our women’s bible studies, community events, recommended reading, community member’s personal bible studies, and prayer requests regarding our community. Monthly updates written by the community member updating you on their life in community, their goals and prayer requests. You will also have the opportunity to exchange letters or emails if you wish, What will you gain? You will gain a wonderful friend who will be a blessing from the Lord. He promises in Isaiah 58: “if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” If you have wondered how to help, won't you consider a monetary gift to support one of our community members? Please note on your check "Adopt-A-Survivor" so that you can receive a tax deduction. Please contact our office by phone (231-745-0500) or email (care1@triton.net) if you would like more information. Thank you for your support of our C.A.R.E. Community.
Questions
May I send gifts/letters to the community member I adopt? That will be left up to the community member. We would encourage you to inquire as to what they feel is appropriate and what they would like. We would encourage you and your adopted community member to converse by letter or e-mail as often as you both choose. May I come and visit the community member I adopt? Again, that will be left up to the community member. These are the type of questions that can be discussed over time during which you get to know one another. How does C.A.R.E. use the money that I send for prayer ministry costs? Because C.A.R.E. uses the income from the prayer ministry to support the staff and pay the administrative bills, the money would be applied to the survivor’s account. How will I learn about my community member’s progress? Through the communication that you have with the survivor you adopt. If I cannot afford to sponsor a community member at this time, are there other ways in which I can help? Yes, we are ALWAYS in need of prayer. You might write Jo, Chris or Cheryl and ask if there are specific prayer requests that you can be praying for the community. You can always contribute to the community events such as weekly community dinners, send stationary, stamps, cards, encouragement and you can send clothing, shoes, money for an outing (lunch, movie, shopping, etc). Can I use my credit card to support a community member? You can use whatever is convenient for you. How long has C.A.R.E., Inc. been in business? C.A.R.E., Inc. started as a community based non-profit organization to provide consultation, advocacy, resources and education to the Kokomo, Indiana, community and surrounding communities with a desire to help advocate for survivors of ritual abuse. C.A.R.E., Inc. received its incorporation status as a non-profit organization December 29, 1992 and received the 501(c)(3) status on December 5, 1994. C.A.R.E., Inc. received national and international reputation for providing consultation, advocacy, resources and education to survivors of ritual abuse and those who work with survivors. C.A.R.E., Inc. has presented on the topic of ritual abuse at local, regional, national and international conferences. C.A.R.E., Inc. has given many free seminars to churches and small organization about ritual abuse. C.A.R.E., Inc. founders, Cheryl Knight and Jo Getzinger, co-authored a book, "Caregiving: The Cornerstone of Healing" (copyright 1994), which provides information on how to minister to ritual abuse survivors. C.A.R.E., Inc. also produced the first publication of the CARE CONNECTION newsletter in the spring of 1995. The newsletter is published on a quarterly basis and offers information for survivors, pastors, caregivers and therapists on the topic of ritual and cult abuse. The book and the newsletter both enjoy a national and international readership. How long has C.A.R.E., Inc. had a community of survivors? The C.A.R.E. Community began after we moved to Baldwin, Michigan in 1999. Are my contributions tax-deductible? Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) organization. Please call 231-745-0500 to get our Tax Identification number. Who can I contact if I have questions? Contact us by phone (231-745-0500) or through email (care1@triton.net) if you have any questions. How does C.A.R.E. ensure that my support goes directly to paying the community members bills? It will go into the Adopt A Survivor Fund with their name on the monies. All the money will go directly to them for their needs. You will receive a thank you letter from the survivor letting you know that they have received the money. Once I become a sponsor, what will I receive? A photo of the community member past and present The community members testimony A community calendar featuring the community member you have adopted An information page on the community member you have adopted, their goals and purpose for being in the community As a sponsor, what will I receive throughout the year? A monthly update on the community members progress A year’s subscription to our community newsletter, written exclusively by community members.

Questions