Help a Family This Week: CarePortal Launch at Christ UMC on September 28

Got a spare crib, a set of sheets, or an hour to help a neighbor? Join us as we launch CarePortal and respond to real requests from families in our city.

What’s Happening on Sunday

CarePortal Launch: Sunday, September 28, between services

Stop by the Church and Society table between the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. You can sign up to volunteer, learn how CarePortal works, and indicate items you can provide when needs arise.

What Is CarePortal?

CarePortal is a network that connects churches with requests from local social workers and agencies. The needs are practical and immediate—things like furniture, bedding, household goods, and in some cases financial help to purchase essentials. When a request comes in, a volunteer team responds.

Learn more at careportal.org.

Ways You Can Help

  • Join the response team: Receive alerts about local needs and respond when you’re able.
  • Donate household items: Furniture in good condition, beds, bedding, small appliances, and cookware are often requested.
  • Offer logistics help: Drive a pickup, help load/unload, or coordinate drop-offs.
  • Give financially: Contribute toward items that need to be purchased new or to fill gaps.

How It Works

  1. A vetted request for a local family is posted through CarePortal.
  2. Our church’s response team gets an alert.
  3. Volunteers offer items, delivery help, or funds.
  4. The family receives what they need—quickly and with dignity.

Meet Our Point Person

Many thanks to Ryan Stack, our volunteer champion, coordinating this effort. Stop by the table to connect with Ryan and the Church and Society team.

Can’t Make It Sunday?

Email the church office and ask to be added to the CarePortal list. Let us know if you can help with deliveries, have specific items to donate, or want to support requests financially. You can also read more about the model at careportal.org.

This is a simple, concrete way to support families right here in Rochester. One bed, one ride, one delivery—small acts that make home safer and life steadier.