Our VISION

For our neighbors, rich and poor, to meet together; the Lord is the Maker of us all.

(derived from Proverbs 22:2)

Our MISSION

Motivated by the love of Christ and affirming the value of every person, Community Outreach Ministries exists to promote financial stability among our Polk County neighbors through asset-based resources and lasting relationships.

CORE VALUES

1. Christ-centered

We rely on Jesus and align all our work with His Kingdom values. Our faith is not an "add-on," but it is the foundation.

Relevant Scriptures: Colossians 1:15-20

2. Dignity

Every neighbor is made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27) and carries inherent gifts, assets, and worth--always.

Relevant Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-27

3. Compassion

We show grace and patience rooted in truth to others--upholding every neighbor's dignity while empowering lasting change. This mirrors the “loyal love” (Hebrew: chesed) of God.

Relevant Scriptures: Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 1:16-17

4. Integrity

We strive to be honest, truthful, and ethical in all we do. Our practices mirror the character and consistency of God, while serving as an example of reliability and trustworthiness to the world.

Relevant Scriptures: Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 1 Peter 1:15-16

5. Collaboration

We partner with our neighbors and other organizations for mutual exchange and benefit--no one flourishes alone.

Relevant Scriptures:1 Corinthians 12, Jeremiah 29:7

6. Stewardship

We refuse to waste talent, resources, or people in our work. We have been blessed and entrusted with much and are called to be good stewards of those resources.

Relevant Scriptures: Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1, 1 Peter 4:10

Our STRATEGY

In pursuing our mission, we see four primary areas that intersect with and flow from financial instability:

Lack of employment or money
Lack of access to food
Lack of safe or affordable housing
Social disconnection and broken relationships

Each of our programs is designed to address one or more of those areas.

At the same time, as a Christian organization, we believe healing ultimately comes through an encounter with Jesus and the Gospel, and that our job as Christians is to not fixate on the needs of our neighbors, but to help them identify, grow, and use their existing gifts and assets to build their stability and serve their own neighbors.

Compassion Correctly Directed

Compassion is a God-given trait intended to move us closer to God's heart through care for others. However, compassion is also like a fire. When fire is rightly directed and contained, it is incredibly helpful as it provides, light, warmth, and transformation. But when it rages outside of those boundaries and gets out of control, it is incredibly destructive.

Likewise, compassion is immensely helpful and powerful when practiced rightly. However, unbridled compassion practiced without wisdom or boundaries can be just as destructive as a raging fire. If we are not careful, we can unintentionally do great damage both to those we are serving and to ourselves.

That is why we use the principles of human dignity, mutual exchange, and individual/community development to not simply manage poverty, but truly alleviate it.

Here are a few resources to learn more about our philosophy of helping:

"Toxic Charity"

This book by Robert Lupton is an easy introduction into wise principles of poverty alleviation work. It's one we require all our employees to read.

Scripture's Call to Poverty Work

This presentation from our Executive Director goes through the biblical basis of our work at COM.

"Becoming Whole"

This book by Brian Fikkert of The Chalmers Center (and co-author of "When Helping Hurts") and Kelly Kapic explores why The American Dream is not necessarily the biblical solution to poverty.