Connecting the Church to Grandma's Home

On the east side of Kansas City, a different kind of apartment complex exists. In general, apartment complexes are known for their ability to serve a wide variety of tenants, with each apartment’s features standardized to serve one or many residents for years to come.

Yet, this apartment complex is different. It offers 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units, each packed with fully-equipped kitchens and a washer/dryer. The community also offers other amenities, including discounted high-speed internet, an activities room, a playground, and an elevator. However, it’s not the conveniences that define these units.

Rather, this community is defined by its composition of people. The apartment complex is designed especially for grandparents age 55 years and older who are raising their grandchildren. These grandparents have taken in their grandchildren for a variety of reasons, yet they are all connected by the willingness to offer their grandchildren a place to call home.

Several months ago, one of these grandparents needed some help. A deaf grandmother, who is raising her nine-year-old granddaughter and newborn grandson, had her needs met by a local church through CarePortal. Upon meeting this grandmother, members of Cedar Ridge Christian Church in Lenexa, KS, wanted to provide further assistance beyond the immediate needs identified in the CarePortal request, and they delivered other items to help outfit the apartment and to meet the needs of her grandchildren. Even more, church members were invited to and attended the young girls’ birthday party.

These new relationships were made possible by a willingness to receive and to respond to an email. The church is so excited about the new relationships that they’re planning to host a community meal for the apartment complex. They hope to continue to deepen their friendships with these servant-hearted grandparents.

When barriers come down and servants gather together, God is glorified. We pray that, like Cedar Ridge Christian Church, all churches enrolled in CarePortal will be ambassadors of reconciliation, togetherness, and love in their communities.

Are you making new friendships through CarePortal? Please contact us here to share more.