It began with prayer, a
vision, and a specific mission statement. In a dream, the Lord gave JoDee a
vision of a walled city. There were no gates in or out of the city, and the
people inside were listless, milling about with no vision, purpose, or
strength. The Lord woke her up one night and told her to start a company with
the specific mission statement “to create an awareness of and a desire to meet
Jesus.”
JoDee understood that
before she could begin the work the Lord had called her for, she had to
understand what Single Moms felt. At the
advice of her husband, Peter, she enlisted the help of well known researchers,
Kenny and Associates. Their task was to unlock the key to the mindset of Single
Moms so they could better be served and loved. What they learned provided the
insight needed to form the core beliefs of the Caring People, Single Moms
desire unconditional love, acceptance, and friendship. After several pilot programs in San Jose and
Fresno, California the organization sharpened its focus to train Christian
women to lead Christ-centered “Care Groups” for Single Moms. Springfield,
Missouri birthed the first Care Group.
Caring Women began to really reach and impact Single Moms.
Today, hundreds of
women have attended one day workshops in cities throughout the midwest and
internationally in El Salvador to launch city chapters and open more Care
Groups. Single Moms and their children
are attending these weekly Care Groups led by strong, loving Caring Women in
new locations each year. Over 60 Care
Groups meet worldwide and the ministry continues to grow. Caring Women are “breaking through the walls”
and going out into the world. We believe we can’t wait for Single Moms to come
to church, but must go to them – must love Single Moms where they are and
invite them into safe, loving Care Groups! JoDee’s dream has turned into
reality! Learn more at The Caring People website. Listen to the interview.
