About Church Community Services

History

Dean Preheim-Bartel
Executive Director

Church Community Services was formed by local Elkhart church leaders in 1968 to pool resources and more effectively address issues faced by people in need. The first service was a food panty to provide food to the hungry. Supporting churches made available board members, food and other resources. For many years several staff and many volunteers provided services. In 1997 Soup of Success, a job and life skills training program for women, was created. The process of distributing food was changed in 2003 when our food pantry became a Client Choice Food Pantry, meaning clients get to shop for the food items they want. Emergency financial assistance was greatly expanded in 2004 with the adoption of Dave’s Place, a local volunteer ministry of several churches. Today CCS has 14 paid staff and utilizes nearly 200 volunteers. We are supported by 50 churches and serve over 2,000 families every month.

Vision

In partnership with congregations, organizations and individuals, Church Community Services fosters a community of care where the hungry are fed, the poor receive good news, all have shelter, and people are empowered on their journey toward a better quality of life.

Mission

Church Community Services is a faith based agency helping people of Elkhart County weather life’s storms and build more secure futures through emergency assistance and intensive job and life skills training.

Memberships

Elkhart County Chamber of Commerce
Food Bank of Northern Indiana
Elkhart County Food Network
Make A Difference Michiana
Elkhart County Homeless Coalition
Downtown Churches Coalition