About us

Our Goal - Mission - Core Values - History - What Makes Us Different - Board

Christian Care is one of Rock Island's best-kept secrets. We were founded in 1916 to serve the least, the last, and the lost. We have continued to serve our community for 96 years and currently operate two facilities—a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. We also operate a community meal site that served well over 50,000 meals last year and a 24/7 Crisis Line that primarily fields calls from those who are homeless, those in danger of being beaten or killed, and those contemplating suicide. We provide safe shelter, food, clothing, and personal care items to each of our residents—and so much more.

Who Do We Serve?

We primarily provide care to residents of the Quad Cities, but we also have taken in individuals from other states and even other countries. We serve:

Our Goal

Our primary goal is to facilitate the positive transformation of the individuals we serve. Centering on accountability and responsibility, we encourage men, women, and children to radically change their thinking and lifestyle—in essence, to become productive citizens in the community.

Mission

By providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.

Vision

Christian Care transforms lives.

Back to top


Core Values Statement

Christian Care is grounded in these core values: spirituality, relationship, caring, passion, empowerment and integrity. We embody these values in our personal and professional lives; they define who we are and how we act:

Spirituality: Our faith in God compels us to serve the least, the last and the lost.

Relationships: We recognize and appreciate the connections between people within the organization and the community.

Caring: We are concerned about our residents and do all in our power to provide them with the services that they need.

Passion: We are deeply devoted to our calling to serve the homeless, the abused and those in need.

Empowerment: We promote the self actualization of our residents as they learn to reach their full potential.

Integrity: Our ethics and behavior are one.

History

Christian Care has been serving the Quad Cities for almost one hundred years. Our founder, Guy Rodgers, established the Rock Island Rescue Mission on October 18, 1916; for nine years, he operated the mission in several locations. In 1925, he settled the mission at 2010 3rd Avenue in Rock Island, where Rodgers continued his life's vocation until his death on July 7, 1958. He dedicated himself to providing a place of respite for men who were seeking employment in the Quad Cities.

Originally, the Rescue Mission was simply one room where men could get help with food, clothing, shelter and spiritual nourishment. As an influx of families moved into the region after WWI, the Mission began providing services to families in need. Over the years, the Rescue Mission's services grew to include long term shelter for men, a resale store, a Sunday school, Sunday Worship services open to the public and a rehabilitation program. Throughout the years, the mission provided help for area families. Then, in 1981, they opened a shelter for domestic violence victims to provide shelter, safety, and compassion for women and children fleeing from lives of abuse. That year the organization changed its name to Christian Family Care Center to incorporate both programs.

In 2004, the Rock Island Rescue Mission relocated to a brand new building at 2209 3rd Avenue in Rock Island. The funding for this new facility was made possible through the generous gifts and bequests of caring donors. In 2006, we shortened our name to Christian Care. Still, in the tradition of our founder, Guy Rodgers, we provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling, referrals, and spiritual guidance to anyone in need.

Back to top


What Makes Christian Care Different?

There are three primary elements that make Christian Care different from other missions and shelters:

Christian Care's Board of Directors and Staff Director

President: Sharon De Frieze, Founder, QCALM
Sharon@qcalm.org
Sharon is presently serving as the President of Christian Care. She is Treasurer of Bi-State Literacy Council and servers on the board of New Life Outpatient Center. Prior to retirement Sharon was the CEO of the Quad City Area Labor Management Council, and instrumental in the organizations establishment. She still works part-time as their Special Events Director. She is a member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Rock Island, IL.



Vice President: William "Shawn" Wilkinson, Manager, J.L. Brady Co.
jlbrady@qconline.com
Shawn has been married for 34 years to his wife, Janette and they have a son serving in the U.S. Army in Fairbanks, AK who is married with a young daughter. Shawn is the General Manager at J.L. Brady, Co. in Moline where they serve the QC area with heating/air conditioning/plumbing work. Shawn is passionate about reaching the lost and serving those who are struggling with life issues. He has traveled to Russia, Africa, Haiti, South Dakota and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina on mission trips over the past 10 years. He has been on the board for several years and is excited to be a part of this outreach organization. Shawn enjoys riding his motorcycle, being outdoors and spending time with family.



Secretary: George "Hank" Brush, Team Lead for Plant and Policies IT, Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island Arsenal
ghbrush@gmail.com
George is presently serving as a board member of Christian Care, he also has served on the board of the Illinois Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (IAOBA), and is an member of the Patriot Riders. He is a 21 year veteran of the United States Navy, Spent 2 years 2008-2009 in Afghanistan with the US ARMY. George is employed by the Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island and is a member of First United Methodist Church, Geneseo, IL.


Treasurer: Chris Ballard, CPA, Huckfeldt & Smith
cjballero@yahoo.com
Chris is currently a CPA at Huckfeldt & Smith in Bettendorf. He was a graduate of Western Illinois University with Bachelors in Management of Information Systems and Accounting. He passed CPA exam in 2007 and has worked in public accounting for the past six years. Chris lives in Bettendorf with wife Angie, daughters Cheyenne and Esme, and sons Owen and Alex.

 

Holly Bailey, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Hy-Vee - West Locust Store
notcarb@hotmail.com
Holly is a Quad City native, returning to the area 3 years ago and now living in Eldridge with her husband, Kenny, and daughters, Alyssa and Sarah. Her family attends Adventure Christian Community Church in Davenport, Iowa.  She enjoys serving God in her community, spending time with her family, and running. The verse Micah 6:8 "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." called her to serve on the board of Christian Care.


Philip E. Koenig, Attorney, Koenig Law Firm
pkoenig@koeniglawfirm.com
Attorney Philip E. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in trusts, wills, estate planning, tax, real estate, and general business issues. Koenig is the rare combination of an experienced litigator and a transactional lawyer. He provides complete estate planning services including tax planning, preparation of trust agreements, wills and powers of attorney, and estate administration. He has extensive experience with contested estate matters. He also handles mechanic's lien and construction litigation.

Koenig often utilizes living trusts as a preferred method to avoid probate and streamline the process of estate administration following a death. His trial experience includes real estate, estate, probate and tax litigation. His clients have achieved positive results in the trial and appellate courts.

He has extensive experience dealing with tax audits and tax dispute issues for personal and small or closely-held businesses. As a result of his vast trial and transactional experience, he is often called upon with business formation, entity and incorporation issues. While he enjoys helping clients work out their complex legal problems, he receives just as much satisfaction from his efforts to avoid legal problems through proper planning and structuring of entities or assets


Mary Maland, Plans Analyst, Rock Island Arsenal
cc.mary10@gmail.com
Mary is presently serving as a board member of Christian Care. She also serves on the boards of the Pilot Club of Moline, Women In Defense and was a past board member of the Rock Island Arsenal Women's Club for 15 years. She volunteers for Juniors Achievement, Marine Toys for Tots, Race for the Cure, Quad Cities Marathon, Bikes for Brains, and local school Bike Rodeos. Mary is employed by the Army Sustainment and is a member of Christ the King Church, Moline, IL.


Kathie Nelson, Controller and Human Resources, KONE, Inc. Escalator Division
kathien13@msn.com
Kathie has resided in Moline since moving here from Chicago when she was ten years old. She is widowed with two grown sons who reside in Wilmington, NC. Her hobbies include reading, spending time outdoors and traveling (especially when it involves visiting her grandson). In the past Kathie has volunteered for various charities and looks forward to growing as a board member with Christian Care.

 

Tom Pasmore, Owner, Office Machine Consultants
tpasmore@omc-copiers.com
Tom started Office Machine Consultants in 1982. OMC services and supplies everything for your office from IT to network/servers to printers and copiers. He has been married for 43 years, has three sons, and ten grandchildren.  Tom not only serves on the Christian Care Board, but also on the Children’s Therapy Center of the QC Board, the Sherrard Academic Foundation Board, and the Henry County Republicans Board. He also helps the MDA Ride and Stride Walk and is a Western Township Precinct Committeeman.




Nancy Spratt, Retired, Rock Island Arsenal
n.spratt@sbcglobal.net
Nancy Spratt is a current Christian Care board member who has previously served on the Cafe on Vine Finance Committee and as a board member of the Quad City Basket Weavers. In her "spare time," Nancy serves as the volunteer coordinator for both Cafe on Vine and the Coal Valley Days Parade. She assists with math education in local grade schools, serves as Santa's Helper at the annual Festival of Trees celebration, and enjoys helping others in need with a variety of tasks, including lawn care. She retired from the U.S. Army Sustainment Command and is a member of Heritage Wesleyan Church in Rock Island, Illinois.


Pat Veronda Pat Veronda, Retired, Rock Island County Recorder of Deeds
cleopatra2940@gmail.com
Pat Veronda has been a member of the Christian Care Board since December of 2012. Pat is a lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, currently residing in Moline. Pat is the proud mom of five children and eleven grandchildren. She has been a weekend caregiver to a very special Arc resident for many years. Pat retired in November of 2012 after having the great honor of serving as Rock Island County Recorder of Deeds for 20 years. Pat is currently enjoying retirement and her part-time volunteer work at Christian Care Rescue Mission.


Executive Director: Elaine Winter Ed.D.
ewinter777@aol.com
Dr. Elaine Winter is beginning her eighth year as Executive Director of Christian Care. She has a long history of working on behalf of women. Prior to coming to Christian Care she was the Director of Augustana College's Center for Vocational Reflection and Director of Communication and Research for an international professional association. Dr. Elaine has both an MBA and a Master's degree in Counseling in addition to her doctorate in Leadership and Adult Education. She has traveled widely and is especially interested in diverse cultures.


Back to top