Welcome

Frequently Asked Questions...

Frequently Asked Questions from Pastors/Leaders:

1. How did the Compassion Network begin?
In 2003, CityServe Pastors started praying that God would show them ways that they and their congregations could join together in meaningful efforts toward city transformation. A couple of years later, a local Christian ministry to the disadvantaged closed its doors due to a lack of volunteers and funding. This heightened the need for a more well-rounded coalition ministry to needy individuals and families in our three cities. As the Pastors continued to pray, the Lord Jesus led them to form a network of CityServe congregations to join together in meeting these needs. After monthly funding was raised, Christine Beitsch was hired in October, 2006, to be the Executive Director of the newly-named Compassion Network, a ministry of CityServe. In June, 2007, the Compassion Network Offices were opened in the Family Resource Center, part of Fremont's City Hall Complex

2. What is the Compassion Networks organizational structure?
Christine Beitsch, the Executive Director, reports directly to the CityServe Board. The Executive Director meets regularly with the CityServe President Sherman Williams and Compassion Network Advisory Team Chair, Roger Valci. Compassion Network has an appointed advisory team, church liaisons, agency liaisons and team of office volunteers.

3. How is Compassion Network funded?
Compassion Network was birthed by the "city church" therefore is not a para-church organization. Each month many CityServe congregations have joined together to fund Compassion Network. To see a current list of active donors click here. The goal is to have all of the CityServe congregations work together as one church by investing monthly through full participation and ownership. This unity makes CN unique and gives the "city church" a huge role in the direct impact to our 3 cities.

4. What is the role of the Pastors in the network?
CityServe pastors work hard toward building unity amongst one another. Each pastor is invited to monthly prayer, lunch and dinner gatherings. During these gatherings the pastors are updated on the status of Compassion Network and testimonies are given. Each pastor has the responsibility to bring the CityServe's Compassion Network's vision before their congregation while rallying participation from church members. Pastors that make Compassion Network a priority are seeing incredible momentum with their volunteers and the people being helped each week. Pastors also have the responsibility of identifying a liaison to represent their congregation who'll work alongside of the Executive Director in matching volunteers with people in need.

5. What questions do you ask your congregations and volunteers on the "I'm willing" volunteer surveys?
The "I'm Willing" form was created after researching what calls were coming in from people in nf NEEDS were translated into ways that people could sign up to serve. To see this survey click here. The survey will be taken annually and updates will be made to best serve our community.

6. What do the volunteers do?
Volunteers help serve people in need by giving their time to assist others depending on what they signed up with on the "I'm Willing" form. Volunteers help serve within a desired area of interest or may help each week by checking out the "current needs" that are posted and jump in. Volunteers can also look for up-coming Compassion Action projects and sign up to help. Each service we offer is unique and screening differs depending on the service requirements. If you would like to begin serving you can sign up at your church or by clicking here.

7. How are needs communicated to volunteers?
Currently needs are communicated to volunteers via weekly eblasts sent from the Executive Director to liaisons. Each church has set up a communication system that works for them. Some congregations put it in their bulletins, some church bulletin boards, some send them to home group leaders, some send out to all church members and some announce them. Each week we will post them on this website as well.

8. How did you establish relationships with city officials and agencies?
For many years we have worked hard to come alongside of the city leaders and agencies to bring needed assistance. We continue to ask the question, "How can we serve you?" Currently, our offices are located within the Family Resource Center. Christine Beitsch, Executive Director and Judy Schwartz, FRC Administrator have been working hard toward fulfilling the 5 year strategic plan, with a direct focus on building a coordinated volunteer plan. Christine has identified and trained liaisons from the twenty-five social service agencies within the Family Resource Center.

9. How do you maintain these relationships?
Maintaining relationships with people outside the church are very important to the success of transforming our three cities. We earn the right to be heard by listening to specific needs and helping to bring solutions or support to the table when we can. Building respect and working with integrity are huge values for our organization.

10. What counsel would you give to congregations that want to form a cooperative like the Compassion Network?
The first thing I ask people is if they have a coalition of pastors meeting together. Then I ask them if they are united. Next I ask if they pray together. I tell them don't even think about it if this is not in place first. You have to think of the LONG TERM sustainability of any effective organization and the front-end work has to be bathed in prayer and unity. If the city church is ready to work together then I say begin to share the vision. If you bypass this counsel you may have one or two congregations doing a great work, but there is power in unity. With supernatural power and united effort- cities will be transformed.

Frequently asked questions from Clients:

1. Do you give financial assistance?
Compassion Network works as a clearinghouse for the congregations and does not directly offer financial assistance. Trained staff will give information and make referrals to outside organizations available to handle the specific financial issue at hand. However, Compassion Network will assess the needs surrounding the communicated need and offer other support services to assist the client such as creating a budget, give clothing or food bags.

2. Are your services free?
All of our services are FREE and given by willing volunteers.

3. How do I place a need request?
If you have a need you can click the button "have a need" and follow directions or call our office M-F 10-4pm at 510-796-SERV (7378)

Frequently asked questions from Volunteers:

1. How do I become a volunteer?
It's easy! If you would like to begin serving you can sign up at your church or by clicking here. All of our volunteers attend a CityServe Congregation so talk to your Pastor or call us today to get started!

2. How do I find out what the current needs are so I can help?
Each week you can check the website under "GET INVOLVED" for weekly needs and Compassion Action Projects.

3. Is there training for volunteers?
Depending on the project or service training may be necessary. Once you inquire about a specific need your liaison will let you know if training is needed.

4. Can my student receive credit through Compassion Network toward their community service hours?
YES! The hours and project will need to be approved and determined by the Executive Director of Compassion Network, but we are MORE than happy to help you get those hours in!