“CAIN has been there for me, my family

 and the community for many years. 

There have been times when without CAIN

I don=t know what I would have done.” (Ms. G)

 

CAIN - Churches Active In Northside Fact Sheet

 

CAIN is a 501(c)3 non‑profit collaborative ministry of neighborhood churches

that feeds bodies and souls, cares for children and builds community

to give “Help for Today – Hope for Tomorrow”

 

CAIN encourages neighborhood residents to improve their lives and neighborhood by: 

 

Feeding bodies and souls:  Each month CAIN’s Choice Pantry provides 300-450 low-income families with basic necessities like food; emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities; household and hygiene items; diapers; transportation assistance and referrals for furniture and baby items. CAIN meets with each person individually.

 

Caring for Children:  CAIN provides cultural enrichment for young children through free “Kids Corner” art activities during evening pantry hours.  CAIN supports teens through an annual Teen  Job Fair, summer employment program and Teen Service Board “Teens Working Together As One.” CAIN also supports activities for children by providing snacks (including Chase School and Northside Public Library), helping to publicize activities, and assisting with participation fees.

 

Building Community:  CAIN works directly with Northside civic organizations to strengthen bonds between residents through community-wide celebrations, events and hosting meetings of groups.  CAIN coordinates and participates in community events including the Fourth of July Celebration and Annual Northside Community-Wide Yard Sale.  (“Best of the City” by Cincinnati Magazine 2008)

 

Highlights:

 

CAIN is a host site for The Benefit Bank a Web-based, counselor-assisted program that connects help low- and moderate-income Ohioans claim tax credits, public benefits and work supports for which they are eligible.

 

Conversion to a “Choice Pantry” that serves over 350 families each month who choose food, household & hygiene items and inspirational materials they need most or that their diet or situation requires (2006)

 

Recognized as an Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks’ 2004 “Agency of the Year” for the Freestore Foodbank

 

Purchase, renovation, construction of Jewel Smith Ministry Center ($400,000+) including building improvement project (2000-2002)

 

“Secret Angel” Christmas Program has grown from helping 70 to over 300 families with food, clothing and gifts and involves over 200 donors, hundreds of volunteers, and gets regular media attention (since 1993)

 

1993 “Miracle on Delaney” Street – when toys were stolen, alerted the media and received thousands of dollars of toys and $6,000 in cash donations in single day

Churches Active In Northside is funded in part by the City of Cincinnati