JoDee and Peter Herschend are no strangers to reaching out to families.  As co-founders and co-owners of Herschend Family Entertainment,  they own and operate wholesome family theme parks througout the United States.  However, the Lord had a special job for JoDee in mind that would wake her up one night with a powerful dream.

A Powerful Dream

It began in 1997 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. Then God showed JoDee two holes being punched into the walls, and the people climbing out over the rubble.

When coming out of the city, the people were like children at recess. They were purposeful and full of joy. JoDee knew these were believers coming out of the church and going into the world with the Gospel. JoDee asked the Lord for more again JoDee woke up with a specific mission statement in her mind "to create an awareness of and a desire to meet Jesus", and in 1997 the Caring People was born. She knew it was exactly that  mission statement and that HE wanted her to start a company to reach the lost and hurting. She knew Single Moms across the world were hurting and needed Jesus.

Understanding Single Moms

JoDee understood that before she could begin the work the Lord had called her to, 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 belief of The Caring People, Single Moms desire unconditional love, acceptance, and friendship.  In 2002, after a several pilot programs  in San Jose and Fresno, California the organization sharpened its focus to train Christian women to lead Christ-centered support groups to reach Single Moms. Springfield, Missouri birthed the first care groups where these trained women began to reach and impact Single Moms.

The Caring People Today

Today, over 300 women have attended  one day trainings in cities throughout the midwest and internationally in El Salvador.   Single Moms and their children are attending weekly care groups  led by strong, loving Caring Women. The Springfield, Missouri chapter has piloted the program and over 16 groups meet there regularly. The  ministry plans  to be nationwide in the coming years.  Caring women  are  "breaking through the walls" and going out into the world.  The Caring People believes it can't wait for Single Moms to come to church, but must go to them - must love Single Moms where they are!

JoDee's dream has turned into reality!  You may contact JoDee at jodee@thecaringpeople.org