We envision a community where all residents love their neighbors.
our mission
The mission of DurhamCares is to foster collaboration, develop leaders, and educate the people
of our city to care for their neighbors in holistic ways.
Learn more about how we live out this mission:
Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, Church Mobilization, Resources, events.
the team
Reynolds Chapman
Executive Director
Rev. Sheritta Williams
Program Director
Miriam Valle
Programs and Operations Coordinator
Delvin Davis
Board Chair
Mark Atkinson
Board Director
Dorothy Clark
Board Director
Valerie Helbert
Board Director
Tamario Howze
Board Director
Tanya Johnson
Board Director
Jessica Russell
Board Director
Joye Speight
Board Director
Cathy Watson
Board Director
Wylin Wilson
Board Director
Holistic approach
We believe that whole communities with whole people call for holistic care.
There are no simple solutions to the complex challenges our city faces. The gifts our city has to offer are found throughout, even in places that have been overlooked. That is why we take a holistic and community-driven approach modeled off the eight key components of Christian Community Development. We create initiatives for collaboration and teach principles that foster healthy community engagement in a variety of settings.
DurhamCares takes its mission inspiration from the story of the Good Samaritan – the call to love God first and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt 22:37-39). Our vision is the biblical concept of shalom (Jer. 29:7), a comprehensive flourishing for all people. We envision a city where there is peace and justice, where there is nothing missing and nothing broken – where Durham residents love their neighbors.
As a Christian organization we work primarily with churches while affirming, celebrating and collaborating with groups and people of other faiths.
Values
history
2009-2013
DurhamCares is founded by Henry Kaestner and David Morken. Mobilizes 800+ residents to volunteer and raises $200k+ for Durham nonprofits.
2013-2016
DurhamCares implements Collaborative Marketing Campaigns to educate Durham residents about issues and inspire action. Reaches over 15 million.
Church Mobilization initiative is launched to foster collaboration and equip churches to implement holistic Christian Community Development ministry. Over 50 churches reached.
2016-2021
Durham Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope is launched – 25+ pilgrimages, 400+ participants.
Church Mobilization Network facilitates place-based quarterly cohort gatherings with churches in East Durham.
East Durham Vital Worship Movement is launched to connect worship with community.