Programs

DESIGN for impact

Programs

DESIGN for impact

Our initiatives for a thriving Rockford.

Programs

DESIGN for impact

Programs

DESIGN for impact

Our initiatives for a thriving Rockford.

Compassion
Meets Strategy

Compassion
Meets Strategy

At The Empowerment Center, we believe in the power of targeted, compassionate action to change lives. Our programs are designed to address immediate needs while fostering long-term empowerment and community resilience. From nourishing bodies to nurturing minds, each initiative plays a crucial role in our mission to build a stronger Rockford.

Food Distributions

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in our community, and we're committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry. Our regular food distributions provide essential nourishment to families and individuals in need, helping to alleviate one of life's most basic concerns.

Every month, we partner with the Northern Illinois food bank to provide food for over 250 families in need through drive-thru food distributions.

How You Can Help --->

BLOCK PARTIES

Our block parties are a celebration of community spirit and an opportunity for neighbors to connect, share resources, and build stronger relationships. These events feature food, activities, and information about local services.

How You Can Help --->

Christmas Hope for Kids

We believe it’s important to love our local community, and one way we accomplish this is through Christmas Hope For Kids! Each year, we partner with a local elementary school at each location to provide toys to kids in need. For many of these students, this is the only Christmas present they will receive. 

The holiday season can be challenging for many families. Our Christmas Hope program spreads joy and relief by providing gifts, food, and essential items to those in need during this special time of year.

*While this program is managed internally, we always welcome donations and support to help make the holidays brighter for our neighbors

How You Can Help --->

Backpack Drives

Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and every child deserves the resources they need to succeed. Our Backpack Drives ensure students start the year prepared and confident, equipped with the essentials.  Annually, we give out over 2300 backpacks, partnering with local schools to help provide supplies to students in need.

*Although this program is coordinated internally, we greatly appreciate donations of school supplies.

How You Can Help --->

See Our Upcoming Events

View More --->

Christmas Hope

For Kids 

At City First Church, we believe it’s important to love our local community, and one way we accomplish this is through Christmas Hope For Kids! Each year, we partner with a local elementary school at each location to provide toys to kids in need. For many of these students, this is the only Christmas present they will receive.

December Food

Distribution

Join us on Tuesday, December 10th at 10AM as we host our 42nd Food Distribution. We will be providing food for over 250 families. If you or someone you know is in need of food, drive-thru at City First Spring Creek to receive fresh groceries! Items are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. We suggest coming early to get in the cue. If you are interested in serving email dreamteam@cityfirst.church for more details.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN US

There are many ways to get involved with The Empowerment Center and make a real difference in our community:

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VOLUNTER

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Lend your time and skills to our various programs and events.

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VOLUNTER

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Lend your time and skills to our various programs and events.

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DONATE

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Your financial support helps us provide essential services and resources.

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DONATE

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Your financial support helps us provide essential services and resources.

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PARTNER

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Businesses can join us in making a lasting impact through sponsorships and collaborations.

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PARTNER

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Businesses can join us in making a lasting impact through sponsorships and collaborations.

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SPREAD THE WORD

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Share our mission with your network and help us reach more people in need.

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SPREAD THE WORD

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Share our mission with your network and help us reach more people in need.

Whether you have an hour to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, your contribution matters. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient city.

Whether you have an hour to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, your contribution matters. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient city.

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