It Is Okay to Not Be Okay.
Care at Riverwood
Grief, anxiety, addiction, broken relationships. If that is your week right now, there is a room here with people who get it and Jesus meets you in it.
Confidential, Safe, and Open
What to Expect From Care Ministry
You will not be put on the spot, called out, or made to share before you are ready. Every group at Riverwood Chapel in Kent, Ohio is built on two things: the Bible and confidentiality. The goal is healing through Jesus, at whatever pace that takes.
You do not need an appointment or a reason to contact the Riverwood team. If you have a question, need prayer, or want to talk through where Jesus is meeting you right now, send a message.
Current Care Groups
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Celebrate Recovery
When: Mondays @ 6:30 PM
Where: The Gathering Space
Leader: Kirk McCutcheon
Celebrate Recovery is for anyone carrying a hurt, habit, or hang-up. The evening starts at 6:30 PM with large group worship and a lesson or testimony. Small groups begin at 7:30 PM. CR is confidential and safe. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, anger, addiction, broken relationships, or anything else on the list, you are not alone. Jesus is the foundation of every step in this process.
CONTACT KIRK MCCUTCHEON -
Care 101
When: Thursdays @ 6:30 PM
Where: Room 115
Leader: Jason & Donna Goodman
Care 101 addresses grief, trauma, broken relationships, anxiety, depression, and more. Each week covers a different theme rooted in Scripture. If you are walking through a hard season and want biblical support surrounded by people who will not judge you, this is the room. Jesus meets you in the middle of it.
JOIN -
GriefShare
When: Thursdays @ 6:30 PM
Where: Room 101
Leader: Diana Knapp
Losing someone you love changes everything. GriefShare is a caring group of people who walk alongside you through that process. Each session stands on its own, so you can join any week without feeling behind. The workbook guides your experience between sessions. Jesus is present in this room, and so are people who know what grief feels like.
JOIN GRIEFSHARE -
Parents of Prodigals
When: First Sunday of each month @ 6:30 PM Where: The Gathering Space Leader: Maggie Kirbabas
Riverwood recognizes that there are many hurting parents that are navigating difficult family situations. Parents of Prodigals is a Care Group for our people to find encouragement and support from one another as we seek to reflect Christ to our kids.
You do not need to register for this group, please just show up on the first Sunday of every month! -
Families Facing Addiction
When: Third Saturday of the Month @ 9:30-11AM
Where: Room 114
Leader: Karen Williams
If you love someone who is an addict and need some support in that journey, please join our Families Facing Addiction group. FFA offers a safe place to be honest about the effects of a loved one's addiction. We provide hope, comfort and direction to the family of the loved one struggling. Shame keeps us isolated and stuck in the problem. The first step towards hope is connection. You are not alone. Come connect with those who are on their own road to recovery from the effects of a loved one's addiction. -
Veterans Support Group
When: First Saturday of the Month @ 8:30AM
Leader: Scott Nelson
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for fellowship, encouragement, and connection with other Veteran believers. This is a safe place to share your military experience, your journey of healing, and your story with others who understand.
Together, we also look for opportunities to show God’s love by serving fellow Veterans and reaching out to our local community through service projects and outreach. -
Cancer Care
When: Third Sunday of every other month @ 9:00 AM
Where: Room 114 Leader: Mary Leonard
Cancer Care gathers once a month to encourage anyone battling cancer and the people walking that road with them. If you or someone you love is in the fight, this group is here for you. Jesus carries what cancer cannot take.
Care Teams
We know unexpected things happen.
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Rides to Riverwood
Getting to church should not be the thing that stops you. Riverwood has volunteer drivers who will pick you up on Sunday morning. Rides covers Kent and areas west of Main Street in Ravenna for the 9:00 and 10:15 AM services. New riders need to call by Friday at 5:00 PM to reserve a spot for that Sunday.
Phone: 330-678-7000 ext 5
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Food Pantry
Fridays | 10:30 AM-1:30 PM Guests are invited to come pick up food every 30 days.
The food pantry is a choice pantry, meaning guests shop for themselves rather than receiving pre-packaged bags. Families in Kent and Portage County are invited to come pick up food every 30 days. Volunteers keep it running, and every bag that goes out carries the practical love of Jesus with it. Donations can be dropped off using the cart in the office airlock during the week or in the center airlock on Sunday mornings. Food tags are available at the Ministry Information Counter in the foyer on the first and second Sundays of the month.
There is also an option to shop directly from the Food Pantry's Amazon Wish List. All items will be shipped directly to the Riverwood office. Please schedule all deliveries Mon - Fri, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
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Prayer Team
Prayer is at the heart of everything Riverwood does. Sunday Morning Prayer Partners serve alongside the worship team, praying for the service, the teaching, and the people in the room. Worship Center Prayer Partners serve during the end of each worship service for anyone who wants to bring a need before Jesus with someone standing beside them.
If you need prayer during the week, send a request through the form below. Someone on the care team will reach out.
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Projects Team
Our projects team was created to provide assistance to single mothers, widows, veterans, the elderly or those with physical limitations; priority will be given to Riverwood attendees but if they are available, they are willing to share the love of Christ with community members in need. They are a group of Riverwood volunteers with skilled handymen who have experience to provide labor for home owners in need of home maintenance and repairs.
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Meals Team
For those facing tough times, our Meals Team steps in to provide comforting meals. Whether it’s welcoming a new baby, recuperating from surgery, enduring a lengthy illness, or mourning a loss, we're here to support you with nourishing meals.
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Nursing Home Care
The Nursing Home team ministers to residents in local senior living facilities by conducting Sunday services, doing Scripture reading, musical worship, Bible study, and prayer. Members of the team spend time with residents to bring encouragement and the love of Christ. The Nursing Home team is also involved in monthly activities such as helping with parties, music events, and crafts.
(The transportation aspect of the team takes residents to and from their rooms to the church service twice a month.) -
Card Ministry
With a heart for encouragement, our Card Ministry sends out thoughtful cards to uplift members of our church community. If you know someone in a nursing home or a rehabilitation facility who could use a cheerful note, let us brighten their day with a heartfelt card. Get in touch to learn more about how we can send a ray of sunshine their way.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NAME TO THE CARD MINISTRY
Financial Assistance
If you need help with rent, utilities, shelter, or another major need, please complete the form below. A Riverwood staff member will reach out to you via phone or email within 5–7 business days to request additional information and discuss next steps.
Please note that we are NOT equipped for crisis situations (for example, we cannot help with evictions), and processing takes at least 14 days and up to 1 month. If you need emergency assistance, please call 211 to connect with the appropriate resources. We can also provide assistance only to residents of Portage and Summit counties. If you live outside of this area, please call 211 to be referred to agencies and organizations in your area.
Rooted Since 1991
Rooted Since 1991
Every care and support group exists because Jesus meets people in their hardest moments. You do not need to have it together to walk through the door.
The People Behind Care Ministry
Meet the CareTeam
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Jarrod Williams
CARE & OUTREACH PASTOR
Email: jarrod.williams@riverwoodchapel.org -
Jackie DUSABE
CARE AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Email: jackie.dusabe@riverwoodchapel.org
You Do Not Have to Do This Alone
Take the First Step
The hardest part is walking through the door. Pick the group that fits where you are right now and show up. Jesus is already there, and so is a seat with your name on it.