Our Story

“Whatever you did

you did it for me.”

“Whatever you did

you did it for me.”

Fighting Poverty Starts Here

“Working together as one body makes us more effective in seeking the welfare of our city, imaging Christ in our community, and helping residents of Suffolk who are going through a crisis”

The Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk has served over 900 (as of June 2015) individuals since we began in August of 2012. When CAPS receives requests for assistance, the staff assesses the situation, discusses financial issues, talks with the individual about long-term solutions, prays with the individual and assists financially if appropriate. CAPS partners with local help agencies, creating a network that ensures individuals are served in the best way possible.

In addition to providing crisis assistance, CAPS started the Night Stay Program as a rotating shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during winter months. Churches come together to host homeless guests and provide food, shelter and safety during the coldest months of the year. CAPS works with these individuals to help them find long-term housing and financial stability.

Our Vision

We envision Suffolk churches and organizations united and empowered to accomplish Christ’s commission. We envision individuals and families living with dignity as they participate in CAPS ministries and experience holistic gospel transformation.

Our Mission

CAPS is a group of churches and organizations working together for poverty alleviation and community development. By sharing resources, information and support our efforts are synergized for the development of our city.

Our Team

These men and women help coordinate CAPS efforts so that we can work well together.

Staff

Majdah Schiavi , Director
Cheryl Griffin, Night Stay Coordinator
Mary Sue Rawl, Admin/Finance

CAPS Working Group

Hayden Blythe, President
Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church

Dillard Horton, Vice President
Main St. United Methodist Church

Tangie General, Treasurer
Perfecting Saints COGIC

Susan Draper, Secretary
First Baptist Church

David McKercher, Vice President of Membership Development
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

Emily Arters, Fundraising Coordinator

Mary Alice Dorschel, Volunteer Coordinator

Our Members

These member churches are our faithful partners making CAPS a success. Ready to become a partner church?

Ebenezer UMC

1589 Steeple Drive
Suffolk, VA 23433
(757) 238-2359
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Higher Ground Outreach COGIC

132 Bank St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-0077
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Liberty Spring Christian

4213 Whaleyville Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 483-5699
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Oakland Christian UCC

5641 Godwin Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 255-4353
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Mahan St. First Baptist Church

112 Mahan St
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-6623
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Hillcrest Baptist Church

1637 Holland Rd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-8901
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Magnolia UMC

1764 Wilroy Rd
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-8751
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Perfecting Saints COGIC

159 Wren Rd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 748-9990
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First Baptist Church Main St.

237 N. Main St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-4152
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James River Community Church

8909 Eclipse Dr.
Suffolk, VA 23433
(757) 238-2477
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Main St. UMC

202 N. Main St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-8751
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St. John’s Episcopal

828 Kings Hwy.
Suffolk, VA 23432
(757) 255-4168
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St. Paul’s Episcopal

213 North Main St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-2478
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Suffolk Christian Church

216 N. Main St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-9182
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Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church

2488 Godwin Blvd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-0540
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West End Baptist Church

105 St. James Ave.
Suffolk, VA 23432
(757) 539-8771
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Holy Neck Christian Church

4400 Holy Neck Road
Suffolk, VA 23437
(757) 986-2418
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Celebration Christian Church

275 Kenyon Road
Suffolk, VA 23437
(757) 942-2485
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Beech Grove United Methodist Church

4251 Driver Lane
Suffolk VA
(757) 538-8353
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Whaleyville United Methodist Church

6312 Whaleyville Blvd
Suffolk, VA 23438
(757) 986-4587
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St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

1885 Bridge Rd
Suffolk, VA 23433
(757) 238-3550
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Bethlehem Christian Church

312 Bute St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 539-1167
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Somerton Friends Meeting

(757) 539-6574
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Friendship Pentecostal Holiness Church

2349 Godwin Blvd
Suffolk, VA 23434

Providence United Methodist

3105 Providence Rd
Suffolk VA 23434
(757) 539-9582

Special Thanks

We’d like to give our special thanks to these people and groups who help make CAPS possible.

Thank you for providing grant funding for office equipment, web design, printed materials and a mobile shower unit
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Thank you for going out of your way to help us establish best financial practices and for coaching us through it.
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Thank you for the perfectly-located office space.
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Thank you for matching funds in our 2015 fundraiser.
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Thank you for raising thousands of dollars in memory of Nick who always fought for the under-dog.