By Annie Wolfe

Published: Mar. 24, 2025 

The Times

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Community Cares Minis-try dedicated a new bench in honor of founders Lorena Carlson, Rosemary Helms, and the late Elizabeth Hesse. A reception was held on Friday to celebrate all that the ministry has accomplished over more than 20 years of service. After a prayer and blessing were given by Father Mike Peterson, cookies and cake were served.

 

Community Cares Ministry began in 2001 under the name Community Health Ministry. Before moving to its current location at 407 Ash St., the ministry was in the Applegate house just south of the Presbyterian Church on Elm St.
 

Carlson, Helms, and Hesse had a vision to put their faith into action by caring for the health and spiritual needs of people in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties.

 

"These women gave me my first introduction to community service as a physician in Pottawatomie County about 15 years ago," says current Community Cares Ministry Medical Director Dr. Curtis Wolfe. "I'm inspired by their dedication, organization, and selfless spirit."

 

Today Community Cares Ministries serves households with incomes at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty level and are uninsured or underinsured. It provides medical care, social service assistance, dental care, food, commodities, and senior commodities. Through the generosity of donors and volunteers, Community Cares Ministry continues to offer outstanding services free of charge to eligible clients and patients. 

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