SERVICES

CHRISMA CLOSET

Chrisma Closet is a community outreach ministry that provides clothes, hygienic items and home goods to those in need. Chrisma Closet help vulnerable children “fit in” and focus on their school work without giving in to the pressure to compromise their integrity due to lack. We are committed to providing new clothing items which are comparable to current fashion trends. We believe that circumstances beyond a child’s control should never contribute to his/her identity nor should they be felt by the child.

Chrisma Closet promotes dress code etiquette in an effort to build self-esteem and encourage academic excellence.

Primary Eligibility Requrements

Children who are orphaned or fostered
Children in single-parent households
Children of deployed military personnel/veterans
Children whose parents are incarcerated
Families in crisis
Newly resettled families

Chrisma Closet provides families in crisis and transitioning households with items needed, including toiletry items and home goods. We also connect those in need to resources that address their immediate needs.

CHRISMA CLOSET – FEEDING PROGRAM

Chrisma Closet’s Feeding Program was established to ease budgetary constraints for families with limited income in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. We partner with Feeding America and other local nonprofit organizations to provide nutritional food items to vulnerable youth and families in need.

Families that participate in our Feeding Program receive groceries to supplement their food budgets and are taught the importance of taking care of their body. We assist in developing healthy eating habits and the prevention of early onset of medical issues due to poor diets in an effort to promote wellness and wholeness. Children who are at risk of chronic hunger receive necessary nutrients that support student achievement in the classroom. We also provide supplemental, nutritious food every month to families that qualify under TEFAP guidelines.

Please contact us if you need food or if you know of any family that is in need.

ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL & CHRISTMAS TOY DISTRIBUTIONS

Chrisma Charities, Inc. works with local agencies to collect and distribute new backpacks full of school supplies to disadvantaged children in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. All of the backpacks and school supplies benefit local children in our programs.

Every Christmas season, and beyond, Chrisma Charities, Inc. collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children between the ages of 2 and 16 who are disadvantaged or in foster care.

CHRISMA CARES

As seniors age, it’s not unusual for some to need help with light housekeeping activities (i.e., dishes, laundry, vacuuming, meal preparation, running errands). Chrisma Cares is a service designed specifically for seniors and persons with disabilities in our community that offers companionship and daily assistance in their home or maybe just a friendly check-in with a loved one.

Chrisma Cares volunteers/staff offer compassionate, comprehensive home assistance and companionship which enable seniors to remain living independently in the comfort of their home or apartment and handle tasks which makes daily life easier.

To initiate Chrisma Care services, one of our care Coordinators must assess the senior in their home. There is no cost to be assessed for this service and eligibility for Chrisma Cares varies from client to client. The program does not include medical or personal care services, such as bathing. To request an assessment and learn about additional resources to help seniors remain living safely in their home, Click here.

CHRISMA CHARIOTS

While transportation is a necessity, it is often difficult for those over 60 or who are disabled. Not having accessible transportation can lead to compromised medical care, social isolation and often depression. Chrisma Chariots, a service provided by Chrisma Cares and powered by ITNCountry, is a transportation service offered to seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income individuals in the DC metropolitan area. We provide transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, recreation and other needs to increase transportation services for this population and to support their ability to live independently in their homes and communities.

Whether transportation is needed to access medical services, appointments for hair care, shopping or entertainment, we can help. Click here for application.

COUNSELING

Chrisma Charities, Inc. offers Christian/Spiritual cognitive counseling which recognizes the impact that inspirational or pnuematological influences form thoughts that impact behavior. Christian/Spiritual cognitive counseling replaces distorted perceptions with Biblical principles, giving a totally new outlook and motivation which encourages behavior that reflects God’s Word.

Areas of Counseling

To request counseling services, Click here.

TESTIMONIALS

I was displaced by a fire. While I looked for a new residence, Chrisma helped me with food on a weekly basis. Once I moved into my new place several months later, Chrisma helped me furnish my new home. During this same period, my adult son succumbed to a long-term illness. Chrisma was there to help me through a really tough time. I truly appreciate their help.

I have been participating in Chrisma’s weekly food distributions since 2018. I’m a senior in Montgomery County living on a fixed income. When I am able to get food from Chrisma, I use the money that I save to get other items like toothpaste, shampoo. I also use the money to add to my Call-N-Ride account which usually runs out before the end of the month. Chrisma has been a blessing to me.

I was going through a divorce when I was referred to Chrisma. They assisted with food for my three children which helped keep us stabilized while I looked for housing. Chrisma also helped with school supplies and other clothing items for my children.

I’m a single parent and was diagnosed with cancer last year. During my recovery, Chrisma was instrumental in providing support to my family. I’m proud to say that I’m now able to volunteer with Chrisma.

Chrisma has been a steady source of support to immigrant communities in Montgomery County. They offer dignified assistance and are truly appreciated.