About Us
Coalition of Care exists to inspire and equip the local church to care for vulnerable children, particularly those impacted by the foster care system.
Children who have experienced trauma need more than services and safe homes, they need healing, belonging, and the transformational love of Jesus Christ. The Church is uniquely positioned and designed to offer that.
Through welcoming homes, wraparound support, and Gospel-centered relationships, the Church becomes a living expression of God’s love to vulnerable children and the families who care for them.
Mission
Coalition of Care is a bridge ministry dedicated to inspiring the local church to respond to God’s call to care for vulnerable children. We equip churches to create sustainable ministries that raise up foster, adoptive, and kinship families, and provide them with the ongoing care and support they need.
Vision
We envision a city where Christ-followers respond to God’s call to care for vulnerable children, so that every child is welcomed into the home of a Christian foster, adoptive, or kinship family, and every caregiving family receives more than enough support through a Gospel-centered church community.
History
The Coalition of Care was launched in 2007 by a small group of Christ-followers with a passion for orphans and vulnerable children. Founding Director, Pastor Larry Bergeron, partnered with other founding members Heather Ingle, Sarah Beasey, and Lyn Oliver to launch the Coalition. Pastor Chris Beard joined the leadership team, along with several others.
In early 2011, Chris Combs agreed to take the leadership reins. After a 14-year corporate career and 7 years in a ministry role as Mission Director at Montgomery Community Church, Chris brought a mix of experience in leadership, administration, and ministry.
The Coalition continued to take shape under Chris’s leadership. What began as a small group with a shared burden for vulnerable children grew into a regional movement of churches working together to reflect the heart of God described in James 1:27. Chris helped establish the systems, partnerships, and vision that would allow the ministry to expand its reach and strengthen its impact across Greater Cincinnati.
Over the years, the Coalition of Care cultivated deep relationships with local churches, child welfare agencies, and community partners. These relationships helped build sustainable wraparound support teams, increase awareness of the needs of children entering foster, adoptive, and kinship homes, and equip churches to respond with compassion and practical care.
In 2024, the Coalition entered a new chapter as leadership transitioned to Jenny Ogbebor. With a continued commitment to collaboration and a strong belief that the Church is God’s answer for vulnerable children and families, the Coalition is expanding its focus on equipping, educating, and uniting churches across the region. While maintaining its foundation in wraparound support, the ministry is also developing new trainings, church resources, and opportunities for partnership that build on years of faithful service.
From its earliest days, the Coalition has remained committed to a simple but profound mission: to help every child feel seen, supported, and surrounded by the love of Christ through a caring church community. As the ministry continues to grow, that same heart guides every step as we celebrate God’s provision, honor the legacy of those who came before, and step forward with hope for the children and families yet to be reached.
Chris Combs’ Legacy
For over 13 years, Chris poured his heart and soul into the work of Coalition of Care. His God-given passion for vulnerable children and fragile families was evident in everything he did—from mentoring and advocating to building ministries that served those in need.
Chris opened his heart and home to care for countless vulnerable children, embodying the very message he spoke of so passionately. He was an advocate for children and a tireless encourager and supporter of the families who stepped into their lives. By investing in vulnerable children, families, and communities, Chris helped change the trajectory of countless lives and generations to come.
After a courageous battle with brain cancer, Chris went home to be with the Lord in November 2024. Chris' impact is immeasurable. He has left a legacy of love, hope, and transformation in the lives of numerous children, families, and communities. If you would like to honor Chris’ legacy, we invite you to join us in continuing the mission he held so close to his heart.
