New Love, Inc. affiliate seeks city partnerships, stresses Christian volunteer requirement

Karen Baer, chair of the Greater Arvada Love, Inc. working board, asked Arvada City Council on Nov. 18 to consider partnerships on services, funding and office space as her new nonprofit affiliate develops a local “connection center.”

Baer said Love, Inc. will operate as a hub that answers calls from neighbors in need, verifies cases and coordinates resources among partner churches and community organizations. “My name is Karen Baer,” she told council, and described a master resource database she said already lists roughly 71 subcategories and about 340 organizational entries. The group currently counts 10 partner churches and about 15–20 active volunteers, she said, and plans to hire a part-time executive director and open a 3–4 room connection center once funding and space are secured.

The presentation framed Love, Inc.’s approach as “redemptive compassion,” which emphasizes verification and ongoing follow-up rather than one-off handouts. Baer said the national model has 110 affiliates and more than 15,000 volunteers and that the local affiliate is working toward a spring hiring target for an executive director.

Council members pressed the group on inclusion and capacity. Council member Ambrose asked for the names of the 10 partner churches and how Love, Inc. would involve non-Christian faith communities. Baer acknowledged the question and said the organization’s volunteer and board expectations require adherence to the Apostles’ Creed and a biblical canon, adding that “when it comes to those who receive services, there is no barrier whatsoever.” Council member Davis said that requirement gave her “pause” and asked whether Love, Inc. would coordinate with existing civic groups and school liaisons. Baer said Love, Inc. is working to connect with service organizations such as Kiwanis and school partnerships and that the affiliate intends to reverify resource listings regularly.

Council members also asked about legal and organizational status. Baer said the affiliate has incorporated as a public charity and that the IRS is processing its 501(c)(3) application; she said the local group will accept city referrals and hopes to expand fundraising and volunteer operations.

Baer asked the city for three types of support: sharing information about city services; help identifying grant opportunities beyond the city’s budget; and assistance or connections to potential office space so the connection center can open and serve callers promptly. She said the Littleton Love, Inc. affiliate provides a model of city engagement and that Arvada staff referrals could help the new affiliate reach residents in need.

The council did not take action on the request; the presentation closed after a round of questions. The city manager indicated staff would follow up on partnership and referral opportunities.