Connecting the Dots to Help Neighbors

The Story Behind the Birth of the Community Cares Coalition

Illustrated by Allie Brinton

“How can we help?”

That was the question posed by Derek Shackelford, the Bartow location pastor for ACCESS Church.

Then, again, not long after, that same question was asked by Amy Rhodes, owner of the Polk County Royals professional basketball team.

Trish Pfeiffer, a community lynchpin for decades through her public service and involvement, and a local business owner who is currently serving as a city commissioner, was on the receiving end of the question. Instead of just finding a quick answer to the question—which she is exceptionally gifted at—by making a few phone calls or sending a few emails, she decided to “connect the dots” as she puts it.

Earlier this year she officially created the Community Cares Coalition, a network of likeminded community leaders and liaisons in Bartow who can “quickly and effectively share important information—whether it’s a community need, emergency response, resource availability, or a call to action to help someone in need.”

The Community Cares Coalition (CCC) isn’t just another committee or a monthly meeting; it is a fundamental shift in how people and organizations in the city can address the needs of its residents. For too long, organizations in Bartow—from faith-based groups and nonprofits to city departments and business owners—have been “spinning our own plates,” as Pfeiffer describes the previous tendency to work in isolation. 

“Do you remember pinball machines? I see this group as releasing the ball and it hitting a bunch of bumpers going, ‘ding, ding, ding!’”

The CCC aims to change that paradigm. By fostering a centralized contact database and utilizing a shared communication protocol that includes monthly meetings and email blasts, the coalition hopes to transform individual efforts into a collective force. As Pfeiffer puts it, “Do you remember pinball machines? I see this group as releasing the ball and it hitting a bunch of bumpers going, ‘ding, ding, ding!’”

The coalition represents a diverse tapestry of the Bartow community. At any given meeting, one might find city officials like City Manager Mike Herr or Code Compliance Director Tray Towles sitting alongside local pastors, business owners like Rhodes, and representatives from the Bartow Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Bartow.

This cross-pollination is already yielding tangible results. In recent weeks, when an officer from the Bartow Police Department mentioned needing a mattress for a family in crisis, Ava Winkler from Her PLAN was immediately able to connect him with a connection at a furniture company. In other instances, a chance connection between Amy Rhodes and city employee Pamela Sams led to the initial planning for a community “Sneaker Ball,” while longtime Bartownian Carver Young began connecting Rhodes’ to some former professional basketball players who might be able to assist with her coaching needs.

These moments are exactly what the coalition is designed to spark. 

“A lot of businesses give to the community but never hear back about the impact,” notes Erica Morse, community liaison for the Polk County School Board. The CCC wants to close that loop, ensuring generosity is met with awareness, and that help reaches those who need it most, whether it’s a backpack for a student, a coffee bar for teachers, or disaster response during hurricane season.

As Rusty Music, the longtime executive director of the Bartow Church Service Center, aptly puts it: “I’m really excited to bring everybody together in all these different facets, and our ultimate goal is to be the hands and feet of Christ—and each one of you plays an integral role in that.”

For those looking to stay connected or contribute to this growing movement, the path is clear. The CCC is building an email distribution network, to include a number of local homeowners associations,  to ensure that when a call to action—whether it’s a food drive, a volunteer request or an emergency alert—goes out, it reaches the people who can act on it immediately. 

Pfeiffer also encourages residents to follow local social media feeds like Bartow Social, Live & Love Local Bartow (which she manages), and Bartow Moms, to stay plugged into what’s going on in their community.

“This is about connection,” Pfeiffer says. “We already have incredible people doing great work across our community—but often in silos. If we get this right, it can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

If you want to contribute, whether as a business owner, a neighbor, or a representative of a local group, the coalition is waiting for you. Reach out, stay tuned, and help keep Bartow moving forward—together.

Stay Connected Ways to Care For Your Community
Email communitycarescoalitionbartow@gmail.com and ask to be added to the email distribution list.