About Us
Bringing churches and people together to serve their neighborhoodsOur Story
Compassion Connect was founded in 2006 by Dr. Gary Tribbett and Milan Homola and gained 501(c)(3) status in 2008. Gary and Milan recognized that the problems of brokenness and division in the world were too large for any one church to solve. They believed that God’s desire was for his Church to unite in service. So they developed practical models to equip local churches to work together to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in their neighborhoods. With the help of many faithful volunteers, their vision initially spread across Portland and surrounding areas through our Compassion Clinic Model. Today, Compassion Connect has a network of epicenters and implementers in several states using three models: Compassion Clinics, Compassion Care Center and Adorned in Grace (Anti-Exploitation). God has used Compassion Connect to heal the sick, set captives free from oppression, and unite his followers through service!
We Provide
Tools to Serve
Compassion centric models of ministry replicated to make a big impact.
We Encourage
Local Ownership
The united Church and individuals equipped to serve.
We Believe
Missions start right where you are
In your own backyard!
Our Mission
Our Mission
We bring churches together to serve their neighborhoods
Our Values
We are a spirit-led gospel movement.
We value holistic freedom for individuals and communities.
We see the whole person through God’s eyes of heartfelt compassion.
We value local churches and individuals growing in unity.
We create models of service that reflect God’s heart for the hurting and oppressed.
We value being open and honest with all relationships, motivations and finances.
We value a listening approach to the communities we work with to adapt to shifting needs.
Compassion Connect Team
Jennelle Esquivel, Executive Director
After eight years of serving as the Arizona Regional Director, Jennelle was named Executive Director of Compassion Connect in spring of 2024. With her extensive experience as the co-developer of the Arizona ministries, Jennelle has played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of Compassion Connect. Under her inspiring leadership, the region has witnessed remarkable progress, transitioning from one annual clinic to multiple clinics across the metro Phoenix area. Additionally, Jennelle’s dedication helped establish Compassion Care Center and several anti-exploitation initiatives in the region. As the daughter of co-founder Gary Tribbett and Adorned in Grace founder, Linda Tribbett, she brings a deep-rooted passion for the organization’s mission. Her visionary approach and unwavering commitment to making a difference make her an invaluable asset to the organization.
Contact: jennelle@compassionconnect.com
Linda Tribbett, Anti-Exploitation Director
Linda, a co-founder and visionary, witnessed Compassion Connect’s growth across states and continents since its inception in 2005. Transitioning from a career as a Systems Analyst, she now directs our Anti-Exploitation ministries, embodying the organization’s commitment to combat human trafficking. Linda’s journey, from embracing a young woman trapped in exploitation to connecting wedding dresses with anti-trafficking efforts, showcases her creativity and unique dedication to empowering marginalized women. Her passion lies in empowering mentors that guide teenage girls to become advocates against trafficking, reflecting the ministry’s holistic approach to creating lasting change.
Contact: linda@compassionconnect.com
Rachel Murfitt, Compassion Youth Mentoring Coordinator
A dedicated staff member since 2017, Rachel holds a BS in Sociology from Wheaton College and Portland State University. Rachel is married to Eric and they have two children; the family attends St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. Rachel enjoys the outdoors, reading, quality time with friends and family, and playing with her dog. She finds fulfillment in supporting CYM mentors and mentoring teen girls. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Kingdom service and has witnessed the transformative impact of God’s work in the lives of both youth and volunteers.
Contact: rachel@compassionconnect.com
Shinji Mae, Clinic Operations Manager
Shinji, a Portland Metro resident, holds degrees in Behavioral Sciences and Missions from Concordia University, along with a Master of Divinity from Multnomah University. His heart lies in bringing Christ’s message and compassion to people and he is able to do that through his work with Compassion Connect. When not immersed in serving the community with Compassion Connect, Shinji, his wife Vanessa, and their three sons embrace a music-filled lifestyle, teaching and training young worship leaders using historical music methods from classical to rock.
Contact: shinji@compassionconnect.com
Aquilina Olson, Volunteer Developer, Adorned in Grace Bridal
Aquilina has a background in portrait and wedding photography. She brings knowledge of the wedding industry, as well as the experience of owning and running her business to the Adorned in Grace ministry. Aquilina and her husband, Peter, have both attended their beloved parish, Annunciation Orthodox Church, since they were born. Life in the Church is the only life Aquilina has known, and she couldn’t be more thankful for that gift. She strives to make everyone feel comfortable and connected, both the volunteers and lovely brides who come in the door. Aquilina enjoys optimizing and organizing, loves dresses, and has an eye that’s always looking for beauty.
Contact: aquilina@compassionconnect.com
Surin Ho, Outreach Coordinator, Adorned in Grace Bridal
Surin has a degree in Marketing/Management and an MBA in Finance from the University of Portland. Driven by her love for Jesus and people, she has a passion for making connections and building relationships. Surin’s family consists of her wonderful husband and two children. She serves on the women’s leadership team at her church and enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.
Contact: surin@compassionconnect.com
Raegan Duke, Communications & Admin Specialist
Raegan holds a BS in Psychology with a minor in Communications from The University of Kansas. Her heart belongs to Jesus which has brought her to work with Compassion Connect. Raegan is married to Jack and they have a baby on the way. Raegan loves learning about the Lord, reading a good book, soaking up the sun, and spending time with family and friends. Raegan’s desire is to draw nearer to the community in love. She aims to work closely with both ministry and community members as she knows Jesus’ heart is with the people.
Contact: raegan@compassionconnect.com
Alicia Barela, Community Relations Director
Alicia, our dedicated Community Relations Director, embodies a heart devoted to reaching those who need it most. Her favorite part of the position is the opportunity to serve shoulder to shoulder with our volunteers, uniting to serve our community. Drawing from her background in children and family ministries, Alicia’s passion lies in nurturing families, guiding them from surviving to thriving, all driven by her deep love for Jesus.
Contact: alicia@compassionconnect.com
Jered Rothwilson – Oregon Regional Director
A fifth generation Oregonian, Jered was born and raised in the Portland metro. A graduate of Western Seminary, he planted a church for ten years that’s still going strong only a few blocks away from Compassion Connect’s Oregon headquarters. With deep and wide experience in uniting churches and leading teams in missional execution Jered brings his experience and passion to bear as the Oregon regional director. The nonprofit that he founded and directs, Exodus 17, specializes in maximizing the impact of movements that make disciples and transform communities both locally and abroad.
Contact: jered@compassionconnect.com
We would also like to recognize the thousands of volunteers who give their time and talent to make unity and compassion a reality in their neighborhoods!
Meet the Board Members
Jennifer McGrath, Board Chair
Jennifer, a dedicated Senior Vice-President at Bank of America, has called San Tan Valley home for 18 years. Starting as a volunteer in 2012, she’s been an integral part of the Queen Creek Compassion Clinic, as well as serving as a Compassion Youth Mentor. Jennifer’s passion lies in witnessing the transformative impact of these programs on Clinic guests and CYM youth. In addition to serving with Compassion Connect, she volunteers as a CASA, working with children in foster care. Jennifer is enthusiastic about contributing to Compassion Connect’s mission and is thrilled to be part of its flourishing journey.
Pat Flores-Griffin, Board Secretary
Pat is a dedicated board member bringing three decades of healthcare and business acumen from Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and the V.A. Medical Center. Her small business ownership and deep engagement in volunteer work with organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs, Convoy of Hope, and pro-life ministries reflect her strong Christian values. With her instrumental role in establishing Compassion Connect’s initiatives, including the Compassion Care Center and Redeemed Threads Thrift store, Pat’s profound commitment to translating faith into action is evident as she continues to shape compassionate community service alongside her husband Walt since 2008.
Gary Tribbett, Co-Founder
In the fall of 2005, God put a vision of seeing churches working together to serve on the hearts of Gary and co-founder Milan Homola. Compassion Connect has since expanded across five states and into Africa and India.
Gary has been married to his best friend, Linda, for over 5 decades, over half of which was in full time pastoral and nonprofit ministry. When they aren’t serving together, Gary and Linda enjoy spending time with their 3 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Judith Blaszczyk
Judi Blaszczyk brings to the Compassion Connect board a desire and commitment to serve others in the name of Jesus. Throughout her life she has always been an active participant in and an advocate for churches to cooperate in aiding their community. In addition to these strongly held beliefs, she has 18 years of experience as a registered nurse working in diverse acute care hospital settings. Her career also included 31 years as a medical compliance auditor. She worked with numerous physician practices to analyze their current processes and assist them into best practice compliance. This background will allow Judi to collaborate with others on the board to meet the Compassion Connect goal of serving with excellence. With a passion for and experience in teaching and public speaking, Judi will be a vocal advocate for the organization.
Kalani Fronda
Kalani, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and a native of the Hawaiian Islands, has three God-fearing young adult children (Elisha 25) (Josias 22) and (Selah 18). He is a seasoned executive in community engagement programs, strategies, stewarding land and developing real estate assets for large indigenous private and public entities. Kalani brings twenty-five years of experience in board leadership ranging from community non-profits, churches, real estate and healthcare industry associations, etc. He enjoys helping others and has a proven success in creating collaborations with strategic partners.
Voncelle Hunter
Voncelle Hunter is a dedicated international marketing and business consultant. As co-founder of Southwest Spa Alliance and AZ Aestheticians, she focuses on preparing professionals for success through education resources and partnerships. Voncelle directs a skin cancer foundation, spearheading worldwide partnerships for skin cancer awareness and organizing events that provide health information to underserved families. As a founding member of True Glory Ministries, she serves as an administrator, worship leader, and source of inspiration. With a heart for community, she is a huge advocate for Compassion Connect and fostering a profound connection between faith and service.
Sharon Johnson
Sharon is the Outreach Director at Rock Point Church, Queen Creek, Arizona, where she passionately spreads the message of Jesus through intentional community outreach. Her extensive experience in planning community-based and nonprofit events aligns with her dedication to cultivating leaders and fostering partnerships. Beyond her commitment to ministry, Sharon finds joy in her role as a mother to six wonderful young adults and indulging her love for travel and adventure.
Dr. Constant Lu
Constant and his wife Erlyn have been serving at Compassion Clinics since 2006 when they began in Portland, Oregon. Constant has a B.S. from The University of Washington, and his D.D.S. from Creighton University. He and Erlyn ran a private dental practice in Vancouver, Washington, until it was sold in 2022, and his family moved to Prescott, Arizona. He is presently enrolled at Phoenix Seminary in their Masters program. As a servant of the Lord, he helped organize and volunteer at various dental clinics in six states, and internationally in the Philippines, Mexico, India, Ukraine, and Tanzania. Constant and Erlyn have been blessed with two children: Isaac, who will be starting dental school in New York in 2024, and Rachel, who is in high school and loves to worship and act in plays. In addition to volunteering, Constant enjoys reading, playing the piano, traveling, fitness, and helping at various church ministries.
Ericka Marin
Ericka, a native of Portland, OR, brings over a decade of experience supporting vulnerable families in her state. As a dedicated Parent Mentor, she passionately guides parents toward nurturing and fostering positive environments for their children. With a background in competitive volleyball spanning from middle school to college, coupled with over 25 years of coaching, Ericka understands the importance of purpose and unique gifting, values she now carries into her role as a Care Coordinator at Out of the Box Solutions. Her commitment to making a difference is evident in her role on the Compassion Connect Board.
Our Network
Since 2006 passionate people in communities around the nation have made big impacts in their communities by being a part of the Compassion Network.
We believe that no one church is fully equipped to meet the needs of everyone in their neighborhood, but together we can choose unity and compassion to help meet the needs that are there.
Beginning in Portland Oregon, this network movement has made its way to additional regions that are still active today!
Start Here
Pray!
Bring together others to share the vision and pray about it!