Self-Development of People

Twenty-Eight years ago the Presbyterian Church (USA) made a commitment to be in partnership with groups of economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged people. Many of them have been richly blessed over the years because of that commitment. The church has been blessed also, by those relationships.

Since 1970, thousands of partnerships have been entered into all over the world by the National Committee and the state-wide committee of Self-Development of People. One of the most important lessons learned through these partnerships is that the groups of people who have benefited from Self-Development grants are similar in all communities. They are people who care about their families and want to be able to have a voice in the decisions affecting their lives. By working together, they have been able to take steps to enhance the quality of life for themselves and their families; a goal that is universal. Funded through the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering and other gifts, Presbyterians have responded to God's call to faithfulness.

CATEGORIES OF NEED

The Self-Development of People enters into partnerships with groups of economically disadvantaged, poor, and oppressed people who:

1. are oppressed by poverty

2. want to take charge of their own lives

3. have organized or are organizing to do something about their own condition

4. have decided that what they are going to do will produce direct, long-term changes for their lives or communities and will directly benefit them

 

For information on SDOP loans and guidelines, contact the Presbytery Office at 505-623-6235, or e-mail us.

 

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