Learn about the 2005 Thank Offering recipients

The Creative Ministries Offering Committee met in Louisville, Kentucky, February 2005 and approved grants totaling $834,535 from the 2004 Thank Offering. A committee of five members from the Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women and one representative from each of the General Assembly Council’s three ministries divisions — Congregational, National and Worldwide — made the selections. This year the committee chose 44 out of 158 proposals to receive Thank Offering grants. Of these, 23 projects are in the United States and 21 projects are overseas.

Projects must meet criteria established by the committee:

• Be consistent with the mission concerns and policies of the PC(USA)
• Show a purpose that meets basic human needs
• Provide a form of aid that relates directly to the people being served
• Be a creative project less than three years old or a new direction for an existing program

Synod of Alaska Northwest

APPLE Parenting Program in Spanish, Auburn, Washington, $7,000

Provide free parenting classes for Latino families

Mission/Purpose Statement: APPLE offers parenting classes to parents and caregivers in four cities in south King County. APPLE classes are designed to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. It is a culturally-specific intervention program to address family violence.

Synod of Lakes and Prairies

Bdecan Presbyterian Soup Kitchen and Food and Clothing Pantry, Warwick, North Dakota, $13,000

Mission/Purpose Statement: This joint Presbyterian–Methodist ministry provides food and meals to those who are hungry, including people who are home bound. It provides clothing to children and adults who suffer through some of the harshest winters on the plains. This ministry is a multi-phased plan to answer the fundamental needs of reservation families and to treat systemic issues that leave many Native Americans in need of food and clothing.

Synod of Lincoln Trails

The Center for Whole Health: Healthy Heart Program, Chicago, Illinois, $10,000

Purchase equipment to provide 200 African-American women with a culturally sensitive, health promotion program

Mission/Purpose Statement: Committed to combating the number one killer of women in America, the Healthy Heart Program is a culturally sensitive, health promotion and illness prevention program for African-American women in Cabrini-Green.

Project Independence—Learn, Plan, Live, Joliet, Illinois, $27,600

Provide free health services to persons unable to receive care from other sources due to lack of insurance and money

Mission/Purpose Statement: Provide free health services to people in Will and Grundy counties who are unable to receive care from other sources due to lack of insurance and funds. In alliance with other community agencies and healthcare providers, dedicated volunteers and a small paid staff will provide these services to promote a healthy community.

Synod of Living Waters

Arts ’n Autism After-School and Summer Camp Program, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, $30,000

Provide after-school activities and summer camp services to children with high-functioning autism

Mission/Purpose Statement: The Arts ’n Autism program is consistent with Covenant Presbyterian Church’s calling to educate, evangelize and minister “to the needs of the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the powerless” (Book of Order, G-3.0300 [Office of the General Assembly: Louisville, Ky., 2005])

Reading Incentive Program, Louisville, Kentucky, $15,000

Provide computers, software and equipment for the tutoring program at Kid’s Café

Mission/Purpose Statement: The Reading Incentive Program will provide rewards to youth as they concentrate on building their skills and demonstrate self-discipline by taking on additional reading assignments given to them by their tutor. Participants will receive nourishment, nurturing and educational support as needed. Youth living in poverty or who are homeless will be provided an opportunity for academic upgrade through services beyond just the normal homework assistance.

Synod of Mid-America

Holy Ground Community Development Project, St. Louis, Missouri, $20,000

Build community by supporting block units and relationships with municipal agencies

Mission/Purpose Statement: The project will reinforce community stability and build community strength. While most of the residents in this area are below the poverty level, many homeowners are anxious to preserve their property values and to build a safe place to live, raise children or retire.

Fight the Blight, Wichita, Kansas, $29,436

Provide support for the self-empowerment efforts of low-income people

Synod of Mid-Atlantic

ESL and SSL Classes for a Multicultural Church, Durham, North Carolina, $5,500

Implement innovative programs in English and Spanish as second languages

Mission/Purpose Statement: Committed to the belief that God intends to draw together a diverse group of men, women and children into a worshiping community, these classes will help build and then strengthen a multicultural church that is a faithful witness not only to their community but also to the larger Presbyterian Church.

Faith in Action in Appalachia, Bristol, Virginia, $14,000

Purchase three computers and provide project supplies for recruiting and training volunteers

Synod of the Northeast

The NEST Prison Shuttle Project, Troy, New York, $25,000

Purchase a van to provide reasonably priced transportation for family members to visit relatives who are incarcerated

Mission/Purpose Statement: The Prison Shuttle Project will establish a viable alternative to inadequate and expensive transportation to correctional facilities for family members. By helping to support and maintain family ties, there may be healing in the family and an increase in social integration following incarceration.

Computers for Kids, Troy, New York, $25,000

Teaching high school students from families with low incomes to rebuild and upgrade computers, which are then given to the students

Synod of the Pacific

After-School Tutoring Program, Fresno, California, $18,850

Provide computers for a church-based after-school tutoring program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade

Mission/Purpose Statement: University Presbyterian Church’s after-school tutoring program serves children in the low-income, racially diverse neighborhood around the church. While providing this essential service, the church builds relationships with families in the neighborhood. Currently the program offers assistance with homework and supervised reading to an average of 15 students for one hour one day per week. Eight volunteers serve the program, all adult members of the church.

Community Farm — Harbor House Ministries, Oakland, California, $30,000

Dig a well and purchase deer fencing to protect the crops grown by a Laotian community for their food and income

Mission/Purpose Statement: This project impacts the lives of Mien families, families of southeast Asian descent, in this community by allowing the community garden members to supplement family food needs and share garden produce with other families.

Synod of Puerto Rico

Multi-Purpose Service Center, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, $30,000

Provide community services for single parents, children and youth, and persons who are elderly, addicted, battered, homeless and/or have disabilities

Mission/Purpose Statement: This church-related group provides community services ministries to persons who meet the mission concerns and policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as stated in the Book of Order—“the promotion of social righteousness, and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the World” (G-1.0200 [Office of the General Assembly: Louisville, Ky., 2005])

Synod of the Rocky Mountains

Learning Circles—Mother to Mother, Denver, Colorado, $15,000

Provide a series of classes each month to assist Hispanic families in learning basic living skills

Mission/Purpose Statement: Women in northwest Denver who are marginalized because they are recent immigrants, women of color, single mothers or because of ageism (both young and old) and/or their economic conditions may not receive education and help available to more privileged groups. Learning Circles will provide classes requested by women who are marginalized, in hopes of helping them improve their lives and the lives of their children.

Synod of South Atlantic

HomeStretch Renovation, Roswell, Georgia, $30,000

Renovate and upgrade three single-family houses for low-income families

Mission/Purpose Statement: HomeStretch will eradicate homelessness in North Fulton County by equipping families to become self-reliant by providing affordable, safe and clean housing for low-income families, as well as support services that help families transition through HomeStretch and the Next Step Programs. These programs provide life skills training needed to maintain housing independence and employment. The improvement in the life situations of these families breaks the cycle of poverty and homelessness for future generations.

Training for Transformation Workshop, Atlanta, Georgia, $22,000

Provide support for overseas workers to attend workshops in community health programs, income generation, food, security and other ministries

Synod of Southern California and Hawaii

Carpinteria Camper Park Youth and Adult Education Project, Carpinteria, California, $25,000

Provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for families with low incomes, seniors and other groups with special needs

Mission/Purpose Statement: This project will “provide affordable housing and programs leading to self-sufficiency for low-income families, seniors, and other special needs groups on California’s Central Coast.” In addition to assisting families as they become economically stable, the project will offer opportunities to explore avenues of spiritual well-being that enhance participation and involvement in the communities where they live.

Hidden Harvest—Desert Cities Hunger Action, Coachella, California, $25,000

Mission/Purpose Statement: Hidden Harvest provides nutritious food for low-income people whose poverty makes hunger and malnutrition likely in their families. Hidden Harvest employs low-income farm workers to harvest the crops left behind in the farmers’ fields and distribute these fresh healthy foods free of charge to area agencies that serve the hungry. Hidden Harvest field crew may stay and pick all of the produce they need or want for their own use at the end of the workday.

Synod of the Sun

WWW (M.A.D.)—Women Who Will Make a Difference, Monticello, Arkansas, $18,000

Assist women in drug rehabilitation and other support services so that they can become productive citizens

Mission/Purpose Statement: Women Who Will Make a Difference is committed to helping women in drug rehabilitation facilities. The program will assist women in entering drug rehabilitation, provide short-term financial assistance for housing and utilities after completing the rehabilitation program, provide Christian support groups and a clergy advisor, connect them with a church of their choice, assist in finding adequate employment and help further their education. They will also supply some clothing, food and transportation when the woman is employed.

Opening Doors Immigration Services, Denton, Texas, $10,000

Provide low-cost immigration services to persons with limited income

Mission/Purpose Statement: Opening Doors Immigration Services (ODIS) is a mission outreach program of Trinity Presbyterian Church that will provide low cost immigration services to persons with limited incomes in the greater Denton County area. Some of the services offered are naturalization services, overseas adoption and certificates of citizenship.

Synod of the Trinity

Rehabilitation/Renovation of Activity Center, Charleston, West Virginia, $30,000

Provide support groups, individual counseling and office space for services to persons who have experienced domestic violence

International Projects

Empowerment of Rural Women in San Jose de los Remates, Boaco, Nicaragua, $20,204

Develop and implement the Women’s Gender Equality Project

Mission/Purpose Statement: The Women’s Gender Equality Project exists to promote the equal participation of men and women in the design and implementation of development initiatives. The program helps female and male community leaders learn to share decision-making processes, and obtain equal access to, and use of the benefits from these initiatives. The program includes studies in community development, legal rights, gender issues, self-esteem and leadership.

Congo Bush Hospital Safe Motherhood Project, Kananga, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, $28,100

Alleviate and eliminate suffering caused by vesico-vaginal fistulas, and reduce infant and child mortality rates

Mission/Purpose Statement: Broad Street Presbyterian Women are working in partnership with PC(USA) missionaries to establish the Congo Bush Hospital Program. The missionaries will travel to bush hospitals and maternity centers in their health zone, providing medical care to repair vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF), education and improved childbirth care to prevent VVF. Our goal is to provide a safe motherhood program to prevent mortality and morbidity of newborns, infants and children under the age of five.

Bethel Mekane Yesus Girls’ School In-Country Scholarship, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, $10,000

Provide scholarship funds for young girls

Mission/Purpose Statement: To expand the service of Bethel Mekane Yesus Girl’s School to nurture spiritual growth and education of young girls as initiators and agents of change in society. The students will be groomed to continue their studies at higher-level educational institutions.

Girls’ Annex Renovation, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, $8,000

Assist with repairs and renovations in order to provide a healthy and adequate living space

Mission/Purpose Statement: The Girl’s Annex provides affordable housing for girls coming from remote parts of Ethiopia to Addis Ababa to pursue post-secondary education. Institutions of higher education are not available in their home areas, and other housing in Addis Ababa is difficult to find and often expensive.

Safe Drinking Water for All, Mengo, Uganda, $8,000

Install a permanent safe drinking water system to help eradicate diseases among people using the water

Mission/Purpose Statement: Water being a fundamental and basic human need, the availability of clean water shall meet this basic component in human life for all residents of Natete slum area, hence saving the lives of many.

Project Ruth, Ayacucho, Peru, $7,000

Provide approximately 500 people with Bible study, workshops and conferences that train them to support the mission of church, society and family

Mission/Purpose Statement: The mission of this project is to support the role of Christian women in the mission of the church, society and family. Through regional, quarterly gatherings and an annual national gathering, the project plans to address several objectives including promoting church growth through evangelism, leadership
development among women, helping women examine and value their roles in church, family and society, and equipping women with practical and personal knowledge of theology, psychology, conflict resolution, family violence, child development and skills to work with youth and married couples.

Giving and Receiving Aid for Training, Kampala, Uganda, $5,400

Purchase a quilting machine to offer mothers and girls a marketable skill that leads to economic self-reliance

Mission/Purpose Statement: The mission is “the emancipation of widowed mothers in the community.” The money shall assist the women to afford human basic needs like food, clothes and sending their children to school.

Early Childhood Care and Development Center, Hohoe, Volta Region, Ghana, $20,000

Provide access, equity and learning activities to preschool children

Mission/Purpose Statement: The mission of the Center is to provide preschool children with activities to improve the quality of the learning environment and provide instructional materials and educational services in early childhood care and development.

Leadership Development for Women, La Paz, Bolivia, $3,175

Train and strengthen women to become church leaders and hold church offices with the eventual goal of women’s ordination

Mission/Purpose Statement: The mission of this project is to support women in various areas — education, evangelism, social action, health and job skills. The Independent Presbyterian Church in Bolivia has recently become independent from its founding Korean church. It is imperative to develop leadership among youth and women of the church which will eventually lead to the strengthening all members.

Vocational Training for Needy Women in Tailoring Craft for Their Self-Development, Andhra Pradesh, India, $2,680

Purchase five sewing machines and other manual-handling machines for embroidery and knitting, and other tools and implements

Mission/Purpose Statement: The project will develop the skills of target women for employment in the trades of tailoring, knitting, embroidery and fashion designing. They will become self-employed, earning a sustainable income.

Income Generation Program for Rural Women Through Manufacture of Vermi Compost, Andhra Pradesh, India, $5,184

Teach women an organic method of composting to improve nutrition and encourage economic independence

Mission/Purpose Statement: The program has selected 40 of the poorest women from eight villages to teach composting. These skills will bring self-employment and economic independence.

Clothing Factory — Building Citizenship and Quality of Life, Itapiuna, Brazil, $2,406

Purchase sewing machines and fabric, improving economic stability for women

Mission/Purpose Statement: To help improve the quality of life of women who are single parents. The factory will provide work and income for 15 women who presently are without jobs and live in extreme poverty. The program will provide a social worker and a doctor to raise awareness training to discourage prostitution.

Mattresses for Hospitals in Africa, Malawi and The Democratic Republic of the Congo, $25,000

Purchase 700 mattresses for mission hospitals in Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mission/Purpose Statement: The mattresses in Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are in deplorable condition. New mattresses will meet basic sanitary conditions, and aid the care and comfort of the patients.

Bicycles for Home-Based Care Volunteers in Malawi, Malawi, Africa, $10,000

Purchase 150 bicycles for HIV/AIDS home care workers’ transportation

Mission/Purpose Statement: The bicycles will be purchased for persons providing in-home care to individuals who have HIV/AIDS. The bicycles will expedite care of individuals with HIV/AIDS and reduce the burden of care on their families.

Van for Nursing Sciences School, Leogane, Haiti, $30,000

Purchase a van to transport students and staff to the Nursing Sciences School, hospitals and two universities

Mission/Purpose Statement: The newly-opened Nursing Sciences School in Leogane, Haiti will use the van to transport the 36 students, who have no means of transportation. The van will allow students to access educational opportunities at its parent institution the Episcopal University of Haiti and St. Croix Hospital in Leogane. This project (the Nursing Sciences School) is an institution created to respond to the critical need for nurses in Haiti, the vast majority of who are women. The school will graduate educated, professional women who can improve the lives of their families and their communities.

Matete Women’s Center, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, $20,000

Purchase a maize mill, tools, seedlings and 70 sewing machines for agricultural and vocational activities

Mission/Purpose Statement: The purpose of this program is to address the overwhelming needs of poor families in the district. The Women’s Guild of the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa operates a Women’s Center in the Matete District of Kinshasa, the capitol city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Charity Care for Patients at Holy Cross Hospital, Leogane, Haiti, $30,000

Provide quality medical care to an impoverished population

Mission/Purpose Statement: Funds for charity care will allow Holy Cross Hospital in Haiti to continue to serve the poor of Leogane. This funding would help assure hospital care for those least able to pay for it, i.e. women and children who are the most impoverished of Haiti’s population.

Vehicle for the Presbyterian Community Center of the Congo Women’s Guild, Kananga, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, $30,000

Purchase a vehicle for transporting women to gatherings, seminars, conferences and training events

Mission/Purpose Statement: The purpose of this grant is to provide for a means for women to travel quickly — something that is almost impossible now unless women walk for several days from rural villages to the city of Kananga. A vehicle reserved for women’s use would vastly increase their ability to work together.

PRODEK (Development Program of the East Kasai) — Women in Development, East Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, $20,000

Purchase a maize mill, enabling groups of women to join in community development projects

Mission/Purpose Statement: PRODEK is a rural development program in the East Kasai Province of Democratic Republic of the Congo. The program has been in existence for more than 25 years, but this project is a new emphasis on empowerment of rural women in 20 villages in the district. It will encourage groups of village women to join in projects of community development, such as water-source development, purchase of a diesel powered maize mill for the Kabaya-Kamuanga area and planting groves of palm trees to produce palm oil (used for cooking).

Society for Nurture, Education, and Health Advancement, Deharadun, India, $22,000

Purchase sewing machines, basic medical supplies and furniture for a new schoolroom

Mission/Purpose Statement: This ministry seeks to provide education, health care and empowerment through informal education and skills development to a very marginalized segment of Dalits. This is a ministry by Indian Christians for the destitute and helpless residents of a slum, providing life skills and community-building activities.

Interchurch Medical Assistance (IMA) Medicine Box Program, New Windsor, Maryland, $52,000

Purchase medicine and pay shipping costs for 173 IMA medicine boxes for five mission hospitals in Malawi and four mission hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo