Self-Development in the Rockies

We see each other only once a year, so we try to make the most of that occasion. We’re the Self-Development of People Committee for the Synod of the Rocky Mountains, representing eight scattered presbyteries extending from the Canadian border to New Mexico. On May 4-5, 2007, we met in Denver, where we reviewed previous grants and planned regional workshops. Margaret Mwale, Associate for Community Relations at the Self-Development of People office (SDOP) in Louisville, conducted the required triennial training. The Hanmi Presbyterian Church hosted a community workshop, which Margaret led. More than 20 people attended, some interested in applying for a grant and others from helping agencies.

In 2006 we approved an application from the Community Work Alliance in Casper, Wyoming.  Several unemployed people formed a partnership to do landscaping, home redecorating, cleaning and snow removal. With the grant they were able to rent storage and office space, as well as purchase tools and a used truck. For the coming summer they had 12 requests for home landscaping.  Among their clients is the Presbytery of Wyoming.

In Lake City, Colo., a remote mountain town, a group of low-income working parents formed a cooperative to establish a childcare center, Wee Care. When the county provided a building the group was able to hire a director and open the facility to a few children. Our SDOP grant enabled them to hire and train an additional staff person, which they needed to expand the operation to sustainability and allow more parents to take jobs.
 
We try to have community workshops within each presbytery once every two years, except for an annual one in Denver. With the whole committee gathering only once a year, most of our business is conducted by teleconferencing and e-mail.

- John Snyder

Self-Development of People, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) enters into partnerships with community groups of economically poor people who want to change their lives and communities.  The National Committee carries out its work by making grants to, and entering into partnerships with, community groups that meet SDOP’s criteria for funding. Grants are normally not more than $20,000. Prospective applicants can apply for grants from both local and national SDOP Committees.

Community workshops explaining the Self-Development of People program, how it works, what qualifies a group for funding and the application process are held in various regions of the country throughout the year. If your group would like further information on an upcoming community workshop in your area, would like to know more about Self-Development of People, or if you would like to form a local Self-Development of People Committee like the one in the above story, please contact the Self-Development of People National office:

Marina Zaldivar
Self-Development of People
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202