Betterment vs. Development

This fall we've been shaking things up at The GreenHouse!  The combination of some excellent training we've been receiving from the Christian Community Development Association (and others) + a number of years of in the trenches doing trial and error + time away this summer to think and dream up new ideas = just the right timing to make some significant changes.   

We're now viewing everything we do from a new lens.  We're asking if what we are doing:

1.  Respects the dignity of the people involved

2.  Strengthens the community in sustainable ways

3.  Promotes freedom from dependency

4.  Allows people to use their own resources and be self-determining

We're focusing on assets rather than deficits.

We're acknowledging that each and every person is created in the image of God - each one with gifts, strengths, and abilities - just waiting to be utilized for Him. 

We're tweaking each program, shifting them from Betterment activities to Development activity.  (A betterment activity is focused on doing for others, while a development activity is focused on enabling others to do for themselves.  A betterment activity improves conditions, while a development activity strengthens capacity.  Betterment activities are event-oriented; development activities are relationship-oriented.)

It's hard to shift from Betterment to Development!  It's a lot easier to hand out clothes than it is to set-up a thrift store, right?  But, slowly we're making progress with these changes and it's exciting to see.

Last month we made some good changes to our Harvest Carnival and this month we did an overhaul on the manner in which we delivered food to families for Thanksgiving.  Rather than just handing out food boxes to families like we've done in the past, we set up the "Thankful Hearts Food Store."  

A number of our youth leaders and a handful of parents helped set-up and run the store.  Three moms were also on a planning committee to help decide how the store should run and what food items should be included.

The families who came to shop in the store each contributed $5 for a box of food which included a turkey, potatoes, rolls, pies, drinks, and an assortment of canned foods. 

Everyone was pleased with the selection of food items and left the store with smiles on their faces. 

Altogether, 66 families were served through the Thankful Hearts Food Store - more families than we've ever served in the past through our Thanksgiving food efforts!  Even better, we deepened our relationships with parents, particularly the three who served on the planning committee.  They got to use their gifts and talents...and they each held their heads a little bit higher that day. 

One youth at a time.  One parent at a time.  God's love is being seen and felt.  Leaders are emerging.  Dreams are being realized.  Hope is being restored.  A community is being renewed.