The Self-Development of People Committee of the Synod of the Trinity is pleased to award monetary grants to these 4 hard working and promising self-development projects.  Each proposal is full of promise and the committee is excited to become partners with each project as it progresses towards the goal of becoming self-sustaining.  A short synopsis on each project is available below.

Reporting from the street

The Official Internet Black News Network is the development of

Videographer

a black internet news broadcast for the Pittsburgh area which will detail all information accessible to inform the black community of the world around them.  It effects long term change both for the members in the community of need and for the surrounding community that it serves and provides group members with self-sufficiency, exposure in working in a group setting aimed at a goal, and experience in owning and running a viable enterprise and networking with other businesses, organizations, and individuals that aspire to see a positive change in the community.  Recently interviewed were both governatorial candidates Gov. Ed Rendell and Lynn Swann.

Room which will be used for group activities

The P.S. West Drop In and Resource Center Transportation Project assists the special needs of the mental health population:  the drop-in center provides learning skills (cooking, computer, money management, etc), employment skills,

Computer room in progress

and support while the transportation center provides reliable service to out of area programs.  The goal is to help each client reach the highest  level of independence possible for him or her.  Not only are the clients learning to support each other but they are becoming a service organization for local charities as they strive toward the ultimate goal of becoming self-sustaining.  The residents and clients make the financial decisions with input/oversight by the Board of Directors.

The seniors of Senior Self Help Volunteer Program in Waynesburg, PA are taking control of their lives by working with volunteers to assist other seniors in the community to meet basic needs and remain safe and independent in their own home.  This project addresses the need for safety in the home (smoke detectors, grab bars, bath mats) and complete independence (ramps, home repairs).  Isolated and living on fixed income, these seniors need assistance and our program provides the necessary service to allow these seniors their dignity.  The decision makers are the senior consumers who determine who received services and may also act as volunteers.

With the threat of their homes being sold or demolished,

Step-Up is attempting to purchase their section of the housing project and to remodel and manage their own homes. This will provide stability for themselves and their community and avoid the turmoil, displacement, and chaos that would ensue with a move. The Board of Directors, elected by the tenants, has attracted the interest of the Urban Redevelopment Authority and three developers, and home ownership appears to be in the near future for these Pittsburgh residents.

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