Description: |
People to People Ministries History (Our Story)
People to People Ministries Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. The ministry began in 1977 to provide support services and seminars in three areas: education, health and wellness, and religious studies and activities.
EDUCATION
In the mid 1980s local community newspapers reported that many public school students were having difficulty in reading and math skills. Test scores of African-American children were below their peers by two and three grade levels. In addition, their suspension rates were also two to three times higher. In an effort to help these children we started providing tutorial services for children in grades 3 to 6 through a program called CITY (Citizens Involved in Teaching Youth). During the summer we operated a 6-week summer enrichment program. From 1985 to 1992 we provided many hours of tutorial services to hundreds of inner-city children.
In 1991, fueled by the encouragement of parents, a little school was started with 13 children in a neighborhood house. A year later, Maranatha Volunteers International Oregon chapter helped us construct a new facility and we moved into the Community Learning Center (CLC) located on Northeast 42nd and Prescott in September 1992. This center replaced the CITY tutorial program, opening with an enrollment of over 60 children from pre-K to sixth grade.
In 2007 the learning center closed its school and directed its outreach to other areas.
HEALTH
In addition to educational services, we have organized health and wellness seminars and Wellness Check-up services for the community. This was done in coordination with area hospitals and health professionals. A variety of health classes and screenings are offered to address the health issues of inner-city residents.
Seminars and assessments offered include Vegetarian Cooking, Health Assessments, Community Healthvan, and screenings for Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and Stroke Alert.
We continue to offer health education seminars through a program called the Urban Health Project. It provides a wide range of health classes, screenings and educational activities.
RELIGIOUS Resource Center
Another aspect of People to People Ministries is its Religious studies ministry. Through this dimension seminars have been held on the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. Literature and books are also mailed to area residents, handed out or simply made available to interested individuals.
The purpose of these seminars has been to assist those who are seeking a greater understanding of the Bible and its relevance to our world.
People to People Ministries also produces Christian materials and music to financially support the various aspects of its ministries. |