Session Approves Gifts to Local Organizations
The Session of Westminster has approved $1.5 million in Enduring Hope Mission Component gifts to be disbursed to six local organizations to support academic achievement and leadership development for Black and Indigenous children and youth. The organizations and gift amounts are:
- 21st Century Academy at Liberty Community Church, $400,000
- 30,000 Feet, $200,000
- Division of Indian Work, $400,000
- Project Diva International, $80,000
- MIGIZI, $400,000
- We Win Institute, $20,000
The nine-member Mission Component Subcommittee that recommended these organizations invited trusted community leaders to describe what our community would look like if it were racially just, identify the root causes of injustice, and offer suggestions of areas where Westminster’s gifts could make a difference. The Subcommittee discerned that gifts directed to upstream efforts would have the greatest impact and met with leaders of organizations focused on closing the achievement gap and providing leadership development for Black and Indigenous youth. “We approached our work with the requisite humility, recognizing that there are already organizations offering effective programming,” explained Mission Component co-chair Elder Vince Thomas.
Mission Component co-chair Elder Jo Beld urged Session and the congregation to view each Enduring Hope gift as an opportunity to establish or expand a long-term, deep relationship. In receiving the recommendations Session members expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of accompanying and learning from committed organizations providing creative, community-based and culturally specific programming.
The Enduring Hope campaign began in the fall with a $30 million goal. In total Session approved disbursing $2.2 million of the campaign gifts to support global, national, and local organizations. Please consider making a financial commitment to support the campaign today by pledging online through Realm.
