The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People has hired three Technical Assistance Providers to work in Baltimore, Los Angeles and New Orleans. The National SDOP Committee identified these areas for focused outreach for the next three years.  The outreach is meant to identify and partner with economically poor communities and to promote and interpret the SDOP ministry in Presbyterian congregations. This is an eight month internship. By providing technical assistance to potential SDOP partners SDOP hopes to assist a larger number of communities in their struggles for social and economic justice.  SDOP is a ministry of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. With increased promotion and interpretation congregations will have the opportunity to observe how their giving is impacting their local communities.  Although SDOP is doing focused outreach in these areas it is equally committed to continuing to partner with communities across the US.

The Baltimore Technical Assistance Provider is Tiffany Brown who shares: “I am excited to learn more about SDOP and the PC (USA) and I can’t wait to begin this awesome journey.  I have 7 years’ experience as an Events Coordinator and I am recently working as a makeup artist.  I am a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County; where I majored in Sociology and Art. In my free time I am a devoted mom and I’m a huge Baltimore Ravens Fan!! I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive and welcoming and I look forward to building strong ties with the SDOP family!”

Brian Symonds who is the Technical Assistance Provider for Los Angeles said “I am thrilled to join this team of wonderful folks and I can’t wait to begin contributing my part to outreach efforts. I come to you with nearly 10 years of customer service experience from two different colleges and The Disneyland Resort. My journey in the PC (USA) began with my exploring a call to ordained ministry. I have since graduated with a Bachelors degree in Public Relations in 2005 from California State University Fullerton and a Masters Degree in Divinity in 2010 from San Francisco Theological Seminary. I am so excited to be a part of Self-Development of People and the ministry of Compassion, Peace, and Justice. Thank you all for being so welcoming and I look forward to working with all of you.”

The New Orleans Technical Assistance Provider is Troy Glover. Troy shares “I am extremely excited to learn more about SDOP and the PC (USA) and to get started in my new role. I come to you with 5 years of experience as a community organizer and advocate for youth and social justice issues. I spent two years at Southeastern Louisiana University, where I headed our college ministry called "Impact" and also spent some time on the university football team. I am an avid football fan. I live, breathe and follow the New Orleans Saints with a passion and energy. I have resided in New Orleans my entire life. We are a city full of fun, food, culture and community. It's unfortunate that somewhere in this process we have lost hope and only a few believe in self-empowerment. So the need and potential for SDOP to profoundly help my city is well appreciated, it is an honor and privilege to embark on this journey. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming. I look forward to working with all of you.” 

Each Technical Assistance Provider will assist with promoting and interpreting the ministry of SDOP and hold community workshops (information sessions) in their city of focus. If your church/organization would like to host a community workshop please email sdop@pcusa.org

Cynthia White, Self-Development of People Coordinator says “SDOP is excited about the potential that comes with these technical assistance providers.  This broadens our outreach to economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged communities in Baltimore, New Orleans, and Los Angeles and increases opportunities to more deeply engage Presbyterians in these areas in the SDOP ministry.  These are three powerful young adults that are committed to their communities and committed to the church.  We welcome them to the SDOP family.  We look forward to having a technical assistance provider in the Detroit area, if you are interested in the position or know someone that might be please contact our office.”

About Self-Development of People: Self-Development of People is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) that demonstrates God’s justice and wholeness especially among the economically disadvantaged and oppressed by partnering with them for projects that seek to improve their lives and communities. The National Committee carries out its work by making grants to, and entering into partnerships with, community groups which meet SDOP’s criteria for funding. Over the past 40 years due to the compassion and generosity of Presbyterians SDOP has awarded more than $95 million to communities of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people in 68 countries – affirming God’s concern for people. SDOP is a ministry of the Louisville-based church’s Presbyterian Mission Agency. To learn more about Self-Development of People visit the website or contact the national office at 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396, or call toll-free: (888) 728-7228 x5782 (English); (888)728-7228 ext. 5790 (Spanish).