All Dorcas clusters received a grant.
Women served: 780
Funds in circulation: $35,000 US dollars
Thank you Jesus!!
Women served: 780
Funds in circulation: $35,000 US dollars
Thank you Jesus!!
What is a cluster, how does Dorcas work?
The Dorcas Project is designed to empower women through training and small business loans. Women within the ELCLS church of a certain geographical location attend a workshop teaching on business plans, tithing, saving, banking and other business concepts. These women become a cluster and a lump sum of funding is divided among the 1st loan recipients to begin a new business or expand a current one. Although generally only 4-5 women will be chosen to receive a loan and the rest wait for their turn, all the women in the cluster pray for , encourage and share ideas with another in regular meetings.
The Dorcas/ELCLS partnership began in 2016 and has evolved over time under the management of Rev Murphy Cooper reporting to Rev Patrick Nanning. Hope and Care awards grants to clusters within the ELCLS, with a point person overseeing one or more clusters. The point person manages the records of repayment, interest, testimonies and trains new loan recipients. They are reimbursed 1% interest on each loan they manage to cover transportation costs. Point persons are strong female leaders, pastors or sometimes a businessman in the congregation. Clusters range from a single church to a parish depending on the size of, and distance between, churches and the amount of eligible women. Once a cluster is awarded a grant, the funds remain dedicated to that cluster for perpetual circulation among the female population. Women within clusters have strong bonds as they mourn, celebrate, and pray for one another, in the many challenges they face daily.
All clusters have been served, but there are plenty of women still waiting their turn. No cluster has recorded 100% women served yet, and many clusters have served less than 50% of their women. As Dorcas gifts continue to be received, they will be distributed into the clusters with highest functionality and the longest waiting lists.
Rev Murphy Cooper is retiring from his position as Dorcas Manager to focus on ministry within his region. In addition, the ministry has purposely evolved into a de-centralized one, where the local pastors and point persons can manage, eliminating cross-country transportation. Please join us in thanking God for Rev Cooper’s 5 years of dedication and wisdom. He has helped loan recipients thrive as God’s equipped women on a mission for Christ.
The Dorcas Project is designed to empower women through training and small business loans. Women within the ELCLS church of a certain geographical location attend a workshop teaching on business plans, tithing, saving, banking and other business concepts. These women become a cluster and a lump sum of funding is divided among the 1st loan recipients to begin a new business or expand a current one. Although generally only 4-5 women will be chosen to receive a loan and the rest wait for their turn, all the women in the cluster pray for , encourage and share ideas with another in regular meetings.
The Dorcas/ELCLS partnership began in 2016 and has evolved over time under the management of Rev Murphy Cooper reporting to Rev Patrick Nanning. Hope and Care awards grants to clusters within the ELCLS, with a point person overseeing one or more clusters. The point person manages the records of repayment, interest, testimonies and trains new loan recipients. They are reimbursed 1% interest on each loan they manage to cover transportation costs. Point persons are strong female leaders, pastors or sometimes a businessman in the congregation. Clusters range from a single church to a parish depending on the size of, and distance between, churches and the amount of eligible women. Once a cluster is awarded a grant, the funds remain dedicated to that cluster for perpetual circulation among the female population. Women within clusters have strong bonds as they mourn, celebrate, and pray for one another, in the many challenges they face daily.
All clusters have been served, but there are plenty of women still waiting their turn. No cluster has recorded 100% women served yet, and many clusters have served less than 50% of their women. As Dorcas gifts continue to be received, they will be distributed into the clusters with highest functionality and the longest waiting lists.
Rev Murphy Cooper is retiring from his position as Dorcas Manager to focus on ministry within his region. In addition, the ministry has purposely evolved into a de-centralized one, where the local pastors and point persons can manage, eliminating cross-country transportation. Please join us in thanking God for Rev Cooper’s 5 years of dedication and wisdom. He has helped loan recipients thrive as God’s equipped women on a mission for Christ.
