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From pump factory to Pump House Ministries

Courtney McNaull

March 13, 2018 |

Richland Source |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Ashland, Ohio

After a manufacturing plant closed and ownership shifted hands, the F.E.Meyers building was transformed into Pump House Ministries, a non-profit that expanded internationally. In its heyday, it served free meals, built transitional housing, distributed shoes abroad, and supported micro-lending and water purification in Africa. Beyond the initial donation of property, most of these efforts were supported by revenue generation through its social enterprise arm: by its catering business, craft shows, and book sales. (This is the first article in a four part series.)

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Can religion solve El Salvador's gang problem?

Sarah Esther Maslin

March 01, 2018 |

The Economist |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: El Salvador, San Salvador

For many in El Salvador, finding religion can mean finding a way out of violent gang life. The country has become one of the most violent in the world following the civil war in the 1980s that drove refugees to the U.S., where their children formed gangs and then brought them back home when they were deported. Pentecostalist churches founded by former gang members have often stepped in where civil institutions have failed, offering a sense of belonging and sometimes jobs to those who want to leave gang life, but their longterm success in rehabilitation remains unclear.

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In some cases, houses of worship step in to help people keep their homes

Anne Hillman

February 14, 2018 |

Alaska Public Media |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Anchorage, Alaska

Almost 3,000 Alaskan families received governmental assistance for rent - those who are in need but don't qualify for government help often turn to family, friends, and other informal sources for aid. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is just one of the many faith organizations stepping in to help fill in the gaps.

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The Midwives' Resistance: How Native Women Are Reclaiming Birth on Their Terms

Mary Annette Pember

January 05, 2018 |

Rewire |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

It is exceptionally difficult for indigenous people in Canada and the United States to receive culturally competent care from non-Native providers. A series of efforts focused on maternal care and the role of midwives have provided pathways for women to receive care rooted in their culture as well as endeavored to create the legal and financial infrastructure to make these efforts sustainable.

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Arvada shelter keeps local homeless warm

Shanna Fortier

January 03, 2018 |

Colorado Community Media |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Arvada, Colorado

High rates of homelessness are an issue for many cities in America, and the associated perils increase dramatically in severe weather situations. In Colorado's Jefferson County, The Severe Weather Shelter Network, a Christian nonprofit, is working with local churches to offer severe weather shelters for vulnerable populations.

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Faith Based Farms

Colm Flynn

December 06, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, New Jersey

In the United States, a multi-denominational movement combines faith and farming. “Gardens are magical places,” says Venice Williams, executive director of Alice’s Garden in Milwaukee, one of three faith-based farms profiled in this story. “This garden and most gardens slow you down, connect you to other people, and help you to put things into perspective and to celebrate everything that the creator has provided for us--however you identify with that creator.”

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Beyond Faith: How One Community Raised 70 Kids from the Texas Foster Care System

Beth Cortez-Neavel

September 05, 2017 |

The Chronicle of Social Change |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Possum Trot, Texas

Possum Trot, Texas is home to a deeply religious African-American community. The people in this rural town are also responsible for adopting or fostering 70 children from Texas' foster care system, often sparked by their religious beliefs and sustained through caseworkers' hard work and community resources.

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Learning to defuse Islamophobia

Owen Mortner

August 21, 2017 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Most bus stops have an array of ads, but in Boston one sign reads “What to do if you are witnessing Islamophobic harassment.” The message is part of a part of a public awareness campaign rolled out by the city, which illustrates “how bystanders could help a victim of anti-Muslim behavior.”

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A Fairhill church is redemption central for ex-offenders

Kristen E. Holmes

July 07, 2017 |

The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Media Network) |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A church in Philadelphia is adept at ministering to those coming out of incarceration and drug use because its two pastors come from that very same world. They hold members accountable, which could mean a required stint in rehab before folks can use the various services of the church like housing, food and help with employment. As a result the recidivism rate of members is about five percent, far lower that the state-wide rate.

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Muslim and Latino communities in Southern California mix during Ramadan — thanks to taco trucks

David Leveille

June 08, 2017 |

Public Radio International (PRI) |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Santa Ana, California

Under an administration that frequently spouts racist rhetoric and enforced divisive legislation such as the Muslim ban and the border wall, minority communities - particularly Islamic and Latino communities - are having to work harder than ever to combat the dichotomy of their neighborhoods. In Santa Ana, the Islamic Center has created a clever way to unite the varied demographics of the community: taco trucks - once the punch line of a derogatory quip from a Trump supporter - open during Ramadan to help foster cultural exchange and neighborly relations.

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