Statement of Purpose:

Serving Christ Through His Poor was created for the purpose of serving the poor and marginalized people of El Salvador and other impoverished areas. In contrast to the long-term missionary groups traditionally found within the Catholic Church, this is a laity-driven organization created to provide volunteers with one to two week mission experiences, as well as provide an avenue for serving the poor throughout the year. Projects are designed to enable SCTHP volunteers to provide housing, hunger, health, sanitation and educational assistance to those most in need.

Serving Christ Through His Poor currently coordinates an annual missionary trip to El Salvador, as well as provides support for additional projects throughout the year.

The project scope for future mission trips will be driven primarily by the needs of the people of El Salvador. Serving Christ Through His Poor will determine the needs of the people of El Salvador by these, but not limited to these means: in-country experiences, to include previous mission trips; discussing needs with the Diocesan priest in El Salvador; and advance trips. Future projects will also be determined by factors including the number of missionaries who commit to going, and the amount of funding that can be raised for each mission trip.

Serving Christ Through His Poor serves in a Catholic tradition, but welcomes people of all religions to serve as missionaries. Serving Christ Through His Poor also welcomes people of different skill sets, abilities, and ages, so that those interested in participating in a mission trip in El Salvador can be do so. Serving Christ Through His Poor does not intend to limit its activities to El Salvador. Serving Christ Through His Poor intends to meet housing, health, sanitation, and educational issues wherever there may be a need.

Structure:

In 2006, Serving Christ Through His Poor was incorporated and an application was made to the IRS for status as an officially recognized non-profit organization. In January of 2007, SCTHP was formally recognized as a 501c(3) organization, permitting the organization to accept tax-deductible donations.

Day-to-day operations are overseen by the Executive Committee which is comprised of four (4) executive officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers each serve a two year term and report to the Board of Directors, which is overseen by its Chairman.

To facilitate the operations of this all volunteer organization, a committee structure has been established. Standing committees include: Project Planning, Communications, Programming, and Fundraising. All logistical details involving mission travel and accommodations are handled at the Executive Committee level currently.

Officers:

President — Heather Connell
Vice President — Dr. Joe McShannic
Secretary — Elisa Gamache, Esq.
Treasurer — Paul Huth

Board of Directors, Chairman — Mike Connell
Past President — Corey Westover

Finance:

SCTHP is a self-funded, non-profit organization, relying entirely on private donations. Each participant is required to cover the costs of his/her trip, but the project costs are borne by SCTHP.

To access our 990 report filed with the IRS, click here.

History:

Founded in 2005, our history is best understood through the people we have served and projects we have embraced. Learn more about our humble beginnings and projects over the past four years.