Del Camino Connection

Target demographics: DCC supports church-based, grassroots initiatives designed to transform and serve the needs of individuals, families and the communities of their local contexts. We channel resources to these initiatives in ways that empower and promote sustainable responses to human need and suffering.

Geographic areas served: Latin America, United States, Canada

Programs: Dcc facilitated connections between north american congregations, organizations, individuals and latin american network churches that encouraged mutual learning and community service through endeavor dr and endeavor cr, the church connecting ministries serving under the dominican and costa rican rdc networks. In 2014, 20 serving/learning connections were facilitated. Over 227 volunteers participated in these serving/learning exchanges. These connections served multiple communities in the dominican republic, haiti, and costa rica through a wide variety of activities including: educational training for school teachers, community center facility improvement and construction projects, youth outreach activities, children's ministries, and church leadership training and spiritual formation activities. Dcc through endeavor dr, facilitated 10 of the above mentioned 20 serving/learning exchanges by sending medical serving teams out of rush presbyterian university medical center of chicago, il. These medical teams served alongside church based community health programs in peralta/azua, santo domingo, and consuelo, dominican republic in reaching over 1,800 people with basic primary and secondary health interventions with treatment, including medicine and surgeries. 3 of the teams from rush also served the medical needs of impoverished communities in haiti.

del camino connection (dcc) channeled economic support from friends, partners and supporters of the red del camino network for integral mission in latin america and the caribbean (over 8 national networks) to ministries training and equipping pastors and leaders for effective integral mission and to local church based initiatives that are transforming communities. Funds were also channeled to partner ministries that support innovative community development initiatives that seek to bring systemic social, economic, and spiritual transformation to individuals and communities in need. Over $165,617 dollars were channeled and invested in local church & ministry based hospitality and shelter programs for the homeless and marginalized, holistic child development programs, recreational and educational development programs for youth and young adults, church/community center infrastructural development, church-based community health initiatives, national network leadership development training and equipping activities, and innovative micro enterprise development initiatives. Over 10,000 individuals were impacted by these diverse church-based development initiatives that dcc came alongside and supported in 2014.

dcc served and supported red del camino church network by providing resources and facilitating training exchanges for the national network conferences and gatherings. Over 1,000 church leaders were inspired, equipped and connected in national network gatherings in the dominican republic, costa rica, guatemala, nicaragua, honduras, peru, argentina, and mexico. 8 active national networks were accompanied in their ongoing activities and emerging networks were supported in columbia and cuba in their efforts to gather and unite churches that share a vision and commitment to participating in god's restorative mission in the world that brings hope and transformation to those in need. Over 600 local churches connected to the rdc network were inspired, motivated, equipped and encouraged to serve their communities in need.

del camino connection was contracted by tear fund uk's inspired individuals program in 2014 to serve as the connecting, coaching and consulting entity for the latin american and caribbean regions. Dcc helped review and select 20 men and women from the region, orient them to the program, and provide them with ongoing support and encouragement in order to equip them for their diverse outreach ministries serving the marginalized and suffering. Those participating in the inspired individuals program reach out to youth at risk, vulnerable children, women who suffer domestic abuse and violence, activists who seek care of the creation, and other heroic servant leaders. Dcc has the privilege of investing in these innovative and passionate leaders as they strive to make a difference through their ministry.