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What's Happening Now at Dignity Village? The PPP has partnered with "Berseba." Bersheba is an agricultural business developed and managed by Damon Crim. Damon has interviewed and selected 20 candidates for the agricultural project, and is now assisting the candidates in the development of the agricultural micro-businesses. The 20 women and their family members have already cleared the land, applied the first organic fertilizer, planted and grown seedlings in the greenhouse, and have begun transplanting the seedlings into the fields. Berseba will continue to provide the tools, irrigation system, manufactured shade, fertilizers, insecticide, and seeds. Before harvest, Berseba will provide training in the management of their own businesses for future purchases, cost control and accounting principles. Then, at harvest time, Berseba will purchase all the vegetables and crops from each individual based on production from their designated plot. By the end of 2005, eleven women will have been successfully trained in the art of beekeeping. During this extensive training, the women have developed the project sites where the 100 hives are located, including construction of a honey processing plant at Dignity Village. The hives, processing plant, equipment, and materials are owned by PPP and managed by PPP staff beekeeper/supervisor, Miguel Martinez. At harvest time, the beekeepers are given a percentage of the profit and throughout the year are given a wage to compensate for the work done with the hives. In 2006 expansion plans for the self-supporting beekeeping program include training of more women, purchasing additional hives, locating appropriate sites, and researching future honey retail markets. The ranch house has been furnished with bunks and linens, and a large summer kitchen has been equipped for use by the families in the agricultural program. During planting and harvest times families must work longer hours so commuting from their homes is impractical. Making the ranch house available for overnight stays enables the workers to be more productive during their "team weeks." During off-peak times, the ranch house will be available for volunteer work teams and spiritual retreats. The smaller house at the ranch has already been refurbished to provide a safe, structured, halfway house for 4 to 6 young boys who are currently not able to live with their parents. The rural location and peaceful environment at Dignity Village make it a perfect setting for the PPP Boys Home. Research is underway to locate a home-school teacher for the boys, hire an on-site program director, purchase furnishings for the home, and most importantly, find donors to commit to this ongoing, long-term program. |
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