Dorcas (DHN)

Dorcas is a Christian relief organisation active in Eastern Europe and Africa. Dorcas preferably works with local partners, like local churches or organisation. Dorcas gives support in four ways:

1. Through structural development projects Dorcas lends support to help local communities become self-sustaining and less dependent on foreign aid. The beneficiaries of the projects are the really poor and oppressed. Special attention is given to women and children. These projects focus on five specific areas: Agriculture, water supply, health care, housing, and income generating projects. 30% of the Dorcas projects focus especially on children.

2. In social projects Dorcas gives a helping hand to those that are poor and vulnerable in former communist countries and Africa, giving them food and clothing.

3. A number of the above projects are funded through financial sponsorship. This means that donors ('sponsors') pay a monthly amount of money for a particular child, family or 'granny' in one of the project countries.

4. In relief and rehabilitation operations Dorcas serves to lessen the effects of disasters (both man-made and natural) by providing food, clothing and medical assistance; refugees are assisted in resettling.