A faith-based organization (FBO) is an organization that has a faith or religious component as its foundation and motivation for its work. The purpose of this assignment is to assess a faith-based organization and understand how it is unique. Faith-based organizations play an important role in global health given their holistic approach to serving the whole person and community, especially among vulnerable groups. Identify an example of a faith-based global health organization or ministry. Research the institution by reviewing annual reports, websites, papers, program documents, or conducting in-person or phone interviews. The organization should be at least 5 years old, work in multiple countries, and have an explicit faith-based foundation. Write a 1,000-1,250-word case study on the selected organization in which you assess the following aspects of the organization:
Mission
Assess how the mission of the organization aligns with its strategies and work.
- How does the mission of the organization match its strategies and activities in
serving vulnerable or low-income populations? - How does the organization integrate faith into its public health activities and
programs? Comment on how the organization balances its mission to share its
faith with its goal to improve health. - Are the values of the organization unique compared to other global health organizations?
Populations
Assess the populations served by the organization or ministry.
- How does the organization or ministry identify a population or individuals to
serve? - Does the organization have specific eligibility criteria?
Funding Mechanism
Assess the funding mechanism of the organization.
- What are the primary sources of support for the organization?
- Do the local populations being served by the organization help support the
organization (time, talents, or treasure)?
Partnerships
Assess the partnerships of the organization within public health to develop innovative and appropriate public health models.
- How does the organization work or partner with other organizations, churches, or groups in the communities where the organization works?
- Does the organization partner with governmental public health agencies?
- How could the organization improve the effectiveness of its “aid” and support in the communities within which it works?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This assignment aims to assess a faith-based organization that has been operational for at least five years, works in multiple countries, and has an explicit faith-based foundation. The focus will be on assessing the mission of the organization, populations served, funding mechanism, and partnerships.
Answer:
Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are unique in their approach to global health, considering the holistic needs of vulnerable populations, taking into account the social, spiritual, and cultural aspects of health. One such organization is Catholic Relief Services (CRS). CRS is a US-based international humanitarian agency that was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of America to assist the poor and vulnerable. CRS works in over 100 countries worldwide, providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, responding to conflicts and addressing long-term development needs.
Mission: The mission of CRS is to foster integral development and to alleviate poverty and suffering among the poorest and most vulnerable people overseas. CRS aims to promote justice, security, and peace, integrating a commitment to the Gospel, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and Catholic social values into their work. The mission aligns with CRS’s strategies and work, focusing on the needs of low-income populations. They provide a range of services, including health and nutrition programs, water and sanitation projects, and emergency response services, all while expressing compassion and upholding human dignity. CRS integrates faith into their public health activities by partnering with the Church, religious groups, and communities to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people they serve.
Populations: CRS serves vulnerable groups, including people living in poverty, those affected by natural disasters, and those who are victims of conflict. They identify the populations by conducting needs assessments to understand the root causes of poverty, identify the most vulnerable, and prioritize their needs. CRS has specific eligibility criteria for the populations it serves, such as considering the population’s income level, vulnerability, and the severity of the crisis.
Funding Mechanism: CRS’s primary sources of support include government funding, charitable donations, and church funding. CRS also receives funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and private donors. The local populations receiving aid from CRS contribute to the organization by volunteering their time, skill, and knowledge as part of their asset development programs.
Partnerships: CRS partners with other organizations, churches, and groups in the communities where they work to develop innovative and sustainable public health models that are appropriate for local cultures. They also work with governmental public health agencies. CRS could improve the effectiveness of its aid by scaling up its programs, collaborating with more local organizations, and strengthening local ownership by transferring skill and knowledge to the communities they serve.
The case study of CRS highlights the organization’s unique approach to global health, integrating faith and social values into their work. CRS is aligned with its mission, strategies, and work, and takes an evidence-based approach to serving vulnerable populations. CRS has strong partnerships and collaborates with the Church, religious groups, communities, and governments to address the root causes of poverty and suffering. This case study offers an understanding of the importance of FBOs in global health and their unique approach to serving vulnerable communities worldwide.
