Church Welfare Program

President Marion G. Romney, a leader of the Church said, “Welfare is not a program of the Church. It is the Church.” Shortly after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized a commandment was given to take care of the poor, “And now, I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed the voice of the church; And they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the place which I have commanded them.” In 1935, during the hard years of the Great Depression the Welfare Program was instituted as a worldwide program.

The Church runs numerous programs that fall under the umbrella category known as the welfare program. One of these programs is fast offering. Each month the members of the Church are asked to fast for 24 hours. They are then asked to give to the Church the money they would have spent on those meals. This money is first given to help any of the needy in the ward, the excess is sent to other areas with people in need.

LDS Family Services is also another part of the welfare program. Although LDS Family Services is a separate corporation, Bishops refer members of the Church who are in need of their help. LDS Family Services provide adoption services, counseling for unwed parents, placing children in foster homes, and therapy and counseling for families or individuals experiencing other problems.

Another part of the welfare program is the Bishop’s Storehouse. The Bishop’s Storehouse is a place where goods are kept to be given away to those in need. It is filled with food and other household items such as soap, all of which are produced by the Church. When a family or individual is going through a hard time, they can go to their Bishop (the leader of their congregation) and he will help them decide what they need.

The Church also provides employment programs. There are centers set up around the world where people can come and get help finding a job or learning different skills. The Church also runs something known as the Perpetual Education Fund. People can apply for aid from the Church to pay for their schooling. When they receive aid they are asked to return the money they used so that others will be helped. Anyone can donate to this fund as well.

Humanitarian Services is also an extension of the Welfare Program. Humanitarian Services provide aid to those in need because of disasters or poverty. They provide food, water, vaccinations, clothing and school supplies. Donations can also be given to this area of the Welfare Program through the Humanitarian Fund. Members of the Church are encouraged to help in this effort by making kits. Kits are divided into categories such as hygiene, school, and baby kits.

Other Links: http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/welfare/ http://www.providentliving.org/