Our Mission Statement

Project Understanding is a faith-based agency founded and established on the principles and ideals of Judaism and Christianity whose mission is two-fold: To do justice by serving the poor, hungry and oppressed with compassion and mercy, and to provide avenues for those who wish to serve others.

Project Understanding initiates, develops, and maintains special projects pulling together the efforts of individuals, local congregations and groups to meet the needs of those in need.

Our Programs

To explore the current programs Project Understanding offers, see the programs page.

Our History

Project Understanding had its beginnings more than a quarter of a century ago in the desire of people in the faith community to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Clergy and laity from half a dozen congregations joined together to do what they could not do alone. The agency was officially incorporated on July 7, 1977.

During its history, Project Understanding has initiated a number of programs that have since incorporated as separate agencies. Among these are FOOD Share (the county food bank), the Ventura County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, and Operation Warm-Up (now Operation Work). In addition, Project Understanding continues to operate the programs described on the programs page. And Project Understanding will undoubtedly initiate new programs in the years ahead to meet the needs of people in our community.

Our Supporters

About 25 congregations support the work of Project Understanding through cash or in-kind donations and through the volunteer efforts of their members. Project Understanding is indeed the faith community's response to those in need.