PSDI’s holistic model recognizes that the truly poor face many obstacles in their economic recovery and only a comprehensive program offers them the best opportunity for success. In the model, families provide the labor and determine the direction of the plan while the model provides expertise, resources, technology and training to reach the common goal. The first step is to assess the level of po
verty each family faces as defined by the amount of food that is available to them each day. Most begin the program in a state of partial starvation-only one meal a day. Steps are then taken to see that the family has their most basic needs of shelter, food and clean water. Next, families partner with a social worker to help prioritize their needs and develop an individualized plan for independence. PSDI provides the necessary skills training and micro-finance programs to ensure success. Throughout the process, social workers assess each family’s progress and help make changes if their goals aren’t being met. A family graduates from the program when they are self-sufficient, have assets, savings, clean water, food, shelter, access to sanitary latrines and basic healthcare, income-producing skills and their children attend school. Most families permanently graduate out of poverty within a ten year cycle. The PSDI model has proven to be successful, measurable in its outcomes and is internationally recognized for its sustainability. It is adaptable to any to any part of the world and PSDI has been established to fully support its expansion.
