Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5

Locally and globally, we strive to improve opportunities for future generations. Locally, our public schools and social services organizations are unable to provide a learning climate for the children of many families. Persistent poverty impedes the development of life skill. Globally, violence, war, terrorism, famine, and natural disaster block access to education.

First Presbyterian Day School

Established in 1970, First Presbyterian Day School is a high quality, 5 Star Rated, non-profit and nonsectarian program providing nurturing and developmentally appropriate childcare. Located in the facilities of First Presbyterian Church, the Day School serves infants through four (4) year olds from racially, culturally and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

South Sudan Presbyterian World Mission Partnership

Through the Peacemaking offering, and through the Self Development of People component of the One Great Hour of Sharing, FPC Durham supports education programs in some very troubled areas of the world. After decades of civil war, South Sudan voted in 2011 to separate from the North and become an independent nation. It hasn’t been easy, but Presbyterian Church (USA) partners in South Sudan have welcomed our assistance. One of our mission workers, Leisa Wagstaff, who has her stateside home just 30 miles north of Durham, taught school in Cameroun for most of her thirty years of as a mission worker. With our support, she continues serving by teaching teachers who are key to future stability in this African nation.

StepUp Ministry

StepUp Durham brings business and community together as an employment and life skills training model. Its objective is to employ over 250 unemployed Durham residents annually while training their families in a one-year life skills curriculum. 1st Presbyterian supports Step Up both financially and with volunteers.

Partners for Youth Opportunity (PYO)

Partners for Youth Opportunities work in the community to provide youth with mentoring, employment and educational support. There are four core areas: workforce development, academic support (including college entry), community-based mentoring, and leadership development. Leveling the playing field for low resource students helps them discover and achieve their aspirations.