Thoughtfulness in program design is necessary, too. Several of our high-scoring applicants in the Partners in Transformation competition understood this. The Arkansas Rice Depot, for example, gives food-filled backpacks to schoolchildren who might not have dinner. What is noteworthy is that the food is not distributed in plastic sacks, but in “cool” backpacks. This reduces the chances of humiliation from being identified as a needy child. In Texas, the GospelWorks program creatively uses technology to accomplish something crucial: an incarcerated mom or dad talking with his/her kids. This cuts out the potential humiliation of sons or daughters having to get in a car, drive to the prison, empty out their pockets to go through security, and be watched by cameras or armed guards as they visit their parent. Simultaneously, it accomplishes (almost) the same thing as a visit--human interaction. In New Jersey, the Elijah’s Promise “Promise Jobs Culinary School” dresses their students in chef hats and white jackets, preparing them for jobs in sit-down restaurants instead of entry-level positions at fast-food joints.

Finally, treating program participants as givers and not just receivers enhances their dignity. The Scranton Road Community Development Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio offers a terrific example. Its “Digital Connectors” initiative seeks to train low-income high school students in computer technology. Students learn relevant computer skills such as MS Word, MS Publisher, MS Excel, and website design. But the program also engages these students as teachers for adults from public housing communities who wish to learn basic computer literacy skills.

Treating people with dignity may seem like something that comes naturally. Tragically, too often it is not. Faith-based groups should be the ones excelling in intentional, creative approaches to serving those in distress with the respect they deserve.