Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the role religious organizations play in community health in the Poona Valley. Methodology. Data collected for this study were both quantitative and qualitative in nature which used surveys and interviews applying grounded theory analysis. Surveys were sent to 150 churches in the Pomona Valley. Follow-up surveys and interviews were conducted, as needed, for clarification and additional data gathering. Data were analyzed using three methods: frequency, descriptive, and correlation analysis using Pearson's R. Findings and conclusions. The findings of this study indicate the following: (a) churches are involved in local community health issues, (b) the majority of programs churches are making contributions towards are food banks, programs for the homeless, and local community groups, (c) there is collaboration between churches as well as collaboration with non-church agencies, and (d) there is no variation between religious denominations and the amount of involvement in the local community; however, there is a variation in the type of involvement each denomination has in the community. The study data support the idea that religious organizations have the ability to help fulfill the needs of the local community in regards to community health programs. Although they do not have the ability to fill this gap completely, they are making contributions to help. This is especially important in a time where federal and state funding for existing programs is being cut. Recommendations. There are two recommendations for further research: first, churches and communities should work to develop additional partnerships. If churches seek partnerships it may be possible to more effectively and efficiently help more people that would otherwise be reached. The second recommendation is to establish a review process by documenting the progress of community change and improvement, and use feedback to further improve and build upon programs offered. Many churches have programs with the intent of helping people; however, many churches administer these programs without clearly outlining their objectives, course of action, and evaluation of such programs.