DISCIPLES OF MERCY
3-YEAR
STRATEGIC PLAN
2015 - 2017
Date Developed: January 2015
Last Date Reviewed: June 2015
TABLE OF CONTENT PAGE
v Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
v Forward ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
v Background …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
v Vision and mission statements ……………………………………………………………….. 8
v Environmental analysis …………………………………………………………………………… 11
v Strategic goals and objectives ………………………………………………………………… 13
v SWOT Analysis ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
v Logical framework …………………………………………………………………………………. 35
v Activity level indicators ………………………………………………………………………….. 69
v Proposed overall budget ……………………………………………………………………….. 94
INTRODUCTION:
Disciples of Mercy Strategic Plan, 2015 – 2017 which follows is the result of hard work, many meetings, consultations and drafts by the “Strategic Planning Committee” which was constituted and mandated to draw the plan. It is important to recognize the input of various departmental heads, key stakeholders and program beneficiaries including the most vulnerable groups. The Executive Director guided the whole process. This process started in earnest in January 2015 following the expiry of the previous 3-year strategic plan for DOM.
Upon the completion of the review of the 2012-2014 strategic plan, this committee begun to seek the views and inputs of departmental heads and other stakeholders and proceeded to compile the first report. The report detailed the goals and objectives accomplished by the expiry of the previous plan. It also outlined recommendations for action items needing to be completed. The various departmental annual reports also guided the drafting of this strategic plan. The reports were helpful in updating DOM’s Mission, focusing on issues and goals and reaffirming the purpose and mandate of Disciples of Mercy. The Programs Coordinator then spearheaded the process of drafting a new strategic plan guided by the inputs and proposals of departmental heads and the annual report.
FORWARD
Nothing brings more joy to a Director’s heart than seeing that the ship they worked so hard to build is moving and in the right direction. This is not to say there won’t be some rough waters along the way but the job of the captain is to steer it to smooth waters.
It was wonderful to get together with all of our leaders recently and reflect on where DOM has come from and where DOM is headed. I am convinced we are headed for deep waters. We were able to openly share our strengths as well as our weaknesses and begin to discuss ways to move forward as we also desire to shore up the areas in which there is a shortfall.
We identified that while one of our strengths through the years has been the core values of DOM as captured in this strategic plan, we cannot turn away from also realizing there are areas of weakness that can be worked on and strengthened so as to make DOM more effective in its endeavors.
We realized that there is a need to stay relevant to our target groups by embracing new methods to reach the world in which we live. We were also cautioned that while we see the need to change some methods, we have to be careful that in doing so, we do not
compromise the values for which we stand. In changing some methods; the message cannot change – We remain “to shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness” and in so doing becoming a resource centre to the nations.
As long as I am alive, I live to see this ship moving. By implementing the activities derived from this strategic plan, I feel we will take up the opportunity to reach nations in a far greater dimension than we have to date given the incredible means of communication in this day and age that we need to avail as a means of achieving our objectives.
In three years’ time, I expect that DOM would have achieved what may have seen impossible yesterday but through hard work, dedication and by the grace of God is not impossible tomorrow.
Rev Jennie Roberts
DIRECTOR
1. BACKGROUND:
Disciples of Mercy (DOM) is a faith based registered Society under the Societies Act (Cap. 108) (Reg No. 15173) with it’s main objective to empower communities with fundamentals of the Christian faith and aid and assist vulnerable groups in any way deemed fit and appropriate. DOM Society works alongside its sister programme of Disciples of Mercy Empowerment Initiatives (DOMEI) is a non-governmental organization registered under the NGOs Coordination Act 1990 (Laws of Kenya) since 1994 (Reg No. OP 218/051/94127/410) with a mandate to provide community based interventions geared towards empowering community members through provision of quality education, trainings and comprehensive health care services. DOM’s impetus is drawn from its constitutions and the various National Strategic Plans and the ambitious aim of achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
DOM has a well-structured and all-inclusive management organogram that includes a functional Board being led by an executive Director / CEO. DOM deliberately created various departments with empowered departmental heads who assist the Programs Coordinator in the management of the programs.
Cognizant of the special groups and the need to empower women, Disciples of Mercy has made every effort to engender gender representation in all strata of management within its structure. DOM is generally and specifically guided by strong Christian Ethos that promotes transparency and accountability. Our open book policy attests to that fact. We strive to operate within the acts of parliament to meet the government’s requirements for a registered society and NGO. Both annual audited financial reports and narrative reports are submitted to the relevant government offices. In addition, DOM endeavors to comply with our donor reporting requirements while building internal systems for sustainability.
Over the years DOM has grown tremendously to extend its services to the people. Under its Society, DOM has an established church and spreads its concern and commitment for the holistic development of the various vulnerable groups and beneficiaries to include establishment of centers, organizations, schools, Health centers, associations, training centers and / or departments, programs and outreaches to benefit the community as a whole.
In the area of education DOM has a fully fledged Primary and Secondary School that strives to offer quality education to children from all backgrounds without prejudice to religious affiliation, race, ethnic background or any other affiliation. The primary school also has a unit for children with special needs that caters for about 86 children. The children have a wide range of disability categories ranging from down-syndrome, Autism, mental and physical impairment, dyslexia among others. Further, DOM has an established Vocational Training Center that offers training courses to vulnerable and disenfranchised youth as well as those children with special needs to empower them through skill based trainings. The courses include carpentry and joinery, tailoring and dressing, welding and fabrication, masonry and building technology aswell as computer literacy as part of its contribution to e-development among the youth. About 120 youth have empowered through these trainings and released to the job market with a considerable number either absorbed in the local companies or starting their own businesses. Majority of our students enrolled at vocational center are orphaned and vulnerable youth who have been supported and mentored by Disciples of Mercy under the OVCY program.
DOMEI NGO, currently runs a two pronged program focusing on Health and Orphan and Vulnerable Children and Youth (OVCY).
Under health, DOM has an equipped and functional health facility offering array of preventive and curative services. The health facility was established in 2005 with a bid to expand access to quality and affordable health care services. At the heart of DOM’s health department are both facility based and community based interventions that are responsive to the target populations and are based on needs of the clients as captured clients’ exit interviews. The health facility also provides HIV care and treatment to People Living with HIV (PLHIVs) and Tuberculosis treatment especially to HIV co-infected individuals. In addition, DOM is currently funded by Global Fund under Kenya Red Cross Society to implement HIV intervention under Community and Home Based Care and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in two Sub-Counties of Kisumu County. DOM is also funded by Fistula Foundation to create demand though community stimulation and referrals for access to Obstetric Fistula repair and prevention services, a project that is being implemented in Homabay, Migori and Kisumu Counties.
DOMEIs Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youth (OVCY) program seeks to address the needs of orphaned children and youth. The program focuses on educational needs of the OVCY, psychosocial support, capacity building and empowerment which are being offered through the vocational training program, health care services and nutritional needs of the OVCY. In its endeavor to provide support to OVCYs, DOM offers a comprehensive program that addresses both family and personal development of the children. Community re-integration of the OVCY is at the core of this program. Over 2,000 children have benefitted from this program through various interventions with a total of 68 OVCY currently being served.
2. VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS:
Disciples of Mercy is a faith based organization that is implementing a wide range of intervention programs with the community in accordance with its vision and mission statements as below;
Vision: To be a Resource Center to the Nations
Mission: “To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness”.
2.1 DISCIPLES OF MERCY CORE VALUES:
While our intent is to serve the membership, we are aware that DOM’s actions may have implications beyond the target population. In an effort to be thoughtful, careful and visionary about decision making within DOM we feel it is important to set forth the core values of the organization.
The core values and principles are derived from the vision, mission and are linked to the strategic objectives and activities under each department. These core values are the bedrock of DOM’s existence and strictly guides the implementation of activities. They include;
Transparency: DOM makes information at its disposal accessible in user‐friendly formats to as wide a range of its audience including the beneficiaries.
Openness is exercised in all aspects including finances, communication, institutional processes such as recruitment of staff members and procurement as well as in the implementation of program activities.
Integrity: DOM promotes and practices truthfulness, candidness and honesty in all its interactions. It accepts its strengths and limitations and demonstrates what it stands for through example. Those managing and implementing projects are independent and accorded the freedom of decision making in consultation with other team members without undue influence from any quarter.
Consistency: DOM follows the laid down structures and procedures adhering to the same guiding principles with an open mind to social and economic changes in the society.
Corporate responsibility: singleness of mind, one goal, one purpose, understanding and bearing one another’s burden is at the heart of DOM
Altruism: DOM accepts and appreciates human beings as they are without any prejudice and anchors its work on human rights based approaches thus contributes unselfishly to the needs of others. Decisions are taken in terms of the best interest of the people that DOM serves.
Equity: Fair distribution of resources and opportunities is central to DOM’s work. This is manifested in non‐discriminatory but evidence‐based decisions on programs, use of affirmative action, capacity building to eradicate gender imbalances and advocacy with duty bearers for actions beneficial to the vulnerable.
Leadership: DOM strives to be the leading edge of resource sharing and collaboration between and among the stakeholders.
Adaptability: DOM intends to be a nimble, flexible and dynamic organization, able and willing to adapt to the evolving needs of the members and shifting landscape of technology.
Diversity: DOM’s membership is diverse with a wide range of skills and expertise to improve its services to the people.
Education: DOM values the robust exchange of information and ideas both among and between our stakeholders with whom we may conduct business.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
3.1 Internal Environment:
9 full members compose Disciples of Mercy’s board and enjoy all the benefits of the board. The board operates within the organization’s constitution. Further, DOM has developed board’s operation manual to simplify the roles of the board.
While DOM experiences financial constrains for the implementation of its programs, it has a resource base of fixed assets estimated at Ksh 99,500,000 inform of buildings, vehicles and equipment. These buildings house DOM’s programs such as a church, schools, health facility and administration block which has dramatically reduced the cost of operation in terms of rental space. Currently, DOM has a staff base of about 100 people with diverse skill and background adding to DOM’s rich human resource capital. It also enjoys the support of the community as its programs are culturally tailored. Its sensitivity to the local culture has resulted to various social benefits for DOM from the community and other stakeholders.
Over the years, DOM has strived to anchor its programs on partnership building and networking. To this end, DOM is a member of Association of Faith Churches and Ministers (AFCM), Kisumu Clergy Association and TB Advocacy Consortium. Its partnership tree is as illustrated below;
PARTNER/FUNDER / SUPPORTED ACTIVITIESKenya Red Cross Society
2012 to date / Global fund support through KRCS to implement HIV prevention round 10 under GF. Key program areas are Home and Community Based Care and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
Fistula Foundation
2014 to date / This is a 3-year project aimed at increasing access to obstetric fistula services. The project covers Kisumu, Migori and Homabay Counties and being supported by Fistula Foundation
AMREF 2007 to 2011 / HCBC support, HCBC training, Nutritional and medical support for OVCs, paralegal support for OVCs, training for care givers, Life Skills training for children with special need, guidance and counseling training for prisoners, HTC to MARPs and general population, establishment of youth friendly center, SRH training for youth and prevention with positive (PwP) training
Round Table International 2005 – to date / Land purchase and infrastructure for school expansion, special needs unit and support program, dairy IGA, building of medical dispensary, laboratory, VCT center, vocational center, secondary school and patient support center.
Australian Embassy 2006 / Construction of special needs unit
DSW Kenya 2007 to 2010 / Provision of HIV test kits and technical support
MOH 2004 – to date / Provision of test kits, vaccines, supply of ARVs and technical support.
NACC / 2010 -2011 / BCC trainings in prisons, VCT mobile outreaches and technical support
3.2 External Environment