The ICM Missionary Sisters answered the call of the Rio Grande Valley in 1985 and began ministering in parishes, schools, and a homeless shelter.  Driven by the spirit of Sister Marie Louise DeMeester, they dreamed of concentrating their efforts on an underserved area.  After searching and discerning, they decided to focus on the colonias in western Hidalgo County, with a base in colonia Pueblo de Palmas, Peñitas. In July 2004, Proyecto Desarrollo Humano’s community center was blessed and inaugurated.

Proyecto Desarrollo Humano (PDH) has operated for several years in colonia Pueblo de Palmas on the outskirts of Penitas, Texas. This project of ICM and their Mission Partners focuses on addressing the unmet needs of the people living in isolated colonias in this area. In October 2005, an extension was opened in order to provide more space for the expanding services. This building houses the medical/dental clinic, the Women’s Cooperative, and the new computer room for students. From its beginnings, Proyecto Desarrollo Humano has operated in dialogue with the colonia residents in order to determine what they want in the line of programs and services. This same principle guides on-going evaluation of programs to see if they should continue or be replaced by new ones. PDH’s mission is to help our people develop their potential by means of programs in health, education, and social services, thereby strengthening family and community bonds.

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