FOP’s purpose statement is that it "e;partners and serves with secular and faith-based organizations, local governments, groups, and individuals to pursue and create economic growth and development in the community.” FOP’s work through the second-hand stores, A Ponte, and ShiftPT have been local and national in orientation, and internationally through recurring trips and connections. The new program and initiative seeks to expand FOP’s international footprint with the implementation of a robust internship program with a potential partnership with Tabor College of Kansas, kicking off with a Vision Trip with Tabor Business and International Program Faculty Members and several student leaders in October 2023. As envisioned, the program would be business and community focused and engage with for profit and nonprofit businesses of the rural yet rapidly expanding town of Alcacer do Sal, one hour south of Lisbon, co-hosted by Alcácer Hub, a newly opened co-space and business development center, which hosts regular seminars for local entrepreneurs. Although the internship would be based in Alcacer, there would be a strong connection, working relationship, and regular visits with FOP’s existing Loures and Massamá projects, programs, and people, and Otto and Marjorie Ekk would be tasked with the role of spiritual mentors for all interns. Overall supervision for the internship program will be by FOP’s Marketing and Communication team, which has team members in both Portugal and the U.S. Alcacer do Sal is the ideal community for this type of program, where FOP has established relationships, connections with local government, and a feel for the community through our trip visits and events we have partnered on, and the region is currently experiencing a surge of growth. An additional public announcement of the new program and strategic partnership will occur on September 28, 2023, where Alcácer Hub and Friends of Portugal will host an evening event, entrepreneur spotlight and panel discussion titled “Building Hope and a New Future through Entrepreneurship.” Attending the event will be local Alcácer do Sal dignitaries and business leaders and a group of American leaders from various sectors and regions of the U.S., as well as members of FOP’s Board and leadership.
