WHY WE FOUNDED ZION INSTITUTE
"As a child, I longed for things that many took for granted; a stable home
enough nutritious food to eat, warmth during snowy winters, even healthy parents.
Yet, despite growing up with a lack of material possessions in my early years,
I had more dreams and hope than most others might imagine.
People along the way recognized my resilience and were inspired enough to
give me something that many from my community did not have: access.
Access to knowledge, experiences, relationships, environments, and opportunities beyond anything my personal circumstances could afford. That access changed
the trajectory of my life, and is the genesis for everything we do in Zion.
– Shawn Pearson, Founder, Zion Institute
Shawn Pearson, Founder
Growing up in the grip of poverty with a mother who suffered from an untreated mental illness, Shawn Pearson was blessed with above average intelligence. This afforded her opportunities to travel outside of her neighborhood to explore performing arts, a math/science magnet program and the promise of life outside the grip of debilitating poverty.
In 2001, God brought Shawn to Phoenix, Arizona with an assignment to teach and share with others her personal experience of poverty transformation. She founded Zion to be “The Well,” the place where residents are met at their point of need to begin a journey of healing designed to break the cycles of poverty.
In her role at Zion, Shawn brings 30 years of nonprofit operational experience, extensive proposal and grant writing knowledge, and is a published author, accomplished mentor, and inspirational speaker and motivator.
HOW WE STARTED AND HOW WE'VE GROWN
In 2010, Zion Institute was born. Originally established as Kingdom Communities of the Valley, the organization was designed as a social enterprise to build capacity in businesses and enrich the communities in the South Phoenix region.
Today, Zion Institute works to build capacity in both non-profit and for-profit social entities. With access to our partners, training, and resources these entities are empowered to serve the community in a deeply meaningful way. Since 2014, dozens of new businesses, service providers, and ministries have come to life in order to serve the diverse communities of South Phoenix.
Zion Institute is “The Well” from which community development and relationships flow. We provide support and resources for the development of individuals, working to break the cycles of generational poverty and foster an improved quality of life.
Driven by faith, perseverance, and God’s grace, a renewed community and its marketplace will spring forth and flourish.
Interested in joining our Board?
- Are you passionate about seeing communities flourish?
- Do you have a background or knowledge in non-profit organizations?
- Are you business-minded with an entrepreneurial lens?
- Are you motivated to share the message of Zion Institute's transformational work?
If you answered 'yes' to all of the above, click below!