The purpose of welfare is to help members of the Church to become self-reliant and to care for the poor and needy. President Joseph F. Smith taught that the purpose of Relief Society is “to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation . . . of all the female members of the Church” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 385).

Recently, local Church leaders were given direction concerning welfare principles. Sister Julie B. Beck contributed to that training. Watch excerpts from Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance. View these presentations by clicking on the video icons listed in the table below. To download the file to your computer, right-click on the video icon and save the file to your computer. The videos are available in two formats:   Windows Media Player   QuickTime video content in MP4 format   CLICK PHOTO TO PLAY RIGHT-CLICK TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO General Introduction, (running time 00:51) “Relief Society is meant to provide relief, which means to lift up, to lighten, to raise someone up or out of trouble.” Looking After the Poor and the Needy, (running time 01:08) “Relief Society takes the lead in organizing, teaching, and inspiring Relief Society sisters to become personally self-reliant.” Self-Reliance, (running time 01:03) “How do we become self-reliant? We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.” Self-Reliance, (running time 01:57) “How self-reliant are the sisters in your ward?” Fulfilling Our Responsibilities, (running time 01:30) “Providing for ourselves and others is evidence that we are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Elder Hales: Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance, (running time 01:37) "We live in an age of entitlement. Many believe they should have all that others have—right now. Unable to delay gratification, they go into debt to buy what they cannot afford. The results always affect both their temporal and spiritual welfare.” Welfare means temporal and spiritual well-being. "The welfare plan builds faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," Elder Robert D. Hales has said. "It gives us a window into the life of the Savior, experiencing the type of life He led while on earth." To help bishops and Relief Society presidents follow this inspired plan for the "poor and needy," President Hinckley has counseled them to "work closely" and "consult together" in administering Church welfare. Family Home Storage pamplet, "All Is Safely Gathered In" in PDF () format. Bishop Keith B. McMullin speaks on Family Home Storage video clip. For more information on welfare please visit the Provident Living website. Spiritual and Physical Self Reliance “From the Church Handbook of Instructions, we learn: ‘The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant and independent. . . .  “ ‘To become self-reliant, a person must work. Work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort. It is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity. Through work, people accomplish many good things in their lives. . . .  “ ‘As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities’ and are ‘better able to care for others in need.’ ” M. Russell Ballard, “Becoming Self-Reliant Spiritually and Physically,” Ensign, Mar. 2009, 51 Meeting Challenges During Times of Economic Uncertainty We have identified some resources to help in meeting challenges during times of economic uncertainty. Training Materials for Leaders: Employment (New) "One for the Money," Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Sept. 2007, 36-39 "Climbing Out of Debt," Ensign, July 2002, 66-69 "Happily Living within Our Means," Ensign, Jan. 2008, 58-63 "Five Steps to Financial Well-Being," Lane V. Erickson, Ensign, Mar. 2004, 66-71 "Principles of Self-Reliance," Silvia H. Allred, May 1, 2008, BYU Women’s Conference www.providentliving.org Family Finance (PDF format)