This study focused on the development of the Portable Practical Educational Preparation process from its inception in 1967 through fiscal 1981, and the historical-organizational phases it passed through as it evolved into its present configuration. The history of this unique organization, serving the migrant and rural poor in Arizona, was traced. PPEP, Inc, as a non-profit community-based organization whose fundamental philosophy is self-help, has been involved in many social and educational missions. Over the time period to be covered by this investigation, PPEP has served some 55,000 individuals in such diverse areas as adult basic education, classroom training, on-the-job training, social services, and self-help community projects. PPEP, Inc. has developed from an obscure beginning in a school on wheels, "La Tortuga", a converted 1957 Chevrolet 35-passenger bus, to Arizona's largest multi-funded non-profit service agency whose practical achievements have drawn international attention. Today, a comprehensive umbrella of services to low-income rural people has been realized through a network of community-based aides with professional and technical support staff. The PPEP philosophy includes the following: (1) To involve those who are less fortunate in carrying out meaningful programs to eliminate rural poverty; (2) To help overcome the problems faced by rural people by mobilizing public and private resources in support of these programs; (3) To plan, coordinate and evaluate both short- and long-range strategies for overcoming poverty and underdevelopment in rural communities.