Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference

Posted by on April 25, 2003

Conference Overview:
During the past few years, as a result of Welfare Reform and growing public disillusionment with the current state of our public social service delivery system, there has been increased evidence that the involvement of community and faith-based organizations is vital to the success of welfare reform, making communities more livable, and empowering low-income individuals and families to become self sufficient.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor, and National Congress for Community Economic Development are sponsoring a one-day conference to bring together the faith-community, community development enterprises, and human service organizations to share information on how to empower families and communities. There will be presentations about National initiatives and practices to foster faith-based community development, information about the faith-based community?s current involvement in social services and community development, and workshops on how the faith-based community can access Federal and other funding to support their community development efforts. The conference is also designed to assist State and local administrators who want to strengthen their agency?s partnership with the faith community in both the design and implementation of community economic development programs.

Conference Objectives:
Through plenary sessions and discussion groups, participants will:
– gain knowledge about the President?s Faith-based and Community Initiative,
– gain knowledge about funding for establishing programs and services that can help free families and individuals from the cycle of poverty,
– share and exchange practices and practical strategies that can be useful in providing services and administering programs geared to homeless and other low-income individuals, and
– interact, network, and build partnerships with Federal, State, and community-based organizations.

Who Should Attend:
Representatives from religious institutions, faith-based community organizations, Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies (e.g., welfare, childcare, mental health and substance abuse, child support enforcement, and housing), community based organizations, work-force development, and advocacy groups.

Conference Location:
Conference Date: May 22, 2003
Hotel: Hyatt Regency
2 Fountain Plaza
Buffalo, New York 14202
Telephone: 716.856-1234

Registration Fee: None

Registration Procedures:
Space is limited. Registration should be received no later than May 12, 2003. Registration forms that are mailed and/or faxed should be received by May 12, 2003. Registration will be subject to available space.

Contact Billy Terry (NCCED) with questions about registration toll free at 1.877.446.2233, EXT. 133
Contact Jim Bates (HUD-Buffalo Office) with General questions at (716) 551-5755 EXT. 5825