DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Faith-Based Community Liaison
SUMMARY:
On March 30, 2016, Councilman Cris Medina, Council District 7, requested discussion of a plan to establish a Faith - Based Community Liaison to be considered at a future Governance Committee session.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 5, 2009, President Barack Obama signed an executive order establishing the new White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In alignment with the White House effort, through a March 30, 2016, City Council Request, Councilman Cris Medina requested that City Council Governance Committee consider a plan to establish a Faith - Based Community Liaison. Proposed liaison responsibilities include consolidation of faith-based and secular organization efforts to address community issues, including: economic recovery; poverty; support for women, children, and families; teenage pregnancy; engagement of youth; and job growth. Under the proposal, the liaison would also serve as a bridge between government and faith groups.
Preliminary staff research of referenced cities and other national models reflects implementation of faith-based and neighborhood partnerships have resulted in a wide variety of purposes and strategies. These initiatives are housed in various departments within their respective cities, including: Mayor's Office, Human or Social Services departments, Police and Fire departments. Each of these initiatives focuses on a common goal of increasing community engagement and involvement of the faith-based sector to address community issues.
Major City Comparison:
Philadelphia, PA
Department: Mayor's Office
Purpose: Serves as the primary liaison between the Mayor's Office and Philadelphia's diverse community of faith and their leaders- committed to engagement of faith organizations in daily activities of City government. ...
Click here for full text