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For Immediate Release:
March 07, 2008
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Lee’s Summit — The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) alongside Representative Jeff Grisamore (R-Lee’s Summit) hosted an informational forum to discuss the Missouri Faith Based Initiative created by Senate Bill (SB) 46. The initiative creates an avenue for the department to work closely with faith based organizations to assure citizens are receiving the services they need.
“This is a great opportunity for Kansas City area residents to hear how this initiative began and what ideas Rep. Grisamore and department representatives have for improving the services and resources for citizens in the metro area,” said DSS Director Deborah Scott. “This forum is a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the department and faith based organizations to meet the needs of Kansas City residents.”
Gov. Blunt enacted SB 46, which called for the department to appoint representatives to serve as liaisons to faith-based organizations in each region of the state. These liaisons work with faith-based organizations to ensure necessary services are accessible for needy residents, to promote organizations’ involvement in the community, to coordinate the department’s efforts with those of faith-based organizations and to provide guidance to faith-based organizations regarding rights and responsibilities under federal law.
“Public-private partnerships are a dynamic growth trend for the future. Catalyzing partnerships between state social service agencies and faith-based organizations—within the boundaries of the law—hold great promise for exponentially increasing care for Missourians in need,” said Rep. Grisamore. “I greatly commend all the cooperation, communication and coordination that is occurring between state departments and hundreds of faith-based organizations to provide assistance to those in need.”
Scott Weinberg from the Federal Administration for Children and Family was also on hand at the forum to discuss funding opportunities such as federal grants for programs offered by faith-based organizations taking part in the initiative.
“The faith-based community is so important to the work of the Department Social Services. It is my hope that these organizations will see the opportunities that lay before them to work with departmental agencies and make a difference in their community,” Scott added.
