The Virginia Faith-Based and Community Initiative began in 1999, after a task force established by the Virginia General Assembly enacted a resolution outlining the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to facilitate collaboration and partnerships among public agencies and faith-based and community organizations. These responsibilities were established in law by the General Assembly and Governor in 2002. The mission of the Initiative is to work across state agency lines and with local government to:

• Serve as the clearing house and gateway for community and faith-based organizations interest in collaboration with government to address community needs
• Promote partnerships between public agencies and community and faith-based groups to meet local needs
• Provide training and technical assistance to help community-based organizations build their capacity to provide effective services
• Expand the state's pool of effective service providers
• Coordination of offers of assistance from the faith community at the time of emergencies or natural disasters

Virginia's Faith-Based and Community Initiative has resulted in:

• Amendment of the Virginia Procurement statute to clearly state that faith-based organizations are eligible to compete for funding
• Establishment of a network of liaisons in 120 local departments of social services, 26 community action agencies and 17 Workforce Investment Boards to assist faith-based and community organizations in developing partnerships with public agencies
• Establishment of the Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Network among community and faith-based organizations
• Organization of regional conferences for local, state and federal agencies, businesses, community service providers and faith-based organizations to provide training and develop strategies to address identified community needs
• Establishment of a toll-free phone line at (800) 777-8293 to provide ongoing technical assistance to these groups

Virginia's Faith-Based and Community Initiative Current Statewide Activities:

• Online resource directory
• Development and distribution of printed and electronic technical assistance materials
• Quarterly e-newsletter
• Presentations and community outreach
• Ongoing training and technical assistance
• Capacity building training for community based organizations
• Planning and community development assistance to communities
• Coordination of the Faith Community Emergency Response Network

For more information, call (800) 777-8293 or e-mail faithbased.initiative@dss.virginia.gov.