Missouri Governor Blunt Highlights Faith-Based Missouri Disaster Relief Initiative

April 4, 2008 -- JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today built upon Faith-Based Missouri, by highlighting the Faith-Based Missouri Disaster Relief Initiative as an avenue to increase cooperation between state government and faith and community-based groups in providing services to Missouri families during times of emergency.

Stormy weather: Photo by Chris (CC)

“Disasters always bring out the best in Missourians and we have seen this with neighbors helping neighbors in our communities impacted by recent flooding,” Gov. Blunt said. “The idea behind the Faith-Based Missouri Disaster Relief Initiative is to ensure that relief agencies and state agencies have developed coordinated plans and are prepared to assist Missouri families before disaster strikes.”

The Disaster Relief Initiative will help officials from the State Emergency Management Agency and other state and local government agencies create a stronger network of service providers in times of emergency. It will help churches and charities improve their understanding and execution of emergency planning.

Last year Gov. Blunt unveiled Faith-Based Missouri, and charged a five-person team with studying how we can improve relations between state government and religious and secular charities. The team’s charge and Faith-Based Missouri’s goal is to find ways to partner with religious charities to make Missouri a better place for all Missourians. The governor and agency directors will rely on the Faith-Based Missouri team for guidance and suggestions as to how the state can better transform lives and empower Missourians.

Several state agencies already have successful partnerships with faith-based organizations. The Department of Corrections cooperates with dozens of faith-based groups in drug counseling, anger management, parenting classes, job training, and the successful Missouri Re-Entry Process, which Blunt started two years ago to cut down on recidivism.

The Department of Health and Senior Services works with faith and community-based organizations to provide child care, food banks, health care, and the Alternatives to Abortion Program. The Department of Mental Health works with several groups to stem alcohol and drug abuse and with charities for psychiatric services. The Department of Social Services has more than 2,300 contracts with faith and community-based organizations to provide services to Missourians in need.

Last year Gov. Blunt signed the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act that will strengthen existing partnerships. The law calls on the Department of Social Services to designate regional liaisons to faith-based organizations. The liaisons will work to promote department and faith-based groups working together to provide private community services to Missourians in need of assistance. The legislation also prohibits discrimination against any faith-based groups in carrying out the provisions of the law.

Source: Missouri Governor

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