The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities will partner with faith-based community organizations in the commonwealth to provide quality human services to those in need. Religious organizations are encouraged to compete for federal funding to provide public services. This can be done without abandoning their religious character, as long as any inherently religious and worship-centered activities are separate, voluntary and privately funded.

In the spirit set forth by President Bush, the Department is committed to strengthening the partnership between state government and those faith-based and community groups that provide compassionate care and produce impressive results. These organizations have an essential role to play in our goal to build resilience in individuals and their communities, and to facilitate recovery for those people whose lives have been affected by a behavioral health issues, developmental or intellectual disabilities, substance abuse or an acquired brain injury.

The goal of the Faith-Based Coalition Initiative is to make sure that grassroots leaders can compete on an equal footing for federal dollars, receive greater private support, and face fewer bureaucratic barriers.

The Department can:

• Assist in locating resources.
• Assess gaps in needed services.
• Identify funding opportunities.
• Provide training and technical assistance in grant writing.
• Share information on evidence-based practices.

Return to top