Minutes

Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships (DCFBP)

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

12–2 pm

Conference Call

Attendees: Douglas D.Gerdts (Chair), Flora McConkie, Max Joseph Wolf, Kenny Foster, John Moore, Michael Beals, Kim Tephabock, Raina Harper Allen.

The meeting was called to order by Doug at approx. 12:05 pm.

No guests or presenters.

Minutes of July meeting approved.

Sub-Committee Reports.

Emergency Preparedness/Recovery: Council members encouraged to share information on Delaware’s 7th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day with others. Saturday, September 21, Delaware Agriculture Museum and Village in Dover, 10 am to 2 pm. Free. Numerous exhibits, interactive demonstrations and give-aways. Hosted by Delaware Citizen Corps (Delaware Emergency Management Agency) and Kent County Emergency Management. For more info call (302) 659-2243 or go to delawarecitizencorps.org

After-School Youth: No report.

Foster Care and Transition: Doug attended “Ready by 21” Summit, held in Dover in August. Event focused on improved child welfare, particularly for adolescents and youth aging out of foster care. Summit hosted by Delaware Youth Opportunities Initiative at the Delaware Center for Justice in partnership with: The Family Court of Delaware; the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative; the Office of the Child Advocate; the Child Placement Review Board; and the Youth Advisory Council.

FosterClub.com website highly recommended as information and training resource.

Doug’s church is considering purchasing and maintaining housing for youth aging out of foster care. May be opportunity for the Council partnership.

Incarceration/Re-Entry/Recidivism: Need for database of available resources and services in each county. Identify gaps, overlaps, partnering opportunities. Multiple sources (government agencies, non-profits, faith communities) have pieces of the puzzle. Need for accessible information for faith leaders, for those interested in forming non-profit groups to assist, for those interested in partnering. Need for equal access for all faith groups/leaders to prison population; Council may have role in facilitating conversation regarding.

Assignments: Kenny to gather information on Kent County. Michael to contact Twelve and Twelve Club and Delaware Re-entry Consortium. Doug to contact Hope Commission, Interdenominational Ministers Action Council, and Connections. Kim and Max to research Sussex County. Raina to contact Criminal Justice Center. Flora to research online resources. John to discuss with DE Attorney General’s office.

Discussion regarding current issues (race relations, criminal justice system, civil rights, gun violence, etc.) and Council’s role. Raina reminded Council of strong level of trust that has been developed over the last year of working together, of the uniqueness of the Council and noted Council members’ diverse viewpoints as an asset. Flora suggested that while Council members have strong feelings on particular topics, hold various political views, and represent diverse faiths -- we share many common goals -- but may have different paths for getting there. Doug expressed appreciation for the Council’s interest in and engagement in community needs and activities.

Discussion continued with questions regarding re-evaluating Council’s four areas of focus. Should they be re-considered? What’s the next step? Should Governor be asked to review four areas and select one on which Council should focus? What issues are already being addressed by faith groups?

Common ground in four areas of focus. Council can take baby steps in each area. Council is still young – just over a year since first meeting.

Council may have role in bringing issues of concern from faith leaders to government leaders. Council should find ways to partner with faith communities and government agencies. Council could help facilitate awareness of faith and community groups and government agencies among houses of worship.

Update on Nemours Grant by John. Meeting with representatives of several schools. Participating schools started at 21; now 38 on list. Reaching out to faith communities, making connections. Volunteer is assisting with phone calls and meeting coordination. John to report on timeline for deliverables at next Council meeting.

Update on upcoming events and recent Council activities. Doug to attend upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Discussion on next meeting. Decision to meet in Dover area, Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 1-3 pm. Tentatively scheduled for Lt. Governor’s office. [Note: Because of remodeling issues, meeting location changed to United Way office in Dover: Community Building of the CenDel Foundation/United Way, 101 West Loockerman Street, Dover, DE, 19904.]

Meeting adjourned at approx. 1:30 pm.

Submitted by Flora McConkie, DCFBP Secretary, September 25, 2013.