“I believe the faith community, and especially the Christian church, provides key solutions to the problems our state government works to solve on a daily basis to make life better in Minnesota,” Ketola said of her decision to serve on the council again. “It’s a joy to serve with leaders of such effective and beneficial organizations.”

During the first 2-year term of the GCFCSI, Ketola and Lee Buckley, special advisor to the council, named three top accomplishments.

First, Minnesota hosted a White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in August 2007. The event, which featured presenters and organizations from local, state and federal organizations, drew over 1,000 people, filling to capacity the ballroom at the Hyatt Regency.

“It was a significant expenditure of resource and manpower from the federal government for the benefit of Minnesota faith and community organizations,” Ketola said.

The advisory council also recognized seven organizations in 2006, and nine organizations in 2007, with best practice awards for collaborating with a variety of resources and positively impacting social conditions.

And third, the council worked with Gov. Pawlenty and First Lady Mary Pawlenty on the Minnesota Families United outreach to military families through church and community groups. MFU supports families affected by separations resulting from military service through the promotion of: networks of resources, resource brochures, online links for housing, health care and crisis care, and mentoring networks.

“There is a clear focus on helping Minnesotans in the key areas of supporting our veterans, helping meet needs related to housing and homelessness, and supporting people transitioning back into the community following incarceration,” Ketola said.

The GCFCSI’s Web site continues to serve as a one-stop resource of information about grants, technical training, educational events and support for faith and community-based organizations and places of worship. The council also worked with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to add over 600 faith communities to the online database at www.minnesotahelp.info used to find resources and for people in need.

“Minnesota can be proud that we have a strong and vibrant faith community, which is having a positive impact on the lives of individuals,” Ketola said. “I’m encouraged that strong links are being built to coordinate faith-driven efforts with state government to benefit those who have served our state and those who are in need.”


ACTION POINT:
To learn more about the Governor’s Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives, or to sign up to receive the “For Your Bulletin” electronic newsletter, visit www.faithandcommunity.state.mn.us.