Governor Kathy Hochul Convenes Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services

Table of Contents

• A Stronger Community Through Support and Upliftment
• Faith Communities Addressing New York’s Challenges
• New York State Interfaith Council
• Enhancing Capacity and Building Coalitions
• State Investment in Community Connections
• Leadership of the Office
• Collaborative Efforts for Positive Change

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the establishment of the newly reimagined Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services in New York. Formerly known as New York’s Office of Faith-Based Community Development and Services, this office aims to provide assistance to vulnerable New Yorkers and connect communities to state grant opportunities.

A Stronger Community Through Support and Upliftment

Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of supporting and uplifting one another during challenging times. Quoting scripture, she emphasized the responsibility to strengthen and sharpen each other. The Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services, in collaboration with the Interfaith Advisory Council, comprises experienced faith leaders who understand the needs of their congregants and residents. By leveraging their insights, the office hopes to provide help to those who need it most.

Faith Communities Addressing New York’s Challenges

Faith communities are well-positioned to tackle some of the most significant challenges faced by New Yorkers. These challenges include the residual impacts of the global pandemic on economic security and mental health, an increase in hate crimes and social division, and the need for more affordable housing and employment opportunities. Additionally, many New Yorkers are unaware of the resources and services available to them. The Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services aims to bridge this gap by educating communities about grants and programs and guiding them through the application and approval process.

New York State Interfaith Council

As part of this initiative, Governor Hochul has established the New York State Interfaith Council. Led by a diverse-member Executive Committee, this council aims to foster relationships across communities within the state. The Executive Committee, together with the Director of the Faith Office, will collaborate closely with the faith community. Their role includes gathering resources and collectively addressing community issues in partnership with the state government, private sector, and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Development Services. To facilitate this, the Council’s Executive members will embark on an educational tour of all 62 counties in New York. This tour will focus on identifying key partners and on-the-ground issues, with the goal of connecting resources to those in need.

Enhancing Capacity and Building Coalitions

The New York State Interfaith Council, in collaboration with the Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services, will undertake various initiatives to strengthen communities and address the root causes of poverty. These initiatives include:

1. Capacity Building: The council will connect faith-based and non-profit organizations with grant opportunities, enhancing their capacity to serve their communities effectively.
2. Coalition Building: Local meetings will be organized to promote networking and collaboration, creating opportunities for organizations to work together towards common goals.
3. Community Outreach: Working in conjunction with various state agencies, including the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of State (DOS), Division of Housing and Community Renewal (HCR), and the Governor’s State Nonprofit Coordinating Unit, the council will help communities deliver services to their most vulnerable residents. Additionally, they will work towards addressing the underlying causes of poverty.
4. Grant Support: The Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services will provide assistance to faith-based and non-profit organizations in obtaining grants, ensuring they have the resources necessary to implement their programs.

State Investment in Community Connections

To facilitate the connection between state agencies and communities in need, Governor Hochul has allocated $5 million to establish operations and facilitate grant making. Initial funding of $1.5 million will be provided, with the potential to increase to $3 million. This funding will empower the Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services to make grants to non-profit organizations, up to $3.5 million. These resources will be allocated to various areas, including affordable housing, addressing bias and hate crimes, tackling maternal mortality, improving access to mental health care, creating safer neighborhoods, and increasing access to higher education.

Leadership of the Office

Pastor Caura N. Washington has been appointed as the Director of the Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services. Prior to her appointment, Minister Washington served as the Assistant Pastor at the New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Harlem. As the Director, Minister Washington expresses her honor to serve under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership. She recognizes the Governor’s dedication and commitment to the faith community through the reestablishment and revitalization of this office. Minister Washington looks forward to working with faith leaders and non-profit organizations across the state to address the evolving needs of communities and build upon the incredible work already accomplished by the faith community.

Collaborative Efforts for Positive Change

New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez expressed the Department of State’s readiness to support the Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development. Secretary Rodriguez acknowledges that interfaith leaders can serve as catalysts for unity and understanding. By bringing them together, the state can foster strong and cohesive communities, becoming a powerful force for positive change.

In conclusion, Governor Kathy Hochul’s establishment of the Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services reflects her commitment to supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and fostering collaboration between faith communities, non-profit organizations, and state agencies. Through education, capacity building, coalition building, and community outreach, this initiative aims to address the challenges faced by communities across the state. With focused investment and the leadership of Pastor Caura N. Washington, the Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services is poised to make a significant impact in improving the lives of New Yorkers.