History of the Initiative:

The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships

 The Office coordinates the President's Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. This Advisory Council is a group of 25 leaders from both faith-based and non-sectarian organizations, each serving 1-year terms. The Advisory Council forms recommendations on how the Federal Government can more effectively partner with faith-based and neighborhood organizations. The White House Office also coordinates and works with 11 Centers and 1 Strategic Advisorplaced in Departments throughout government to implement the President's priorities for this office. Each Center works to connect its own agency to local faith-based and neighborhood organizations. For example, the Center at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) connects local organizations and groups preparing to respond to disaster situations to the ongoing activities at DHS and FEMA. The Center at the Department of Educationworks to connect that Department with local organizations to provide after-school programs. Each Center is an important link between the federal government and local neighborhood organizations.