Grants and Faith Based Ministry in Ohio

Many people are disturbed about some of the things that have happened in our state politics over the past few years. I am not too familiar with these activities but I do know that Ohio leads the nation in funding Faith Based Groups. That is awesome.

Several years ago, Governor Bob Taft signed into law a bill setting up an office of Faith Based funding. It is the only state in the union to have done so. Ken Blackwell is greatly supportive of these actions and is a man of faith himself. I have known Mr. Blackwell for many years and hope he will continue his support as Governor.

Life Way Ministries is a Faith Based Non profit charity and is thereby able to receive such grants from the state and federal governments. Last year we received a word from a friend that we needed to really emphasize "At Risk Families" in our ministry. I joined a consortium of groups applying for grants to support marriage and family life among poor and Black families.

PTL, we have already received two grants, one of which has a small amount for Life Way included in it. Beech Acres is coordinating the grant writing and coordination along with Carol Adelard of Healthy Visions. Go to http://www.beechacres.org/family/home.asp for more information.

The research is clearly on the side of faith based involvements in developing healthy families and we at Life Way are moving out to network with churches and ministries to build greater momentum for healthy family life.