Early in 2012, we will launch the public phase of a capital campaign to fully fund the new development that will include a health creation center, workforce training and job placement, nutrition education, food distribution and literacy instruction.
More details coming very soon about our partners and our plans.
Stay tuned!
16 comments:
I thought all you funding came from the various government agencies/programs?
No, that is not correct and it never has been.
In fact, I believe that CitySquare's apporach represents best practice for a human services and community development organization in this regard. Much of what we do involves a public private partnership. About 40% of our funding comes from public sources, but we manage it very efficiently to get the most from every dollar. Over 60% of our funding comes from private sources.
What percentage from churches?
Less than 2% while our neighbors give or pay in fee for services almost 4%
Why don't you get more church support?
Because he offends conservative church es and liberal churches are stingy, holding out for big govt. to provide handouts.
We receive support from all kinds of churches. Churches also consult with us about their own ministries among and to the poor. We don't expect huge amounts of financial support from church budgets. Churches have their own programs and budgets. Some churches take special offerings for us. Of course, most of our "church donations" come from individual members.
Well what's going on with this charity that prevents conservative churches from participating?
Anon 5:06, main reason is we don't proselytize our neighbors as part of service & connection: vast majority of those who seek us (over 90%) claim to be Christians. In this respect we are Franciscan: preaching gospel at all times, using words only when necessary. For the record, my views expressed here on this blog are all mine and not those of CitySquare or its leadership.
I had no idea you were Catholic - in fact seems as if you noted in one of your posts that you are a graduate from a Baptist seminary? I just assumed CitySquare was secular because of the federal $.
Anon 4:11, we're not literally Catholic. I simply meant that we follow the rule of St Francis in our approach to those we assist. Action if more important than words. We are and have always been faith based as an organization, with faith being one of our core values.
As to accepting public funding, not just federal, but state, county and city as well; we've been doing that since President Clinton worked to level the playing field for grantees of federal funds so that the process couldn't discriminate against an organization for being faith based. Then, President Bush took it further by establishing the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. We aren't restricted by these funds, but are able to do so much more to help people and communities thanks to the funds. We just can't tie the benefit received by a neighbor to any religious requirement or instruction, which, as I say, we've never done since our beginnings in 1988.
Well I'm not very informed on Catholic "Franciscan Saints" philosophy, but it does seem that Christ's Great Commission would take precedence.
But,we have found almost nothing but believers in our work. . .poor Christians. . .the rest we've found respond to respect and friendship first... it is a moot point in reality.
Sounds more like an excuse. I doubt that the 90% is an on-going sample, but instead a one time guesstimate. Is that right? Even if the 90% estimate is true across the time spectrum, the 10% are just as important - are they not? Isn't the Great Commission meant to reach the 10% as well?
Anon 11:23, I think you misunderstand our approach. We don't make our help in any way contingent on a neighbor's involvement in religious instruction or professions of faith. We do however over various bible studies and opportunities for spiritual growth. A number of church groups offer their time and talent to lead study groups, as do some of our staff members. We work closely with the Central Dallas Church, as well as with other church and church-related groups to provide spiritual training and life development. And we routinely ask neighbors if there is anything about which they would like us to pray. In addition, we offer pastoral counseling at our health center and at CityWalk Downtown. We aren't secular, we don't attempt to hide that we are faith based, we just don't make our assistance conditional upon some predetermined response regarding faith. Our work is relational, long term and neighbor focused.
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