In January 2001 President George W. Bush issued and executive order that established the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has been established to make Federal programs more friendly to faith-based and community solutions and to make federal funding more accessible.

"There is no way that government can create love. Love comes from a higher calling. Love is inspirational. But what government can do is fund and welcome programs whose sole intent is to change lives in a positive way." President Bush at a Meeting with Catholic Charities made these remarks.

Embedded in the history and organizational mission and culture of Christian Health Associates is a collaborative, integrated approach to nurturing lives and providing resources aimed at changing lives. The Office of Faith Based and Community Relationships is the CHA organizational component that supports the way we fulfill our mission and is an expression of our values.

The Office of Faith Based and Community Relations function is to:

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with faith-based, community, and government policy makers, and service providers
• Attend and participate in various local and statewide networks, work groups and coalitions to maintain knowledge of the nature of service delivery systems
• Promote a common understanding of purposes and mutual support between faith-based, community and governmental organizations
• Promote attaining unity of effort between faith-based, community and government organizations
• Provide information on how individuals and organizations can connect with service delivery systems
• Provide a focal point for feedback from individuals and organizations on service delivery efficacy and efficiency
• Disseminate information received from faith-based, community and government organizations to increase awareness and linkages of programs, events, and training opportunities

These are typical samples of requests for assistance regularly fielded by The office of Faith Based and Community Relations.

• A community organization wanting to tap into existing gatherings in order to increase awareness of parenting support.
• A congregation member requesting assistance in order to utilize church-owned property to meet housing needs in the community.