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Delaware
Ecumenical Council on
Children and Families
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Children and Families
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ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE MISSION AND PURPOSE The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families is a faith-based health advocacy, education and services organization. We engage, support and assist congregations, groups and individuals of the faith communities in meaningful programs to improve the health, safety and wellness of Delaware children, elderly and families. The organization pursues this mission through community education and leadership development; program services to individuals, families and communities; and community organization. These activities are intended to reduce the incidence and the impact of dysfunction, disease and disability as they affect children, elderly and families. BACKGROUND The Council began in 1988 as the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Maternal and Infant Health, the locus and catalyst for Delaware's participation in the Southern Regional Project on Infant Mortality. The Delaware Council was the first such organization in the region. Since then, the Council has provided quality training to religious leaders and their congregations on health-related issues from infant mortality prevention to genetics counseling. Beyond training, the Council has linked congregations with health and human services organizations throughout Delaware for collaborative programs which provide effective and efficient preventive, early intervention and therapeutic approaches to family, elderly and children's health. ACTIVITIES The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families presently offers the following program services: Healthy Congregations - Working in collaboration with many of the State's faith communities and relying upon their moral authority, the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families provides quality education and information on important health status and systems issues. This includes the distribution of informational resources and the implementation of educational workshops and conferences for both laity and clergy. To date, this program has addressed issues including adult immunizations, asthma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, child safety, diabetes, family violence, heart disease and stroke, infant and childhood immunizations, prostate cancer, and substance abuse. (Contact Rev. Robert Hall, 302/225-1040)
Faith In Action - Again working in collaboration with local
congregations and ministerial associations, the
Parents Anonymous
- This program is the local affiliate of the nation's largest and oldest child
abuse
Aging Parents - This program consists of educational workshops for adult children preparing to care for aging parents and covers topics ranging from family dynamics to financial planning to coping with stress to medical issues. (Contact Christa Winter, 302/225-1040) Community Healthcare Access Program (CHAP) - The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families provides families with the education and support to find out about and enroll in the state run healthcare program called CHAP. CHAP provides healthcare at a reduced cost to families in the 100% to 200% poverty level. (Contact Program Coordinator, 302/225-1040) P.I.C.K. a Partner - This program is designed to teach singles about the skills needed to better choose a life partner and to learn how to regulate their emotions with how well they actually know their partner. Family Advocates - In collaboration with local congregations and using their status as a point of first contact with the health and social services system for many persons, the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families recruits, trains and supports volunteers who assist persons, especially older persons, at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Their services include agency and court accompanying, supportive listening, and information and referral. (Contact Rev. Robert Hall, 302/225-1040) SUPPORT The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families has received funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Delaware Health and Social Services, Delaware Children's Trust Fund, Delaware Community Service Commission, Delaware Criminal Justice Council, Delaware Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Delaware General Assembly, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Legacy Foundation, the United Way of Delaware, the State Employees Charitable Campaign, national and local church agencies, local foundations, local government and local congregations.
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Delaware Ecumenical Council on
Children and Families |
