Workshops Planned for Faith-Based Groups

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will hold a series of conferences, workshops and technical assistance meetings to help remove unnecessary barriers that may prevent these organizations from receiving federal funding and participating as viable substance abuse treatment, prevention and mental health service providers. This is the second year SAMHSA is conducting these workshops.

Faith-based and community organizations have a long history of providing essential services to people in need in the United States. In recognition of the unique ability that these organizations have to meet the special needs of their communities, the Bush Administration has made it a priority to improve funding opportunities for faith-based and community organizations.

These meetings are being held for small, faith-based and community groups in communities throughout the U.S. Participants will have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in a range of topics including:

• Effective Grant and Proposal Writing
• Identifying and Matching Project Ideas to Funding Sources
• Management, fiscal accountability and auditing principles
• State Program Licensing Requirements
• Counselor Credentialing Requirements
• Best Practice Strategies and Principles
• Coalition Building and Collaborative Partnerships Techniques
• Developing Recovery Support Groups

Workshop and conference locations, dates and registration contacts for FY 2003-2004 are located on SAMHSA's webpage for Faith-based and Community Initiatives.