An update from the Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, an independent research project
of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The public policy research arm of the State University of New York.

New! Congress Acts on Preschool, Post-Prison Programs

Before it recessed for a two-week Thanksgiving break, Congress last week acted on two bills whose passage
was long awaited by faith-based and community organizations.

For the first time in almost a decade, Congress approved a five-year overhaul of Head Start, the preschool
education program for low-income children. The bill does not include a proposal backed by President George W.
Bush to allow faith-based groups to consider religion when employing Head Start staff. But some religious and civil
liberty groups who oppose such a measure warned that the Bush administration may still find ways to allow religious
hiring at Head Start agencies. The President is expected to sign the bill.

Also last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Second Chance Act of 2007 to authorize up to $55
million for one year in grants to state and local governments for programs to help people re-enter society after their
release from prison. The bill includes $15 million in grants for community and faith-based organizations to deliver
mentoring and other services intended to help ex-offenders successfully transition to life outside of jail. The Second
Chance Act was sent to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for consideration after the Senate returns to work
on Dec. 3.

Click here to read more by Roundtable Washington Correspondent Anne Farris.

New! An Interview with Tulin Ozdeger of the National Law Center on Homelessness
and Poverty

Tulin Ozdeger directs the Civil Rights Project at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. The
Civil Rights Project’s goals include combating the criminalization of homelessness and hate crimes against
homeless persons, protecting the voting rights of homeless persons, and ensuring homeless persons are able
to obtain identification documents. Ozdeger provides legal information to advocates and attorneys, conducts
legislative advocacy, develops public education initiatives, participates and assists in litigation, and promotes
grassroots advocacy. She is also a member of the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness
& Poverty.

On November 15, NLCHP released a new report, "Feeding Intolerance: Prohibitions on Sharing Food with People
Experiencing Homelessness,” which details what it sees as a growing trend toward local governments using a wide
variety of ordinances, policies, and tactics to restrict groups that share food with poor and homeless people. The
report also offers alternatives to these laws. Ozdeger spoke with the Roundtable about the report. Many of the service
providers affected by the restrictions on feeding the hungry are religious charities, she noted, adding that arguments
have been raised that the restrictions could even violate their right to religious exercise.

Click here to read the interview.

In advance of the Thanksgiving holiday, NLCHP was not the only organization to release a report highlighting hunger
and poverty over the past week. Catholic Charities USA, among the nation’s largest faith-based providers of social
service, stated that its local agencies saw a 12 percent increase in the need for food service programs in 2006.
Poverty in America: Beyond the Numbers showed that between 2002 and 2006, the number of Catholic Charities’
clients receiving food services—through soup kitchens, food banks and food pantries, home delivered meals and
congregate dining—increased by 2.7 million, or nearly 60 percent, according to the organization. And a report by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture released last week showed that more than 35.5 million Americans, or 12.1
percent of the population, went hungry during some part of 2006. The number was slightly higher than the 35.1
million Americans that USDA reported missed meals at some time during 2005.

New! White House Promotes Adoption through Religious Groups, Other Nonprofits

The efforts of religious and other nonprofit adoption advocates were highlighted by federal officials last week,
in the latest of a series of events sponsored by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.
The event focused on domestic and international models for meeting the needs of orphans, foster children, and
vulnerable children. It was held in conjunction with a proclamation by President George W. Bush designating
November as National Adoption Month and coincided with a campaign launched by the Christian Alliance for
Orphans called "Cry of the Orphan.”

Click here to read more by Roundtable Washington Correspondent Anne Farris.

Register Now! Roundtable Conference Features Latest on Faith-Based Social Services

At the Roundtable's annual conference, noted political scientist John Green of the University of Akron will report
new findings from a national survey on the services provided by congregations and faith-based organizations, as
well as on their leaders' awareness and interest in participating in public programs to support or extend such
activities. Survey results will also include new findings on administrative practices and organizational characteristics
among congregations and faith-based organizations, with regard to their readiness to receive and account for public
funds in the form of government contracts or grants.

And the Roundtable's highly respected legal experts - Law Professors Ira C. Lupu and Robert W. Tuttle of George
Washington University - will give a thorough update on the year's most significant legal events affecting government partnerships with religious charities. Topics include the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Hein v.
Freedom From Religion Foundation, government chaplaincies, legislative earmarks to religious groups, and the use
of tax money to renovate religious structures. As close observers of the federal Faith-Based and Community Initiative
for the past six years, Lupu and Tuttle are able to provide context for the latest developments and offer insights into
what to watch for next.

If you want to keep up on the latest news on faith-based social services, you won't want to miss this year's conference,
which will be held Wednesday, December 5, in Washington D.C. The complete program will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at the National Press Club at 529 14th St. NW .

Weekly Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community Organization Eligibility

The grant opportunities this week for community and faith-based organizations are through programs administered
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Potential applicants should be aware that some grant programs may require specific technical expertise, or experience
with particular foreign countries.

Click here to read the digest.

Roundtable Digest of Current Faith-Based News Stories

Lawmaker plans anti-discrimination bill
NewsOK.com

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7358

State Senate prayer under fire
themorningcall.com

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7359

Schools struggle to celebrate the season
Associated Press (Montpelier)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7360

Four Years After Opening, Faith-Based Prisons' Success Uncertain
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7361

Politics of Race and Religion; Moral Issues Leave Black Evangelicals Torn Between Parties
The Washington Post

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7354

Community Group Is Short Of Space; Katrina relief keeps Trinity busy
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7355

Religious safeguard bills draw resistance
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7345

Justices decline to hear appeal from Mich. faith-based program for troubled youths
The Associated Press

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7346

New prison chapel has local blessing; Program helps prevent recidivism in inmates
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7342

Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community Organization Eligibility
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7352

Homeless site won't be shelter
The Wichita Eagle (Kansas)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7337

Massive Olathe retirement community welcomes first residents
The Kansas City Star

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7338

Anti-Hunger Groups Hoping For Action on Stalled Farm Bill
The Washington Post

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7356

Yonkers anti-gang initiative helps men find jobs
The Journal News (Westchester County, New York)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7339

Residents Force Martin To Revisit Rehab House Issue
Palm Beach Post (Florida)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7334

Homeless community shrinks when 88 are given places to live; Tired of waiting, Unity pays tab
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7335

Faithful Feeding
Courier News (Bridgewater, New Jersey)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7340

Saying grace for a chance
San Antonio Express-News

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7341

500 enjoy thanksgiving dinner at rescue mission A hot meal, love and friends Volunteers and donors make it all possible
Ventura County Star (California)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7343

Grant will go toward educating families to prevent child abuse
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7344

Loudoun To Run Daytime Shelter; Action Keeps Drop-In Center In Leesburg
The Washington Post

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7347

Housing act's allies rally at Vitter's Metairie office; Bill stalls as senator offers different plan
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7336

Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community Organization Eligibility
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7331

Congress Acts on Preschool, Post-Prison Programs
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7332

White House Promotes Adoption through Religious Groups, Other Nonprofits
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7333

One warden's way of instilling hope behind bars
The Christian Science Monitor

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7325

Corrections steps back from religious restrictions
Burlington Free Press

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7308

'Healthy Kids' may be in danger despite success
Chico Enterprise-Record (California)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7348

Mayor Fenty Announces Initiative To Target Crime Through Focused Neighborhood Improvement Effort
US States News

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7351

Michigan Leads Nation In Access Points That Help Job Seekers Find Work
US States News (Lansing, Michigan)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7309

Keeping the faith in prison
Richmond Times Dispatch

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7314

Program promotes adoption
St. Petersburg Times (Florida)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7315

Obscure retired Marine battles taxes, shakes up Indy politics
The Associated Press State & Local Wire

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7306

Revived SCLC calls for action; Civil rights group plans to rally in troubled city areas
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7307

Help in Davison available for unemployed
Flint Journal (Michigan)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7316

Homeboy Industries: Could it work here?
The Wichita Eagle (Kansas)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7317

Mayors meet in Denver for homelessness summit
The Associated Press

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7318

Religious, social groups turn out to aid Lee County's homeless
Naples Daily News (Florida)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7319

Governor Crist Appoints Four To Florida Faith-Based And Community-Based Advisory Council
States News Service (Tallahassee)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7320

Helping people of faith share their blessings; A South Florida group guides Christians who have a desire to give.
The Miami Herald

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7321

Potential Carcieri staff cuts up to 536
The Providence Journal (Rhode Island)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7311

Divided We Fail 'Faith Week' to Raise Health and Financial Security Issues in Communities of Faith
U.S. Newswire

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7312

Enforcing moment of silence blocked
Lawyer: All school districts may be added to lawsuit
The Associated Press

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7323

Charities are counting on Boomers passing the bucks
Chicago Edition

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7326

Bill to Expand Head Start, Bolster Its Teacher Qualifications Is Approved
The Washington Post

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7327

Christian Leaders Urge Compassion in Immigrant Debate
Religion News Service

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7313

N.O. serves as classroom for visiting urban officials; League of Cities holds convention this week
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7322

Gov. Blunt Participates In Annual Holiday Tradition, Rings Salvation Army Bell
US States News (Jefferson City)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7329

Long-Term Recovery Committees Assist with Unmet Needs
US Fed News

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7330

Residents split on faith-based teen center
Reno Gazette-Journal

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7324

Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community Organization Eligibility
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7303

Civil Rights Groups Call for Investigation Into Faith-Based Initiative
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7304

Faith Leaders Concerned as Bush, Congress Parry over Spending
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7305

Faith groups hold screenings of anti-torture film
National Catholic Reporter

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7300

Compassion Helps Locals: With 10 years invested in helping the downtrodden, pair's Senior Serve program now has 1,600 clients
The Bakersfield Californian

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7301

Even though legal action threatens its survival, a rehabilitation program at a prison near Richmond aims to make sure inmates get on the path to redemption and avoid the road to ruin; Reaching salvation through incarceration
The Houston Chronicle

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7302

Nampans don't want New Hope house
The Idaho Statesman (Boise)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=7299