Empowering houses of worship to fulfill their potential as pivotal centers for moral guidance and social support, enhancing their ability to serve the most vulnerable in society.
Building Capacity and Connecting Services
On Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the newly reimagined New York State Office of Faith and Non-Profit Development Services. The Office, formerly known as New York's Office of Faith-Based Community Development and Services, will help provide technical assistance to houses of worship to respond to the needs of vulnerable New Yorkers.Â
The Governor also announced the establishment of the NYS Interfaith Advisory Council, which will work collaboratively with the faith office to foster relationships with faith leaders across the state. The council will focus primarily on engaging and redirecting clergy to the faith office for direct services, opining on critical issues affecting New Yorkers and helping our houses of worship better interact with government.
The Council, led by the Executive Committee, under the leadership of Rev. Dr A. R. Bernard, President, in collaboration with the Director of the Faith Office, Pastor Caura Washington, are both experienced faith leaders immersed in the faith community. They will be tasked with building relationships, networking resources, and collectively addressing issues in those communities, all in partnership with the State government, the private sector, and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Development Services.