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Faith-based Partnerships

Welcome

Oregon is excited to partner with faith-based and community organizations to help support individuals and families achieve physical, mental, and social wellbeing and independence. This space is designed to make resources easy to find and use for faith leaders.

ResourcesContact us

To join our Oregon Faith Leaders email distribution list or learn more, email faith.liaison@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Why we do our work

The Faith Community liaison team aims to build trust. We work to keep open communication between Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) programs and faith-based organizations.

We know it's important to work with faith-based organizations because:

  • Most Oregonians are affiliated with a faith tradition or faith-based organization.
  • Faith communities are trusted, safe spaces for many people.
  • Working with faith communities helps Oregon deliver equitable programs and services. This aligns with the ODHS Equity North Star.
  • Faith communities share a common mission with many government programs to reduce and address the effects of social problems.

How we can help

  • Share best practices and strengthen partnerships
  • Build capacity and provide technical assistance by:
    • Gathering experts
    • Sharing information
    • Offering trainings and certifications to faith leaders and faith-based organizations
  • Collaborate on grant opportunities
  • Encourage inclusion of faith leaders on workgroups, advisory boards, and policy feedback opportunities

Resources

Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Toolkit for Oregon Faith Leaders

The Mental Health Toolkit for Oregon Faith Leaders ​has been written and designed by and for faith leaders in Oregon. Our goal is to ignite conversation, provide access to trainings and education, and demystify the relationship between mental health and spiritual care. Talking about mental health isn't always easy and access to mental health treatment and support can sometimes be challenging. We encourage you to utilize this toolkit, available trainings, and upcoming conversations about mental health to remove barriers and increase capacity of mental health resources in your community.​

Contact us

Maria Waters, Faith Community Liaison

Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday

Phone: 971-209-9713

Fax: 503-581-6198

Email: faith.liaison@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Human Services
500 Summer St NE
Salem, OR 97301-1063