The Alabama Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives was designed to serve as a bridge between local communities and government. I see this as a bold new approach to government's role in helping those in need. Too often the government has ignored or hindered the efforts of faith-based and community organizations. By combining the faith and community-based office with the existing office on service and volunteerism, we are able to maximize state resources. This combination creates partnerships between government and the compassionate hometown people who know precisely how to address the unique needs of their communities.

The Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives will work to help faith & community based organizations become better prepared to access state and federal grants that are available to them. In addition, this office will continue to serve as a resource for connecting you with volunteer opportunities through programs like AmeriCorps, Citizen Corps and other citizen service initiatives. Opportunities to serve range from tutoring and mentoring children to better preparing your family and community for any type of disaster. I encourage you to find a place where you can serve others, whether you join with us or with a group in your hometown. Together we can make Alabama stronger -- one individual and one neighborhood at a time.

Visit Alabama Governor Bob Riley's website at
http://www.governor.alabama.gov/