The Center to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) gratefully acknowledges the vision and financial support of the John and Wauna Harman Foundation and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, who made possible the creation of a “Resource Road Map” designed for faith communities of color engaged in grassroots advocacy. This guide helps communities meet the needs of both their congregations and the neighborhoods they serve.
To prepare for the launch of the Resource Road Map, we convened a diverse group of faith and community-based organizational leaders from across the country to candidly share their lived experiences. We listened carefully as they outlined their greatest needs and challenges in providing timely, relevant support to their communities. Through these conversations, we learned that many leaders currently deliver a range of critical services, including:
- Operating food pantries to address food insecurity
- Offering financial assistance to keep utilities running
- Coordinating volunteers to support emotionally exhausted caregivers
- Hosting educational forums on advance care planning, grief and loss, and financial literacy
- Leading disease-specific education efforts to reduce health disparities (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer)
- Providing intermittent counseling services
While these services offer important short-term relief, faith leaders stressed the urgent need for sustainable strategies that secure funding and strengthen partnerships. They seek long-term solutions that allow them to serve their communities holistically and in ways that honor their faith and cultural traditions.
The Resource Road Map equips Community Faith Leaders with the tools to build sustainable programs and partnerships. The chapters provide best practices in:
- Data Collection and Evaluation
- Defining Goals That Meet Community Needs
- Discovering and Establishing Partnerships
- Funding and Sustainability
As you explore the insights shared by our faith and community leader experts, we encourage you to become an active advocate for creating meaningful, culturally aligned programs that support vulnerable populations and caregivers in your community.
