Agencies Come Together at "the Well"

Fourteen small human services agencies led by Catholic sisters and laywomen came together in November to start an innovative program in which they work collectively to raise resources and better serve the community. The Incarnate Word Foundation is underwriting the project's expenses and Mary's Pence, a Catholic grassroots grantmaker, is providing expertise and technical assistance. The group's name, Women of the Well, is based on the symbol of the well as the centerpiece of the village. The well provides the water that is essential to sustain the life of the community and is a place where women gather to share their stories and wisdom. In December, the group produced a "catalog" that informs St. Louis-area residents about how each participating agency serves the community, encouraging interested readers to make donations, which will be shared equally among the organizations.

Alejandro Ortiz Points Out Globalization's Challenges

In a presentation last summer, Alejandro Ortiz, a native of Mexico, described the implications of globalization for all people, as well as those working directly with refugees and immigrants. About 70 people attended each of Ortiz's talks in St. Louis and Jefferson City. The audiences included coordinators of diocesan and parish Hispanic ministries, representatives of organizations such as the International Institute and Catholic Charities, as well as individual interpreters and tutors.

Ortiz came to Missouri under the auspices of the Incarnate Word Foundation. He currently teaches at Centro de Estudios Teologicos de la Conferencia InterReligiosa de Mexico in Mexico City. A specialist in cultural education and formation, he also serves as a consultant to various religious congregations and to the Conference of Latin American Religious and writes and speaks widely. His remarks focused on creating a world in which people share equitably in the Earth's resources and the natural environment is not exploited for the benefit of a few.

To further understanding of how we can make choices that promote a just world, the foundation has published a summary of his remarks. To receive a free copy, contact the foundation.

Jeremy White Explains Faith-Based Initiative

In January Jeremy White, associate director of outreach of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, met with human services organizations at a roundtable in St. Louis. White explained that the office's goal is to expand the role of faith-based and community organizations by helping them receive federal funding.

Participants asked if lawsuits based on separation of church and state issues were common. White said lawsuits are rare because laws stipulate that faith-based agencies may use government monies only for certain purposes such as buying computers. Responding to a question about how to write grant applications that will appeal to grant reviewers, White advised following instructions to the letter and contacting the White House office for help. He noted that groups such as the Incarnate Word Foundation have been encouraged to act as intermediaries to help grassroots organizations receive federal funds.

The Incarnate Word Foundation cosponsored the meeting with the Lutheran Foundation. The two foundations are among nine chosen to disburse grant monies from the initiative's Compassion Capital Fund (CCF). Incarnate Word Foundation recipients of CCF grants are South Grand Senior Ministry, Whole Kids Outreach, Partners Against Poverty, Visitation House, and El Puente. For more information, contact the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at 202-456-6708.

Grantees Voice Concerns at 2003 State Government Forum

At the 2003 State Government Forum in October, grantees shared their challenges with government representatives. Sessions addressed current issues in addressing domestic violence, employment, maternal and child health, and incarceration. The meeting, which was cosponsored by the Incarnate Word Foundation and the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis was attended by by staff from agencies that serve women in need in our community. “Access to policymakers is key if we are to impact the way in which the state government addresses domestic violence, the health of women and their children, and the needs of women who have been incarcerated. The forum gives these agencies tools they can use to create systemic change. At the same time, it gives legislators the opportunity to hear from people on the frontlines,” indicated Bridget McDermott Flood, executive director.

New Staff Member Coordinates Foundation Project

Sr. Jean Durel, CCVI, joined the Incarnate Word Foundation on October 1. She is coordinating the Neighborhood Project in Benton Park West, a low-income area of the city served by Incarnate Word Hospital until it was sold in 1997. Bounded by Gravois, Jefferson, and Cherokee streets, the neighborhood is an area where the foundation can concentrate its efforts to make a significant impact. Before coming to St. Louis, Sr. Durel worked for nine years in El Paso, TX, in human growth and development programs for poor women. She is currently assessing the needs and desires of neighborhood residents in order to determine how to best assist them.

Rev. Eric Law To Speak on Multicultural Relationships

On Thursday, March 25, Rev. Eric Law will speak on the challenges of multicultural relationships at a daylong meeting. An Episcopal priest and author, Law is an internationally known professional consultant in the area of multicultural leadership and organizational development. His books include Sacred Act; Holy Change, Inclusion: Making Room for Grace; The Bush Was Blazing But Not Consumed; and The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb: A Spirituality for Leadership in a Multicultural Community.

The conference will be at the Royale Orleans Hotel at 2801 Telegraph Road from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The registration fee of $25 covers the presentation, lunch, and breaks. To register, contact the Incarnate Word Foundation no later than February 27.

"Notes" Enters Electronic Age

The foundation's "Notes" newsletter is now being distributed exclusively by e-mail. The change will allow us to reach readers in a more timely fashion, save printing and mailing costs, and conserve trees. If this change poses problems for you, contact the association and we will mail you a printout.

Annual Annunciation Grants Deadline: July 1, 2004

The Incarnate Word Foundation now has one deadline a year. Applications that are incomplete at the deadline will not be considered for funding. Contact the foundation with questions or grant application requests. The foundation will host an orientation session in May 2004.

2003 Annunciation Grants Awarded

Thirty-seven groups in the metropolitan area were awarded Incarnate Word Foundation Grants at a reception in October. In 2003, the foundation awarded more than $600,000 in grants in its service area.