Bishop Charles E. Blake Lauded for His Organizations Philanthropy Work
Over a year ago, President Barack Obama created an Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The purpose of this Council is to assist the federal government in forming better partnerships with faith-based and other nonprofit organizations. The Council’s task is to identify best practices and successful modes of delivering social services; evaluate the need for improvements in the implementation and coordination of public policies relating to faith-based and neighborhood organizations; and make recommendations for changes in policies, programs, and practices.
On March 10, 2010, the group issued their historic final report at the White House. There were 25 participants on the council, each serving a 1 year term that included Bishop Charles E. Blake, Presiding Bishop, Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), as well as representatives of a very diverse group of faith-based and non-profit organizations. The Council presented their report to Administration officials, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, USAID Administrator Dr. Raj Shah, Chief of Staff to the National Security Council Denis McDonough, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and White House Domestic Policy Chief Melody Barnes.
During the course of the meeting, Richard Stearns, head of World Vision, and Dr. Raj Shah made several references to Bishop Blake’s nonprofit organization, Save Africa’s Children indicating that this organization was a stellar example of a successful program created and run by a faith-based organization. Save Africa’s Children (SAC) provides direct support and care to orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and war throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.
“This is the first time the Church of God in Christ held a seat at the table where critical national and international policy was debated and formulated,” said Pastor Edwin C. Bass, President, COGIC Urban Initiatives, Inc. “ The work of the Advisory Council will improve the quality of life for those most in need, nationally and internationally. As a member of COGIC, I was proud to observe our Presiding Bishop, firsthand, as he represented us with dignity; building critical bridges for future collaboration while remaining true to our unique Pentecostal heritage.”
The Council’s report was delivered to President Obama in person at the conclusion of the meeting. It is the first of its kind for COGIC and other faith based leaders to have direct access to the president to help shape and influence significant policy. You can learn more about the Advisory Council on this website http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ofbnp/about/council.
