Contest Celebrates Faith-Based, Collaborative Efforts in Social Services

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- A contest is underway to reward faith-based organizations and congregations that collaborate with non-faith organizations to provide social services to the needy.
“Faith on the Frontlines,” sponsored by FASTEN (The Faith and Service Technical Education Network) and the Points of Light Foundation, will award more than $18,000 in prizes in each of three service categories – short-term emergency disaster relief, long-term community recovery/rebuilding and services addressing deep pockets of poverty. FASTEN and Points of Light Foundation launched the contest to identify and reward faith-based organizations and congregations.

“Congregations and other faith-based organizations have a history of providing significant, compassionate services throughout Oklahoma, in addition to providing assistance to neighbors in the U.S. and around the world,” said Brad Yarbrough, director, Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. “The Partners in Transformation contest is easy to enter and will result in recognition and awards for many of these deserving organizations.”

In addition to Oklahoma, Faith on the Frontlines is open to faith-based programs operating in Alabama, California, Florida, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia. The contest runs through March 1. The awards ceremony takes place in June.

More information about the contest, including eligibility requirements and downloadable entrance forms, is available at http://www.fastennetwork.org/.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the faith community to be recognized for its outstanding service coming on the heels of some of the largest natural disasters the world has ever seen,” Yarbrough said. “I encourage every faith-based organization, large or small, who has partnered with other community groups to apply.”

###