Groups from 12 churches agree to create a directory of local
services
Bishops, pastors, preachers, priests, reverends, elders, deacons
and members of the clergy representing 12 churches from San Benito
County gathered at the First Presbyterian Church on Aug. 10 as a
first step build a foundation for common collaboration to address
communitywide problems.
Groups from 12 churches agree to create a directory of local services
Bishops, pastors, preachers, priests, reverends, elders, deacons and members of the clergy representing 12 churches from San Benito County gathered at the First Presbyterian Church on Aug. 10 as a first step build a foundation for common collaboration to address communitywide problems.
As a first step, the group will put together a resource directory of services that every church offers as a tool to connect the resources to community members in need.
The faith-based leaders were invited to participate in the Parental Rights and Responsibilities Forum that is scheduled for October 12 at Veterans Memorial Building in an effort to connect community members with resources in the community.
“It really is amazing,” Al De Vos, gang prevention coordinator, said. “Faith-based organizations around the county are doing amazing work to provide counseling, family support, vocational training, homeless support, outreach that targets parolees and youth in juvenile hall and much more. There are a lot of great resources being offered and this group has taken on the task reaching out across the community.”
Before closing the meeting the group agreed to continue meeting regularly and invite more representatives from the faith-based community. One common theme identified was the need to coordinate services and resources together to make one large positive impact, rather than several smaller ones.
 “We need to be proactive in addressing problems,” said Rich Vasquez, a probation volunteer and retired police captain. “Prison or jail is reactionary and doesn’t really solve the problem. This group is in a position to begin to solve the problem.”
The meeting adjourned following a prayer for San Benito County, its youth and a commitment to build a strong partnership in addressing youth and family issues in our county.
