Central Illinois Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives    

[JULY 19, 2003]  PEORIA -- U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, will host the Central Illinois Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives on Friday, Aug. 15, at the Peoria Civic Center.  The conference will be an opportunity for community groups to learn more about President Bush's initiative to provide faith-based organizations equal access to federal grants and programs.

"President Bush has recognized the value of faith-based programs in improving the lives of citizens throughout the country," said LaHood. "He believes that these programs should be embraced, not feared, by government. As a result of changes put into place by President Bush, faith-based and community groups now have equal access to federal and state money.

"This conference will allow central Illinois groups the opportunity to learn more about participating in the Faith-Based and Community Initiative," LaHood added. "These valuable funding opportunities will assist groups in providing care and compassion wherever it is needed."

The conference will be in the upstairs meeting area at the Peoria Civic Center, 201 S.W. Jefferson, from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Joining the congressman will be regional directors from several federal departments vital to this initiative. In addition, representatives from participating agencies will be on hand to conduct four workshop sessions. Participants will also be able to get additional information at booths provided by federal and state agencies.

Due to space limitations and the anticipated interest associated with this event, attendance will be limited to the first 400 invitees who RSVP. One attendee per organization will be allowed. If additional space becomes available, other members of an organization may be able to attend.

To receive a registration form, interested parties should contact LaHood's Peoria office by calling [phone], sending e-mail to [e-mail] or visiting the office in the federal building, 100 N.E. Monroe, Room 100, Peoria.

For more information on the White House program, visit the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/.

[News release]  

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