Media support has been crucial as we shared the
congregations’ stories with others. KERA, the Dallas
National Public Radio affiliate, featured a commentary
on our work one year after the storm, and the “Our Faith”
section of the Galveston News, the Christian radio station
KCBI, and other North Texas outlets have showcased our
work and the needs that exist in Galveston.
Texas Office staff joined with the National Trust
for Historic Preservation and the Texas Historical
Commission to help with planning and presenting at each
organization’s annual conferences happening later this
year.
Disasters are usually highlighted for the damage and
destruction they bring. Yet our work in Galveston has
demonstrated that disasters can bring communities
together. This endeavor has taught many lessons, the
most important being that without the establishment
of strong partnerships, Partners could not have been so
effective. Many of our congregations had not had previous
opportunities to interact and yet, through our work
with them, we have seen new relationships develop and
opportunities open for collaboration.
And yet, there is still so much to do. Although all of
the congregations are back in their houses of worship,
there are significant repairs that need to be completed.
Computer labs that once served the community are not
functional. Kitchens that provided food for the less
fortunate need equipment. Partners is honored to be
a part of this opportunity to support a community as it
rebuilds, restores, and re-engages.
Galveston congregations affected by Hurricane Ike learn
asset-mapping strategies as part of New Dollars/New
Partners training.
Planning and Capital Grants
Partners made grants to four New Dollars graduates last
December:
Discovery United Methodist Church in Hutto received
a $10,000 grant from Partners, which will enable the
congregation to have an architectural assessment done so
they can move forward with their Narthex Tower/Belfry
Restoration Project.
St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Fort
Worth was awarded $10,000 for its Window Restoration
Project.
St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas was the
recipient of $5,000 to help offset costs for design services
related to their multi-million dollar renovation project.
Cochran Chapel United Methodist Church in Dallas was
given $5,000 for a professional assessment and project
planning.
Meetings and Workshops
Partners, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Texas
Association of Nonprofit Organizations sponsored a free
one-day workshop this past February, entitled “Modern
Manna: A Grant Writing Workshop.”
Sacred Places • Spring 2010 • 12