Dir. Scott Names Faith-Based Liaisons, Carries Out Governor’s Directive to Build Stronger Ties with Faith-Based Organizations

Jefferson City  - Speaking at the statewide faith-based conference, Social Services Director Deborah Scott today announced liaisons who will work to coordinate enhanced cooperation between the department and faith-based and charitable partners. The formal liaison positions were created when Gov. Matt Blunt signed the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act. "By strengthening our ties with churches and other religious charities, we are ensuring that Missouri families who are in need of assistance get a helping hand from neighbors in their communities," Gov. Blunt said. "With partners in organizations of faith, we will make our state a better place for all Missourians." Gov. Blunt signed the Faith-Based Organization Liaison Act earlier this year requiring the director of the Department of Social Services to designate regional liaisons to faith-based organizations. The legislation states the liaisons will work to promote department and faith-based groups working together as a means of providing private community services to Missourians in need of assistance. The legislation also prohibits discrimination against any faith-based groups in carrying out the provisions of the law. The liaisons are employees from the Children's Division (CD), the Family Support Division (FSD), and the Division of Youth Services (DYS). The liaisons will also coordinate the involvement of faith-based organizations with the similar efforts of other state agencies and help them understand some of the rights and responsibilities they have under the law. "Our partners in the faith community are an invaluable resource and help us in our mission to serve Missouri citizens," Director Scott said. "I want to thank the legislature, especially the hard work of Senator Mayer and Representative Grisamore, for passing Senate Bill 46 that will allow us to continue to strengthen our relationship with the faith-based community and continue the good work that's being done." Those appointed to serve on the Advisory Committee are: Debbie Akright, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Columbia Tracy Blue, Child Support Specialist, FSD, St. Charles Amanda Cowan-Johnson, Children's Service Worker, CD, St. Louis City Cynthia DeBey, Children's Service Specialist, CD, Chillicothe Misty Dixon, Children's Service Worker, CD, Independence Kristin Gentry, Lincoln County Manager, FSD, Troy Frances Gould, Field Support Manager, CD, Cape Girardeau Sherry Harris, Child Support Enforcement Supervisor, FSD, Kansas City Rosemary Hutson, Child Support Enforcement Supervisor, FSD, Jefferson City James Johnson, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Cape Girardeau Carolyn Kirk, Children's Service Specialist, CD, St. Louis Wendy Metzinger, RSB District Supervisor, FSD, Sikeston Sharon Minoff, Correspondence & Information Specialist, FSD, St. Louis Ken Murray, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Springfield Lisa Quick, Child Support Specialist, FSD, Cape Girardeau Marge Randle, Regional Field Liaison, FSD, Kansas City Rick Robertson, Phelps/Pulaski County Manager, FSD, Rolla Leslie Snyder, Children's Services Program Manager, CD, Springfield Karin Stuart, Children's Services Worker, CD, Columbia Marie Sulze, PFS Manager, FSD, Rolla Sheila Whittier, Benton/Morgan County Manager, FSD, Warsaw Vonnie Wilkerson, Eligibility Specialist, FSD, Lexington Marlo Williams, Community Services Coordinator, DYS, Kansas City Lisa Woodson, Trainer, DYS, St. Louis -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com