7 Faith Groups Get Social Service Funds

In California’s first initiative to deepen religious involvement in social services, seven Southland faith-based agencies have won grants to operate public programs ranging from job training to crisis counseling.

Statewide, a total of $5 million in grants was recently awarded to 20 faith-based organizations through a competitive bidding process by the state Economic Development Department.

The state effort began before President Bush launched his initiative to expand federal funding for faith organizations.

The Southland grant recipients are:

* The African American Community Empowerment Organization in Inglewood, which received $200,000 to offer job training to the homeless.

* The Cal State Long Beach Foundation-Center for Career Studies, $410,000 for vocational training for the poor in partnership with the Church of Elohim Ministries.

* Community Resource Talent Development, affiliated with Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, $200,000 for job placement and behavioral training.

* Faithful Service Outreach, affiliated with Faithful Service Baptist Church in Los Angeles, $420,000 for services for homeless mothers.

* Lutheran Social Services of Southern California in Van Nuys, $123,000 for employment support services.

* Ninth District CME Community, affiliated with Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, $350,000 for vocational training.

* Zaferia Shalom Zone Agency, affiliated with Wesley United Methodist Church, $200,000 for job training and life skills.