FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2004
Governor has faith in new office
Murkowski names Wheeler Executive Director of newly-established Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Office
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(Anchorage)-Gov. Frank H. Murkowski today announced the appointment
of Stephanie Wheeler as executive director of the newly-formed Faith-Based
and Community Initiatives Office and the establishment of the Faith-Based
and Community Initiatives Advisory Council, which will reside in the
Department of Health and Social Services. Murkowski's announcements
came during the final Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Task Force
meeting at the Atwood Building.
"The Lieutenant Governor and the Task Force have laid a solid foundation to allow us to take this initiative to the next level," said Governor Murkowski. "I am pleased to bring Stephanie Wheeler on board to head the office and lead Alaska's Faith-Based and Community Initiatives effort."
"Stephanie's hands-on management and alliance-building experiences will serve this effort well," said DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson. "I look forward to the positive changes that are certain to come in the individual lives and the health and well-being of our communities as we strengthen and grow our faith, community and government alliances."
Wheeler has been a human service professional and community developer in Alaska for over 22 years. She has extensive experience in non-profit organizations, faith-inspired agencies and the public sector. She has been a front-line client case manager, supervisor and program manager and is currently the Director of Homeless and Emergency Case Management Services with Catholic Social Services in Anchorage. She received the United Way of Anchorage 2000 Hero Award for "Building a Better Community."
"I want to thank the Lt. Governor, the Task Force Chairman Scott Merriner, the members of the FBCI Task Force and all of those around the state that have helped get our Faith-Based and Community Initiatives efforts up and running," said Governor Murkowski. "This holiday season reminds us of the many gifts we have received. The Task Force members are leaders in their communities in providing help to those in our state who are facing challenges. They have made Alaska a better place because they have been at the forefront of helping people help themselves."
The Department of Health and Social Services will oversee the Faith Based and Community Initiatives office, which will act as a single point of contact for grassroots community and faith-based organizations to give technical assistance, grant writing training and other help. The office will also aid groups in identifying funding sources to provide some services locally. The Advisory Council will make recommendations on how the new office can better give local organizations a greater role in delivering social services to Alaskans in need.
The new Faith-Based and Community Initiatives office will be located in the Frontier Building in Anchorage. Wheeler will assume the position of executive director and the office will open early January 2005.
The new Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Advisory Council will advise the governor on policies and practices to increase the contributions of faith-based and community organizations and promote service partnerships between faith, community and governmental entities. Resumes are currently being sought from individuals interested in being an Advisory Council member. The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 17 and resumes can be sent to the governor's Boards and Commissions Office in Juneau.
To support the work of the new office and council, $420,000 has been added to the governor's FY06 budget plan being submitted to the Alaska Legislature in January. This includes funding for the executive director, staff, advisory board activities, and grants to help faith and community organizations increase their capacity to provide services.
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill
Special Assistant to the Commissioner
Juneau Office: (907) 465-1618
Anchorage: (907) 269-7800
Cell: (907) 321-2838
Email: sherry_hill@health.state.ak.usJeff Kasper
Project Director
Juneau Office: (907) 465-8194
Email: jeff_kasper@health.state.ak.us
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