Progress requires innovative, community-based solutions. That’s why the USDA's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships reaches out and connects government with non-profit organizations - both secular and faith-based - to help people in need.
In addition to leading the way in agriculture, natural resources, and food, USDA is committed to strengthen communities and nourishing kids. The Center is here to help communities connect with USDA priorities and programs so that together, we can positively impact lives.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us and discuss how we can better serve your community.
Upcoming Events
The USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is excited to co-host the USDA Mental Health Awareness Month Workshop series scheduled weekly beginning Tuesdays, May 9 – Tuesday, June 6 from 2-3:30pm Eastern. The workshop series convenes farmers and ranchers, technical assistance providers, local leaders, and Federal, state, and university partners to dialogue and discuss mental health challenges, and stressors, and the resources and services to address them.
Many thanks to USDA and Federal organizing partners including the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, the Farm Service Agency, the office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, and Rural Development, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Key nonprofit partners include Farmaid, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Trevor Project, and the National Association of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors. Please see below for additional information regarding the calls and for registration.
Farm Stress and Suicide: Faith, Place, and Community Health
Tuesday, May 30, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Register
Farm Stress and Suicide: Faith, Place, and Community Health Agenda (PDF, 138 KB)
This session provides an overview of the USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and highlights the challenges faced by many Americans during Mental Health Awareness Month. A training on farm stress, health and wellbeing will be provided by The Well Church Initiative of Texas A&M Extension, to discuss and highlight tools and resources available to faith and community-based organizations as they support their congregants and communities.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Communities
Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Register
This session will focus on the lived experienced of LGBTQ+ identifying folks in rural communities across the country. Discussion and dialogue will focus on mental health, the relationship to stress, and more.
These meetings will be conducted virtually using Zoom.gov. A link to the workshop will be provided upon registration; please contact center@usda.gov with any questions.
Other Federal Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
The USDA Center is among 13 Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships across Federal agencies. Others include: Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Homeland Security, U.S. Agency for International Development, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Education, Corporation for National and Community Service, Justice, Labor, Small Business Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Each Center forms partnerships between its agency and faith-based and neighborhood organizations to advance specific goals, and all of the Centers are coordinated by the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
You can find contact information for other Centers on our contact page.
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships forms partnerships between government at all levels and non-profit organizations, both secular and faith-based, to more effectively serve Americans in need. In addition to coordinating the 13 Federal Centers, it also coordinates the President's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The President's Advisory Council is made up of religious and secular community leaders serving one year terms. The Council is responsible for submitting recommendations for how the federal government can more effectively partner with faith and community-based organizations.