Sacred Places Spring 2010 | Page 13

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