As one of his very first acts in office, President Bush launched the Faith-Based and Community Initiative to eliminate barriers that impede the full participation of faith-based and community organizations in the provision of social services.  Now, six years later, it is appropriate to take stock of the program's accomplishments as well as its unfinished business.  Jay Hein, President Bush's Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, discussed the state of the initiative, the challenges he faces as its Director, and what might lie ahead for the effort under a different President. 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jay F. Hein was named Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives on August 3, 2006. Prior to joining the White House staff, Mr. Hein was the founding president of the Sagamore Institute for Policy Research, an international public policy research firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Hein also served as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for American Renewal, a public charity established by Ambassador Daniel R. Coats. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hein served as Executive Director of Civil Society Programs at Hudson Institute and as Director of Hudson’s field office in Madison, Wisconsin, where he conducted hands-on research and analysis in support of the State's landmark welfare reforms.