The Conference of Churches is a leader in faith-based community development and social enterprise. Our specialty is gathering and inspiring individuals to pursue social change. We are a “nimble” organization with integrity and an expertise in collaboration so we are often contracted to lead specialized trainings; collaborations; facilitations or faith-based programs.
Current Ventures
The 224 EcoSpace is the social enterprise of The Conference of Churches. A 30,000 square foot venue for arts, education and economic empowerment. The EcoSpace is the living laboratory of our work. To learn more, visit our website at The224 EcoSpace
The Anna Fuling Community Chaplaincy also known as SoulCare provides community based chaplaincy services that are culturally competent; inclusive and compassionate. We specialize in supportive health chaplaincy programs as an auxiliary to services provided in area hospitals. SoulCare is our model of support groups; retreats and direct care services. To learn more look at our SoulCare roster of Services and Register.
Air: Elevating Change — our model of training and development for transformational leaders and individuals exploring personal change. To find out more check out Air:Elevating Change.
A project of The 224 EcoSpace (a social enterprise of The Conference of Churches), Artists of Color Accelerate is an extension of our mission to create and elevate community spaces for arts and culture. Made possible by a generous grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving’s ‘Artists of Color Unite!’ advisory group, Artists of Color Accelerate partners ten artists-who serve as fellows with ten organizations that will host them to develop artistic ventures of community significance.
Tasked with co-creating a unique individual project highlighting their abilities with the organization they are paired with, the fellows receive an honorarium and support for professional and business development. In addition to these elements, the program offers “Master Classes,” - seminar sessions led by master artists and other professionals in the arts whom achieved high levels of success across the country and abroad. With these tools, the AOCA empowers fellows and the Greater Hartford arts community to be cultural ambassadors whose work contributes to the elevation of Hartford as a distinct arts and culture center despite systemic barriers.
“We provide the space and support to gather and inspire individuals to create positive impact, build social profit and foster a thriving community.”
SERVICE IMPACT & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING
$3 Million—raised over 10 years to provide innovative faith-based services in Connecticut
The FaithWorks Community Development Leadership Institute—increased capacity of 70 non-profit organizations in Connecticut and beyond
Fatherhood Programs--introduced in 20 churches, reengaging 200 fathers in their children’s lives
ElderCare Ministry Advocates--developed in 30 congregations statewide
YouthServe Publication—a lithograph of Faith and Neighborhood Based Services for Hartford Children/Youth
Weekly Radio Broadcast—produced on WRCH-FM reaching 75,000 people weekly
CityHarvest Project—launched in partnership with 20 faith communities with 20 corner markets to bring healthy foods into the city
Family Mediation Programs--provided advocacy & support for 10 high risk DCF families;
Caring Congregations Curriculum—developed to prevent child abuse making 30 faith communities safer places
Shelter from The Storm Initiative—trained 100 faith communities as domestic violence advocates statewide
Juvenile Justice Advocates-- trained and recruited 10 in partnership with The CT Juvenile Training School
Special Needs Children of Color Adoption--recruited of 20 families
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
LivingWell Centre--launched to provide culturally competent wellness classes to over 5000 people a year
Cardio-Vascular Health Training and Screening—provided for 2,000 women of color
Universal Health Care Advocacy—engaged over 5,000 faith/neighborhood based leaders in advocacy through establishment of the Commission on Health Equity and the passage of the Sustinett Bill
The Greater Hartford Health Ministry Network—launched in 50 faith communities
Health Equity Trainings—for 20,000 people of faith to become actors in their own health care
Alzheimer Advocacy—helped African American, Latino, Caribbean adult children advocate for parents
Health Equity Leadership Council—convened in partnership with The Connecticut Health Foundation to inform strategic messaging to impact public will and make Connecticut stronger.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Social Enterprise—taught men transitioning out of prison how to develop legal micro-enterprises
LGBTQ Youth Employment— empowered youth to employ themselves
The Business Growth Centre providing a platform for 50 entrepreneurs at The 224 EcoSpace