ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE

The Governor’s Faith and Community Initiative was boldly launched in August 2019 to support those on the front lines of serving vulnerable Floridians—the faith and community organizations of our state. The Initiative also stands as the voice of the Governor to faith and community organizations, and as a voice for those to the Governor. Faith and community organizations are our state’s greatest force for good, and it is our desire that the vulnerable people of Florida are better served because of those organizations.


"Florida’s faith and community based groups have a long-standing history of intervening to help meet the needs of all Floridians and for that, we are forever grateful."
-Governor Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at a podium


WHAT WE DO

The Governor's Faith and Community Initiative


Governor DeSantis’ Faith and Community Initiative was created with 3 primary objectives:

THANK the faith institutions and community organizations around our state for the work they do for our vulnerable populations. Want to highlight an individual or organization as a faith and community champion? Tell us more HERE.


COMMUNICATE by opening healthy lines of communication between Florida faith and community organizations and state government. The Initiative hosts statewide faith calls, events, and special programming with the Governor, First Lady, and others to better connect faith and community networks with state leaders.

  • By joining the initiative, you’ll be invited to exclusive calls, events, and programming as well as receive the latest faith and community specific news and resources. Click HERE to sign up.
  • A recording of one of our calls can be viewed HERE.


RESOURCE faith institutions and community organizations with tools to support and enhance their work to serve their community. Some of these first-class resources include:

  • Florida's Faith & Community Red Phone: (850) 717-9494: The Florida Faith and Community "Red Phone" is a first-in-the-nation direct phone line specifically created for Florida faith and community leaders to connect with the Executive Office of the Governor. A real person will answer, address questions and concerns regarding state government, and help drive solutions for those serving the vulnerable people of Florida.
  • CarePortal: a technology platform that allows faith institutions, non-profits, businesses, and individuals to see real time, verified, and vetted needs in their community.
  • The Hope Florida Referral Network: a referral network of faith, community, and business organizations used by Florida Hope Navigators to connect specific resources with the specific needs of vulnerable people. Interested in joining the list? Email your name and organization to hopeflorida@myflfamilies.com and a Hope Navigator will connect with you.
  • Florida's Foster Information Center: If you or others in your organization are interested in learning more about whether fostering is right for your family, you may call Florida’s Foster Information Center toll-free at 1-833-678-3735 (1-83-FosterFL) Your call will answered by current or past foster parents ready to answer questions and walk with you as you consider becoming a foster family.
 
 




About Erik Dellenback
Governor's Liaison for Faith and Community


Erik Dellenback leads the Governor’s Faith and Community Initiative after serving as a consultant to some of the most well-known non-profits in the philanthropy arena.

Prior to his appointment, Erik served as President and Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) for seven years, from its inception to 2017. During his time at TTF, Erik began many domestic and international ministry programs, including Night to Shine, a prom for individuals with special needs. Night to Shine became a worldwide movement and currently takes place in all 50 states and 24 countries while representing over 32 different denominations of the church.

Prior to his time at TTF, Erik spent more than 11 years working with the Gator Bowl Association as the Director of the ACC Football Championship and the Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer.

Read the press release of Erik’s appointment.

Erik Dellenback,
Governor's Liaison for Faith and Community

Our Partners

Hope Florida        Florida state seal        Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council        Care Portal

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