The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families is a faith based health advocacy,education and services organization. We engage, support and assist congregations, groups and individuals of faith communities in meaningful programs to improve the health, safety,and wellness of Delaware children, elderly and families. These activities are intended to reduce the incidence and impact of dysfunction, disease and disability as they affect children, elderly and families.

Description:
The organization pursues this mission through community education and leadership development; program services to individuals, families and communities;and community organization. Presently the Council provides education through its Healthy Congregations Program, distributing informational resources and implementing workshops and conferences for laity and clergy.

Other program services to individuals include the Faith and Action Programs and Parents Anonymous of DE. Faith in Action recruits, trains, places and supervises volunteers who assist individuals and families affected by chronic disease, disability, frailty or victimization. Volunteers provide friendly visits, homemaking assistance, medical transportation, referral agency, respite care , supportive listening and telephone reassurance.

Parents Anonymous of DE is the local affiliate of the nation's largest and oldest child abuse prevention organization. The actual service consists of weekly parent mutual support group meetings that are led by participants who are assisted by professional facilitators. There are corresponding group programs for children.

Our newest program is the Delaware Interfaith Health Advocates for Women. The women advocates are trained volunteers from faith based communities to provide resources, support, mentoring, and lay counseling options for other women who wish to stop smoking or need information on broader health related issues. The advocates assist with facilitating training sessions and also with our support groups "Evelyn's Hope".

History:
The Council began in 1987 as the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Maternal and Infant Health, the locus and catalyst for Delaware's participation in the Southern regional project on Infant Mortality.Since then, the Council has provided quality training to religious leaders and congregations on health-related issues as well as linking congregations with health and human services organizations. In addition, the Delaware Ecumenical Council offers the Faith in Action programs and Parents Anonymous of DE.

Contact people:

Rev. Robert P. Hall, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Christa Winter, Program Coordinator Northern New Castle Co. Faith In Action, (phone), (email) Rose Whitby, Parents Anonymous of DE.Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: 302-225-1041

Address:

240 N. James Street, Suite B1B Wilmington, DE 19804 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.deccf.org

Directions:

The office if located in the Tower Office Park Complex in Newport. From I-95 South exit to Rt 141 towards Newport. Take the Newport exit off 141.(From I-95 North take Newport Exit 5B) Go through the traffic light at. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: on N. James St., 5 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes