Yesterday, the Governor and Executive Council members took the next step to preserve needed funding for Bethany Christian Services.
IN THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING, PLEASE THANK THEM AND VOICE YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES!!
The Governor and two Executive Council members took action today to ensure a vote on December 18 for a contract extension with Bethany Christian Services. Without approval, Bethany would lose the federal funding they need to provide valuable support services to foster care families. We’re grateful to Councilors Ted Gatsas and Russell Prescott and Governor Chris Sununu for their work this week to put the contract on the Council’s December 18 agenda.
Now it’s your turn. Thank them for supporting foster kids, and voice your support for approval of the contract extension with Bethany Christian Services.
Governor Chris Sununu: (603) 271-2121
Councilor Russell Prescott: (603) 231-7822
Councilor Ted Gatsas: (603) 623-0211
Background:
As we reported in last week’s update, for the last fourteen years Bethany Christian Services has been a consistent support resource for foster and adoptive families in New Hampshire through the Community and Faith Based Initiative Grant.
In November 2018 non-discrimination language was added to an amendment to the current grant which specifically stated that Bethany did not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in carrying out grant goals. Despite that, and the fact there has never been a discrimination complaint against Bethany, 3 of the 5 executive councilors voted “no” on approving an amendment, reportedly because Bethany’s national office “discriminates against same sex couples.”
While Bethany does have a Biblical view of marriage, that in no way affects how they have implemented the goals of the Community and Faith Based Initiative Grant which includes recruiting foster families and providing support to families already providing foster care services.
Bethany Christian Services is now in danger of losing this grant and with it, the funding that has supported their foster families. Thanks to the initiative of the Governor and these two executive councilors, the Executive Council will vote on a contract extension for Bethany on December 18.
Watch for the next Cornerstone update with information on how you can affect that vote.
