Our country is blessed with a long tradition and honorable commitment to assisting individuals, families, and communities who have not fully shared in America's prosperity. But despite efforts by the Federal and State governments to battle social distress, too many of our neighbors still suffer from poverty and despair. In every corner of America, people of all ages and walks of life are calling out for help. For years faith-based and community groups have been assisting these people and others in need. They have transformed lives with their compassion and are America's unsung heroes - healing our country's ills one heart and one act of kindess at a time. Unfortunately, the Federal government has often not been a willing partner to these faith-based and community groups. Instead, it has put in place complicated rules and regulations that hinder these groups from competing for Federal funds on an equal footing with other, larger charities. Therefore, as one of the first acts of his Presidency, President Bush established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in five Federal agencies. The White House Office and the Agency Centers were charged with ensuring that local faith-based and community groups have a fair chance to compete for Federal dollars without facing barriers. For more information on the President's Initiative, visit http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_CJ?navid=FBCI | 
