Serving Those in Need : A Handbook for Managing Faith-Based Human Services Organizations [Hardcover]

Edward L. Queen II (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000

Given the increased pressures and higher demand on social-service organizations, faith-based providers must find ways to increase their effectiveness while maintaining their religious distinctiveness. Serving Those in Need provides practical answers for those engaged in the delivery of human and social services. The editor and contributors draw from their deep commitment to faith, from a sense that religion plays a powerfully important role in people's lives and in our public life. For those who view service to others as a means of realizing their faith, this book will be tremendously useful.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With government at all levels initiating collaborations with religious organizations, there could hardly be a more timely or useful book for board members and volunteers of faith-based social service providers. This important volume highlights the challenges such providers face and offers specific, useful advice for meeting those challenges while remaining true to the provider's religious mission." (Sheila Suess Kennedy, assistant professor, law and public policy, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis)

"While this book deals primarily with Christian organizations, the principles used by faith-based organizations are essentially the same. Anyone involved with the management or leadership of a Muslim nonprofit organization should read this book." (Shariq A. Siddiqui, director, community development and fundraising, Islamic Society of North America)

From the Inside Flap

With decreasing public funds available for welfare and social services, today's faith-based organizations are emerging as the real providers of essential human services. But many nonprofits are finding themselves inadequately prepared to assume roles formerly handled by state and national governments. How do the leaders of these religious organizations best respond to the particular needs of the local community? How do they maintain high-quality service despite new financial pressures? And how do they retain their organizations' distinctive religious character amid the onslaught of new clients and demands?Serving Those in Need is a much-needed source of advice on these issues from both researchers and service providers in the field. It offers the practical, essential guidance leaders need to prepare for the rapidly increasing demands for their service. Based on the recognition that religious organizations bring a special dimension to the provision of services, this unique handbook offers proven models for delivering a range of services and shows how to assess the need for services, build the organization's capacity, and ensure adequate financial support for meeting those needs. It includes extensive lists of references, supporting agencies, and sources of additional information, plus checklists of what to do-and what not to do. Stories and illustrations drawn from real situations demonstrate the difficulties, struggles, and successes other service providers have experienced, reminding readers that they are not alone.Human and social service organizations that are founded on a faith commitment provide an unquantifiable added value to service delivery. From their beginnings, all faith communities have viewed the support of the poor and unprotected as a fundamental responsibility. Moreover, religious institutions are particularly trusted by the communities they serve. Driven by higher motives, they can accomplish things that other agencies cannot because their r

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787942960
• ISBN-13: 978-0787942960
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,157,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, November 6, 2002

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genie533 (Iowa, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Serving Those in Need : A Handbook for Managing Faith-Based Human Services Organizations (Hardcover)

I am exploring Faith-based initiatives for my thesis, so read this book. What a great "how-to" book, for any faith-based organization venturing into the provision of government funded human services. Easy to read, practical information, experienced, knowledgeable authors. Mine came from the library, but I'm buying my own in hopes of using it in the field someday.