Mission Statement
Our mission is to promote and implement coalitions among various faith communities to:
1. Coordinate resources to address the impact of social concerns related to housing, education, economic development, health, mental health, substance abuse, and overreprestation of racial/ethnic populations in the juvenile and criminal justice system.
2. Promote and provide interfiath awareness and education.
Description
The Greater Denver Interfaith Alliance was formed as a not for profit organization in 2001. We began to work across faith traditions to address the common need for low-income housing. The success of the collaborative effort has evolved to encompass more social concerns for risk populations in Denver, especially in communities of color.
One of our current programs is Project Redemption which is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) of the federal government. The purpose of the project is to positive impact substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis prevention intervention in communities of color in Denver. Led by GDIA in collaboration with an array of faith-based institutions, community-based organizations, and government agencies, Project Redemption aims to raise awareness and provide education about the risks of substance abuse and at risk behavior for sexually transmitted diseases, primarily in communities of color. For example, within African-American communities of Denver, a glaring 30% of the new HIV/AIDS cases are heterosexual African American females. Transmission of HIV/AIDS and Hepatits in the African American community is most prevalent through sexual contact and intravenous drug use among males.
Project Redemption also recognizes the need to develop, enhance, and sustain the capacity of the community to identify and address gaps and barriers to substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatities prevention in communities of color and for individuals (and their families) re-entering the Denver community from prison or jail. Participation and support are welcomed as are referrals to the program.
