FEDERAL FUNDS SUPPORT COVERDALE COMMUNITY

 

Seaford, September 17, 2007 – In every corner of America, USDA Rural Development is there to help.  This was the message that U.S. Senator Tom Carper and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott echoed on the grounds of the construction site for New Coverdale Outreach Mission, Inc. located at 22215 Coverdale Road.    

                                                                                                                                                                       

“This mission received a grant to help feed members of the community, but it also has actively been raising money on its own,” said Senator Carper.  “The mission is dedicated to helping those in need and is – quite literally – doing the Lord’s work. What a wonderful opportunity to be surrounded by those who live their lives doing for others.”

                          

Together the federal officials announced a USDA Rural Development grant in the amount of $24,750 that is supporting the work of New Coverdale Outreach Mission, Inc. a non-profit, community faith-based organization whose mission is to feed the hungry.  The grant assisted with the purchase of a box truck that is primarily being used to transport donated food.  The cost of the box truck was $33,000 with the remaining balance provided by the organization.

 

USDA Rural Development offers a variety of programs that are targeted to improve the quality of life and increase economic opportunity in rural America.  “For years, faith-based and community groups, like New Coverdale Outreach Mission, have been on the front lines assisting people in need,” said Elliott.  “Their compassion has transformed countless lives.  The Bush Administration has been committed to being a willing partner to help faith-based and community groups as they are meeting the needs of friends and neighbors across the country.”

 

One of the first key initiatives implemented by the Bush Administration was to establish the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.  The Department of Agriculture is one of 10 cabinet departments charged with promoting this initiative.  Although the use of government money by faith-based and community organizations is not new, there are many small grassroots organizations that are not aware, or still have questions about the Federal funding process.  This Initiative is ensuring that these groups are allowed to compete on an equal footing for Federal dollars, educating them on grant opportunities, and encouraging greater private support for these organizations.  Funds cannot be used to pay for religious activities.

 

Under the direction of Rev. Diane Lofland, Executive Director, New Coverdale Outreach Mission serves some 150 families with donated food during the second Friday of each month.  Rev. Lofland is also responsible for starting an adult reading program in the area, GED preparation classes, and a resource center to help unemployed citizens with job referrals and seniors with medical help.  The organization is in the process of constructing a new building that was mostly funded with grants from The Longwood Foundation and The Welfare Foundation.

 

Rev. Lofland said, “USDA Rural Development has been with me for 4-years, guiding me through the application process.  I thank USDA for the truck; we really needed it.  I can now pick-up donated food, furniture, clothing and Christmas toys without the worry of how to transport it to underprivileged families.” 

 

 New Coverdale Outreach Mission has a $20,000 campaign goal underway to help complete the construction of their new building.  The organization is currently operating out of a house that Rev. Lofland raised her five children in.  “The space is too small to carry on our mission of serving those less fortunate,” said Rev. Lofland.     

 

 USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency returned over $53 million to rural Delaware.  They have over 40 loan, grant and loan guarantee programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their State Office located in Dover at (302) 857-3580, their Georgetown Office at (302) 856-3990, ext. 5 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.  TTY users should call (302) 857-3585.

                                        

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Committed to the future of rural communities.