Our Mission
Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families (DECCF) is a faith-based health advocacy, education and services, 501c3 Federal tax-exempt organization.
We engage, support and assist congregations, groups and individuals of the faith communities in meaningful programs to improve the health, safety and wellness of Delaware children, elderly and families.
The organization pursues this mission through community education and leadership development; program services to individuals, families and communities; and community organization. These activities are intended to reduce the incidence and the impact of dysfunction, disease and disability as they affect children, elderly and families.
In addition, DECCF is fully committed to being a voice and advocate, locally and nationally, with our community partners in support of initiatives and policies that seek to eliminate health care access and social disparities in underserved communities. We recognize the importance and relevance of a wholistic view in addressing the “Social Determinants of Health”, impacting our neighbors individually and collectively.
Background
The Council began in 1988 as the Delaware Ecumenical Council on Maternal and Infant Health, the locus and catalyst for Delaware’s participation in the Southern Regional Project on Infant Mortality.
The Delaware Council was the first such organization in the region.
Since then, the Council has provided quality training to religious leaders and their congregations on health-related issues from infant mortality prevention to genetics counseling. Beyond training, the Council has linked congregations with health and human services organizations throughout Delaware for collaborative programs which provide effective and efficient preventive, early intervention and therapeutic approaches to family, elderly and children’s health.
Support
The Delaware Ecumenical Council on Children and Families has received funding from the following:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Delaware Health and Social Services
- Delaware Children’s Trust Fund
- Delaware Commission on Community and Volunteer Service
- Delaware Criminal Justice Council
- Delaware Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
- Delaware Health Care Commission
- Delaware Health Fund
- The Delaware General Assembly
- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- The American Legacy Foundation
- The AIDS Healthcare Foundation
- Trauma Matters Delaware
- The United Way of Delaware
- The State Employees Charitable Campaign
- National and local church agencies, local foundations, and local government and local congregations.
Contact us with any questions.