WASHINGTON (JTA) — The White House released a report arguing that its Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has been a success.
The office has been criticized by former director John DiIulio Jr. and former deputy director David Kuo for not significantly increasing the numbers of vouchers, tax credits, grants and other support to religious organizations that President Bush had initially promised. In addition, some Jewish groups, among others, object to allowing participating organizations to take religion into account when hiring.
The report outlines the accomplishments of the faith-based office, including helping 250,000 drug addicts and tutoring more than 125,000 students at underperforming schools through faith-based community organizations. It also makes recommendations for the next administration, including teaching small nonprofit groups administrative skills and increasing partnerships with corporations, foundations, and state and local governments.
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