no author
June 5, 2001

Two New Groups Founded For Faith Based Initiative

[Editor's note: This is a press release describing two new organizations created by the Bradley Foundation's Michael Joyce - just ONE DAY after being asked to do so - at the behest of George W. Bush in order to build political support for his so-called "Faithbased" initiative.]

[US NEWSWIRE]

Two New Groups Founded To Extend President Bush's Vision Of Faith-Based And Community Enterprise

To: National Desk

Contact: Ralph Benko of the American Community and Faith-Centered Enterprise, 202-661-4740

E-mail: RalphBenko@aol.com

WASHINGTON, June 6 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A major new private-sector initiative that plans to spend millions of dollars to support and extend President George W. Bush's vision of faith-based and community enterprise was announced in Washington, D.C. today by philanthropist Paul Fleming and outgoing Bradley Foundation president Michael S. Joyce.

Fleming will serve as Chairman and Joyce as President and Chief Executive Officer of two new organizations dedicated to this goal. The first, Americans for Community and Faith-Centered Enterprise (ACFE), is a 501(c)4 citizens' lobby based in Washington, DC. Its primary focus is to advocate an expansion of charitable choice, tax credits, and other means of bringing faith-centered and community solutions to social ills. As a first step, the group will work to enact H.R. 7, the Community Solutions Act of 2001, endorsed by President Bush, which was introduced by Congressman J.C. Watts earlier this year.

The second organization is a 501(c)3 educational foundation based in Phoenix, Arizona. The Foundation for Community and Faith-Centered Enterprise (FCFE), will study and promote policies that encourage corporations, philanthropies, private foundations and individuals to provide resources to faith-centered and community groups. It also will encourage the full recognition of the vital role such groups must play in American life and culture.

Fleming, founder of P.F. Chang's China Bistro, a publicly traded restaurant chain (PFCB), and other successful restaurant ventures, has retired from his business affairs to devote substantial resources and his full-time effort to this national initiative. In describing his commitment to the venture, Fleming said, "I've seen first hand in my hometown of Phoenix the positive results of faith-centered and community enterprise. I've been personally inspired by the example of Ella Hennix, a mother and an activist whose practical programs, based in faith and compassion, have helped transform countless lives. President Bush noted that there are stories like hers in every city in our country. I intend through this new initiative to help them get the boost from private donors and the fair shake from government that they need to expand their healing to millions more of our fellow citizens."

Joyce led the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the nation's most effective grant-making foundations, for nearly 16 years. There, he played a key role in advancing innovative, private-sector solutions to social needs. He leaves that position on July 5. "We learned through our efforts to reform welfare and build a successful school choice program in Milwaukee that individuals, families, churches and neighborhoods are best equipped to solve their own problems. Poverty, be it spiritual, economic or moral, is a reality in our society and communities that impacts each of us. I firmly believe that faith-centered and community enterprise is the most promising solution to our nation's lingering problems."

In announcing their effort, both Fleming and Joyce indicated that they planned to build a multimillion-dollar long-term initiative. They applauded President Bush's commitment and vision on these issues. "In his speech at Notre Dame University, President Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to be citizens - not spectators - in the renewal of our country," Fleming said. "We're taking up his challenge."

Joyce pointed to President Bush's selection of John DiIulio to head the Faith-Based Office as one indication of the President's strong commitment on this issue. "I have worked closely with John for a number of years. He, like the President, is smart and tough. The two men share an unswerving conviction that faith-based programs can truly change people's lives," said Joyce. "Our efforts will provide logistical support and add new recruits to the armies of compassion which must be rallied to this cause." Mary Jo Joyce [editor's note: Mary Jo is Michael's second wife], an organizational consultant for numerous community groups, will serve as Executive Director of Americans for Community and Faith-Centered Enterprise.