welcome to the community!

Community FaithWorks is a community economic development initiative equipping pastors with economic development knowledge in order for them to provide an enlightened approach to elevating the community and economy in the very same neighborhoods our churches serve.

With the proper training, contacts and access to resources, pastors can leverage the influence, trust and assets they have established to empower their historically disenfranchised neighborhoods to participate in community economic development rather than be by-standers while others take advantage of these opportunities. Initially 25 pastors  within low-to-moderate income communities from across the state participated in the initial pilot program. This 10-month incubator is an accelerated community and economic development course. The training ranges from assessing community needs, analyzing the assessment data, identifying neighborhood assets, and creating a unique community-based program from design to development.

With strategic, capacity-building training and technical assistance, Community FaithWorks also guides pastors and their community-based team on the establishment of a separate non-profit or community development corporation.

Empowered and equipped, CFW Pastors are better prepared to collaborate with traditional funders and regional economic development organizations to activate projects and initiatives in their neighborhoods.

Coupled with access to financial resources and technical assistance, the neighborhood needs assessment data will enable pastors to identify gaps and serve those specific needs whether it be senior care support, youth development centers, housing, etc. In some cases the solutions are on under-utilized real estate the churches already own or maximizing the use of the church building itself with social service type-agencies leasing unused space to provide community support.

Community FaithWorks was founded by Tia Brewer-Footman, a former television news anchor, South Carolina State Commissioner for Minority Affairs, faith-based business owner and pastor’s wife. CFW has since formed alliances with some of the largest faith-based ministry denominations in South Carolina. This collective has a reach of well over 1400+ churches in the state.