Evening star., 1937-06-03
T0PUSH
WELFARE WORK
Chicago Man to Head New
Social Division of Local
Federation.

pciILl L. I1AOli, graduate Ol Tie
School of Social Service Administra-
ton of Chicago University and Chi
cago Theological Seminary, the WASH
lngton Federation of Churches has
taken the preliminary steps in it's eff
Tort to obtain more active participa-
tion Of local Protestant churches in
welfare work, it was announced today.
Mr. Nixon will direct the FEEDER
htion's new Department of Social We'll
fare, according to an announcement
by the Rev. w. L. Darby, executive
secretary of the organization. 1t is
hoped that the full strength of the
federation, comprising 1877 churches of
% denominations, with a total men,
bership of $4,000, will be enlisted in
this movement to bring the churches
Into cooperation with the social
agencies in e sustained effort to re-
lieve the distress of individuals and
families in the District of Columbia
who must have help from some source.
The primary purpose of the move is
to coordinate the social welfare work
pf the churches. 1t is the most thor
oughgoing undertaking of it's kind
IN this country. Mr.. Nixon said.
The projected department of social
welfare is made responsible to the
tederation's Committee on Social
Service, and, through the committee,
20 the board of directors of the feder-
alton. 1t is coordinate with the pres
ent hospital work and Juvenile Court
work being done by the organization.
To Use D. c. Agencies.
Mr.. Nixon said it is not proposed
TO create staff of case workers in the
new department. but rather to utilize
as far as possible the family service
agencies of the District, including
Public Assistance, and to develop
closer cooperation between the
churches and these agencies.
The plan for the department in
cludes the setting up OF an exchange
In the Office of the federation for
clearing cases from the cooperating
churches. This exchange will in turn
clear all cases with the Social Serv-
See Exchange Of the Council of Social
Agencies. This method for avoiding
duplication, it was said, was proposed
partly because the federation's de-
partment must be kept in touch with
what the local churches are doing
and partly because it is believed the
churches will clear their cases more
satisfactorily by this method
The plan contemplates the estab-
1ishment of welfare councils in CO.
operating Protestant churches under
general scheme, subject to adjust
nent to denominational organiza-
Non and to local conditions.
1t was recommended in the general
plan that each welfare council be ap-
pointed by the governing board of the
church and that it should keep stand
ard records of financial transactions
End of case histories 1t was also
urged that regular reports be made to
the stated meetings of the board. 1t
1t also expected that all volunteer
workers can be offered training.
Details of Plan.
I'm general" according to the copy
of the plan being sent all member
churches "it is hoped that each
church will, as far as possible, take
care of its own families, at least emer-
gency and temporary cases, but that
the social work resources of the COM
munity, especially the family service
agencies, shall be available to assist.
and to take over cases which the
rhurch is not equipped to handle.
Churches which have little social need
will be asked to help those in con-
geSted areas and to aid in meeting the
larger welfare problems of this area.
which is our immediate responsibility.
1t will be suggested to pastors that
such funds as may be required might
be raised in each church by COM
munion and Thanksgiving offerings,
and by classes, societies and organ
lied groups; also by special appeals, as
the people of the churches are brought
face to face with urgent human need"
The Community Chest, the Council
OF Social Agencies and a group of case
working agencies are cooperating with
the federation in establishing the new
department. Mr.. Nixon will be reg
dlar member of the federation's staff,
but funds for the support of the de-.
partment are to be provided by the
Chest by appropriations to and
through a group of its affiliated
agencies.
The departments Office is being
esta abl1shed in the federation's head
quarters in the McLachlen Building,
but will be removed to the new head
quarters at 1749 N street as soon as
they are ready for occupancy, probably
the middle of ,Iuv