Bush may visit Green Oak Ranch
President Bush has been invited to a meeting in San Diego on Tuesday, Feb. 18, of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiative.
The free meeting for registered participants will be held at the San Diego Concourse, 202 C St., 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. It’s co-hosted by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education.
The meeting could be cancelled in event the U.S. is in a military conflict with Iraq, a spokesman said. That would certainly exclude the President’s participation as well.
However, a local ministry helping to coordinate the event, the American Renewal Movement, has confirmed that if the President attends the conference, he very likely would also visit several San Diego ministries on the day before the meeting.
Carl Fielstra, director of the Green Oak Ranch in Vista, confirmed that the ministry’s successful first-year homeless program is on the “short list” of potential sites. “We’re very honored they are considering us. We would be delighted to have the President visit.”
David Goad, director of the ARM, said another ministry being considered by the President to visit is the East County Ministry and Arts Center headed by Pastor Gary Cass of West Hills Christian Fellowship.
The American Renewal Movement has partnered with non-profit ministries to help them secure funding, both with government and private money. Goad said ministries interested in the Feb. 18 conference can register through his office in Valley Center. For more information, call (760) 749-8896.
“This is really big for San Diego,” said Goad. “It will show us how we really can make a difference in our own communities. And it will put the spotlight on San Diego. They chose this for their third meeting in the U.S. because they were impressed that things are happening here - groups are working together and they like that.”
The White House has scheduled a series of conferences across the U.S. to help faith-based and community organizations learn more about President Bush’s initiative. These free, day-long conferences will equip participants with information about the federal programs that are suited to their needs, the federal funding process, and the legal issues that may apply to recipients of federal funds. They will help organizations decide whether and how partnering with the Federal government could strengthen your organization’s mission.
Workshops will be held on a variety of topics, including grant writing.
Fielstra said Green Oak Ranch would be sending two representatives to the meeting.
“This certainly has potential,” he said. “It will be interesting to see if the government and faith-based ministries can work together - but I’m cautiously optimistic. We could certainly use the funding, but only if it’s without regulations that would dismantle what we’re doing.”
Green Oak Ranch began its winter homeless program on Thanksgiving Day and it concludes on April 12. The cabins that were used for paid “campers” are instead being used by homeless families that are first screened for criminal records and given a drug test.
There are currently about 60 residents - half children - at the Vista facility. Capacity is about 75.
“More than half the adults are employed,” said Wayne Fravel, the program director. “They’re good people, but just can’t afford to live here. Most are saving their money so they can get a place in April. We’re really excited to see lives change. Having kids out here has changed things a lot, too.”
The faith-based program relies on mostly private funding. Fielstra said he’s been encouraged by additional churches coming in to assist with volunteers or funds.
“We’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do,” Fielstra said. “The city says we’re not authorized, but it’s the same type thing we’ve been doing here for 50-plus years. We’re not expanding our existing recovery program, but instead we’re using the camp and retreat center.”
He explained that the city of Vista is reluctant to have any homeless center in its boundaries because for the last several years it’s been the city that housed the homeless in churches - and it’s time for other cities to “step to the plate.”
“I understand their reluctance, but this is the perfect location and the other cities are prepared to help fund the program,” he said, identifying the other cities as Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos and Encinitas.
Despite government funding, Fielstra said that Green Oak would continue its Christian emphasis to treatment. Bible studies and prayer services aren’t mandatory, he explained, but hopes the men, women and children would be attracted to the positive activities.
The 142-acre ranch is located just west of Sycamore Road, between the Shadowridge residential neighborhoods, a couple miles south of Highway 78. Industrial parks are further south.
Green Oak Ranch can be contacted for more information at (760) 727-0251.