Contact: Rebecca Neale, The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, 202-456-7348

WASHINGTON, July 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, July 22, 2008, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI),  joined by U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake, will convene a Compassion in Action roundtable titled, "Serving Those Who Have Served: The Vital Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations."  Hosted by OFBCI Director Jay Hein, the Roundtable will focus on innovative and effective policies, programs and partnerships that address the needs of America's veterans, highlighting the vital role of faith-based and community organizations in these efforts.

A complete Compassion in Action Roundtable agenda is attached.

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2008

WHO:             Jay Hein, Director, White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

                        The Honorable James B. Peake, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs

WHAT:          White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Compassion in Action roundtable

WHERE:       The White House

Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB)

Room 450

WHEN:          Tuesday, July 22, 2008

10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. EDT

Members of the press should arrive at the Northwest Appointment Gate by 10 a.m. EDT to ensure entry.

NOTE:           Members of the press who do not have a White House press credential must fax his or her name (as it appears on his or her driver's license), Social Security number and date of birth on company letterhead to (202) 456-7019 no later than 6 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2008.  For additional credentialing or logistical questions, please call (202) 456-7348. 

Serving Those Who Have Served: The Vital Role of Faith-Based and Community Organizations

10:30 a.m.       Welcome and Introduction

Jay Hein, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director

White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

10:40 a.m.       Keynote Remarks

                       James B. Peake, M.D.

                       Secretary of Veterans Affairs

10:55 a.m.       Veterans’ Needs and Solutions

Moderator:       Chaplain A. Keith Ethridge, Acting Director, National Chaplain Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Panelist:           Laura Balun, Director, Voluntary Service Office, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Panelist:           Craig Dykstra, Senior Vice President of Religion, Lilly Endowment

Panelist:           Katherine Dunlap, Coordinator, McGuire Outreach Ministry

11:35 a.m.       Snapshot of Success 

Mark Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

John McWilliam, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor

Milton Brown, Service Recipient, Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training

11:50 a.m.       Services and Partnership Successes

Moderator:       Pete Dougherty, Acting Assistant Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Panelist:           Reverend Michael M. Boland, Administrator, President and CEO,

Catholic Charities, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

Panelist:           Anne Rea, Chief of Operations for Adult Services, Way Station

Panelist:           Ruth Fanning, Director, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Panelist:           Jim Gibbons, President and CEO, Goodwill Industries International

12:40 p.m.       Call to Action

                       Mike Vogel, Chairman, 2008 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans