Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) is a regional faith-based group focused on interfaith dialogue, community services, advocacy and environmental ministries. Founded in 1974, EMO is a respected interfaith voice and convener that brings together Oregon’s diverse faith community and multi-sector partners to alleviate poverty and health disparities through programs and policy advocacy. The Congregational Wellness Project grew out of EMO’s work on food security over the past 13 years under the organization’s Interfaith Food and Farms Partnership (IFFP). The mission of IFFP is to empower faith communities, farmers and neighborhoods to build rural-urban alliances and create innovative partnerships for just and sustainable food systems that promote community health.

IFFP launched the Congregational Wellness Project in 2008 as a pilot effort funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's faith-based initiative: "Galvanizing Communities to End Childhood Obesity."  The project focuses on shifting the eating and physical activity environment at congregations through policies, practices and building and grounds use, and inspiring people of faith to advocate for healthy environments for all in the wider community as well. This website is an important part of sharing what we have learned with faith communities across the U.S.

EMO's organizational website is at: www.emoregon.org.

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EMO would like to thank our community partners and supporters who have made the Congregational Wellness Project possible, and who continue to build on these efforts:

Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Portland, Oregon

American Heart Association

Benton County Health Department, Corvallis, Oregon

Bogli Consulting, Portland, Oregon

City of Portland, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability/Portland Plan, and Parks and Recreation Department

Community Health Partnership: Oregon's Public Health Institute, Portland, Oregon

Highland Christian Center/Highland Haven, Portland, Oregon

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Portland, Oregon

Iglesia Cuadrangular Emanuel, Corvallis, Oregon

King Farmers Market, Portland, Oregon

Let's Move! Campaign, national program led by Michelle Obama

Lifeworks NW, Portland, Oregon

Maranatha Church of God, Portland, Oregon

Metro Fruit and Veggie Council, Portland, Oregon

Montavilla Farmers Market, Portland, Oregon

Multnomah County Health Department/ACHIEVE Program, Communities Putting Prevention to Work and Multnomah Food Initiative, Portland, Oregon

Muslim Community Center of Portland (Oregon)

Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries, Portland, Oregon

Oregon Department of Education

Oregon Department of Health and Human Services

Oregon Food Bank

Oregon Nutrition Policy Alliance

Oregon State University

P.E. for All Kids (PEAK Coalition)/Save Portland P.E. (Oregon)

Portland Public Schools, Nutrition Services (Oregon)

Portland Tuv Ha'Aretz (Oregon)

Providence Partners in Health, Portland, Oregon

Qi to Wellness, Vancouver, Washington

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Portland, Oregon

St. Mary's Catholic Church, Corvallis, Oregon

Southside Community Church, Corvallis, Oregon

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships