Deidre Griffith, MPH¹, Elizabeth A. Baker, PhD¹, Jennifer Strayhorn, BA², M.S. Nanney, MS, RD¹, Cheryl Kelly, MA¹, and Ellen Barnidge¹. (1) School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-8195, griffdj@slu.edu, (2) Abraham's Children, Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis, 4144 Lindell Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63108

Objective: The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the various ways in which having active involvement from the faith community impacts the delivery of a community based participatory action research project. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with our faith, academic, and business partners to evaluate issues such as problem solving; methods of training; hiring and firing; positive and negative impacts of church-loyalty; and how a church (religious) location of a project impacts community engagement. Results: Participatory research and collaboration with faith-based organizations, as exists within the Garden of Eden project, may result in operational, spiritual, and prioritization differences that create unique challenges in which many opportunities for conflict can arise. Together, these different entities must discover proper forms of engagement, discussion and methods of action, before they are able to move forward, all while maintaining levels of respect, especially where faith-issues are of concern. Conclusion: In spite of these operational differences among our partners, challenges were overcome by open communication, open-mindedness, and an overall desire among all entities to work toward the common goal of the success of the Garden of Eden project.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Increase understanding of the multiple roles that faith communities can have in community based participatory research
• 2)Increased knowledge of principles of practice that lead to successful program implementation, e.g., “sticking together” and “sticking it out”; acknowledging we are all going through a learning process and that the blending of perspectives leads to a better program.

Keywords: Faith Community, Community Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.