What are Real Alternatives restrictions regarding participation in the Program by faith-based organizations?
Real Alternatives reimburses its Service Providers using federal money made available to Pennsylvania pursuant to a funding stream known as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Under the federal Charitable Choice Act, an organization is not precluded from participating in a TANF-funded Program just because it has a faith-based mission or character. But if that organization conducts religious or spiritual activities, it must do so separately, in time or location, from the TANF-funded activities. Real Alternatives funded Service Providers must agree to comply with the Charitable Choice Act, but also with an additional measure to ensure that client participation in any spiritual or religious activities is completely voluntary. Real Alternatives-funded Service Providers must agree not to conduct activities of worship, religious instruction, proselytization or other religious programs during the delivery of Program services. They must also agree to deliver Program services using
