REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SUMEET MALHI, Director
Personnel Services Department
BY: SUSAN CHUDY, Program Administrator
Personnel Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to allocation of One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps program funding to two organizations to provide wraparound services:
1. *** RESOLUTION - Granting Authority to the City Manager or his or her designee to enter into agreements with Community Based Organizations in the amount of $730,875 to provide wraparound services to be funded by the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps program.(Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
2. Approve two (2) Service Agreements allocating One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps grant program funding to local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) totaling $730,875 (RFP 12500142) to the following organizations: (1) CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties $130,875; and (2) Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corp $600,000.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff is recommending the City Council approve the Resolution, authorizing the City Manager or his or her designee to enter into agreements with Community Based Organizations and; authorize the approval to enter into service agreements with two CBOs to provide wraparound services and to receive allocations from the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps funding totaling $730,875 (RFP 12500142). The CBOs listed below were selected from a competitive process to provide wraparound services to underserved youth:
|
Awards |
Proposer |
|
$130,875 |
CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties |
|
$600,000 |
Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corp |
|
$630,875 |
TOTAL |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is recommending the City Council approve to enter into service agreements with two CBOs to provide wraparound services for members in the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corp and to receive allocations from the One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps funding for local Community Based Organizations
(CBOs) totaling $730,875 (RFP 12500142). The CBOs listed below were selected from a competitive
process to provide services to One Fresno Youth Job Corp Members:
Organizations recommended for funding are (1) CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties $130,875 and (2) Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corporation $600,000.
Authorize and approve the City Manager or designee to enter and execute service agreements with each Community Based Organization (CBOs) as approved to provide wraparound services for members that are hired for this program. Wraparound services include known and unknown barriers to employment such as childcare, transportation, work attire, mentoring and coaching services, etc.
This program is designed to provide inclusive economic investment while creating an opportunity for our most vulnerable youth to be hired and trained for employment with One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Worksites and the City of Fresno. Services provided will help members to realize their potential, obtain soft skills and on-the jobs training for entry level positions throughout City of Fresno departments, and earn a living wage. In addition to contributing to outreach efforts for future members, each selected CBO will provide various services to minimize and eliminate barriers to a successful employment experience. The City team dedicated to the operations of the One Fresno Youth Job Corps program are conducting assessments and regular check-ins with the members to discuss and identify the needs the members may have while participating in the program. As needs are identified, the City team will coordinate a care connection with the proposed CBOs and follow up to ensure all needs are addressed to the greatest extent possible.
BACKGROUND
The One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program was launched in February 2022 with $7.4 million awarded by California Volunteers and the State of California. The City has been awarded ongoing State funding for program continuation. The program’s goals include identifying the highest need youth for employment opportunities, providing training, wraparound services, and positioning them on a career pathway for future City or outside organization employment. This program has reached and exceeded the goals stated in the original application. 101 Participants were to be hired according to the application; as of October 6, 2024, 325 members have been involved in the Program. These members have worked a total of 328,117 hours in service to the City. Of these members, 96% of them met two or more of the criteria determined by California Volunteers: 71% have had difficulty finding employment, 61% identify as low income, 58% were unemployed or out of school, 20% have experienced mental health issues and/or substance abuse, 17% are justice system impacted, and 12% are in the foster care system. The City of Fresno has hired 25 of the members as permanent employees and 23 members have found employment at outside agencies and companies.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not qualify as a “project” and is therefore exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered based upon conditions of State funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. The One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Program is fully funded through grant awards from the California Volunteers through the State of California Governor’s Office. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis.
Attachment:
Sample Grant Agreement
Resolution - One Fresno Youth Jobs Corps Wraparound Services