HomeMy WebLinkAbout20091389.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE PROJECT PLANS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (CSBG)
AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with Project Plans for the Community Services
Block Grant (CSBG), utilizing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funding, from
the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of
Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, to the Colorado Department of
Local Affairs, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said project plans, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said project plans, a
copy of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that Project Plans for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), utilizing
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funding, from the County of Weld, State of
Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the
Department of Human Services, to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, be, and hereby is,
approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to
sign said project plans.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by
the following vote on the 17th day of June, A.D., 2009.
ATTEST:
Weld County Clerk to the Bo
BY' 1)(a,it
Deputy Clerk o tihe Board
APPRO AS TQ ORM:
County Att.rney
Date of signature. (e'�3t't0�1
BOARD OF COU Y COMMISSIONERS
ELCOU COLORADO
ouglas
Sea P. Conway
ara Kirkmeyer
EXCUSED
David E. Long
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2009-1389
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 11, 2009
WIlDTO: William F. Garcia, Chair, Board of County ommissi n s
O FROM: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human Service �ep�a
•
COLORADO
RE: Community Services Block Grant American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds between the Weld County
Department of Human Services and the Colorado Department
of Local Affairs
Enclosed for Board approval is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds between the Weld County Department of Human
Services and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. This Grant was presented at the Board's
May 11, 2009, and June 8, 2009, Work Sessions.
Weld County was allocated $484,621.00 from CSBG American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) funds. The concepts are:
A. New Child Care Group Leader Qualifications
B. Public Assistant eligibility Technician Project
C. Emergency Services Directly Related to Maintaining or Obtaining Employment
D. Summer Youth Program
E. Enhanced Employment Opportunities
F. Child Welfare Community Liaison
The term of this Grant is July 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.
If you have any questions, give me a call at extension 6510.
2009-1389
Responsible Agency: Weld County Department of Human Services
Contact Individual's Name: Judy A. Griego
Address: 315 North I l `s Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 Phone: 970-352-1551 Ext 6510
Fax: 970-346-7691 Email Address: griegoja@co.weld.co.us
Project Name: New Child Care Group Leader Qualifications
Category: Education
Reason why specific category was chosen with clear justification:
As of May 1, 2010, child care center staff will either lose their job or child care centers will be out of
compliance with the State of Colorado Child Care Licensing Rule and Regulations unless staff meets the
new state criteria for group leader qualifications.
Group leader qualified is one type of staff that is able to be assigned responsibility for a single group of
children. This relieves the burden from the Director of a child care center to be in the class room full-time.
It is estimated that at least 80-100 staff will need to take college credit classes to get a certification which
may include staff taking remedial classes in order to take college credit classes to maintain or become
group leader qualified and maintain existing pay or increased pay.
With the community dependent on child care and for providers to meet state licensing requirements, it is
very imperative that existing staff or new staff meet the new licensing requirements and provide a valuable
service to the community. Funding priorities will be given to center's that contract with the Department and
accept Human Services children/adolescents.
Detailed description of the project identified to reduce poverty:
By individuals maintaining or becoming group leader qualified to work in child care centers past May 1,
2010, individuals will be able to maintain their existing pay or increase their pay depending on their
existing position or pay, while maintaining self-sufficiency. Currently, individuals are struggling to pay
for: remedial classes in order to take college credit classes, college credit classes, books, fuel and lab fees.
With the Department providing funds for these costs, individuals will be able to maintain or increase their
earnings potential and self-sufficiency. Further, by individuals taking college credit classes, this may
encourage them to continue their education and go on for an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, etc. in
early childhood education and further increase their earnings potential.
Identification of population served:
Lawfully present Weld County residents whose households making less than 200% of federal poverty and
are currently working at a child care center and are currently group leader qualified, but do not meet the
new group leader qualifications as of May I, 2010 or are currently employed at the child care center or will
be employed by a child care center by March 1, 2010 and do not meet the new group leader qualifications
as of May 1, 2010.
Detailed budget outlining expenditure strategy: $25,000
Funding will be provided to Aims Community College on behalf child care employees for:
➢ Remedial classes needed to take college credit class
➢ College credit classes needed to meet group leader qualifications
➢ Books related to remedial and college credit classes
➢ Lab fees needed to meet group leader qualifications which also provides job training
➢ Travel costs that include bus token, gas or mileage reimbursement
Description of any other funds committed to be utilized for the project:
None
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Disclosure of any other Recovery Act funds awarded from other agencies that will be included in the
project, including the amount of funding leveraged:
None
Projected outcome for the customer/clients being served (outcome statement):
Ninety percent (90%) of all customers whose education is paid by CSBG funds will meet the group leader
qualifications and maintain or improve their earning potential after meeting the qualifications.
Estimation of number of individuals/families anticipated to move out of poverty because of this
project:
72-90
Description of how the tripartite board will be used in this project:
The tripartite board will be utilized in this project by providing input on the design of the project including
the desired outcomes of the project, approval of the project and monitoring the project for compliance to
the plan that is approved.
Frequency of project status updates provided to the tripartite board:
Quarterly
Will the project continue after the ARRA funds have been spent?
No
If so, how will the agency sustain the project? If not, how can the agency ensure there will be no
negative after effects?
The new requirements take effect on May 1, 2010. So individuals will need to have met the new group
leader qualifications by then or they will be out of compliance with state licensing.
Project Name: Public Assistance Eligibility Technician Project
Category: Employment
Reason why specific category was chosen with clear justification:
With a greater demand for public assistance and administration funding not keeping up with the demand,
the Department is in need of additional staff to help determine eligibility for public assistance in a timely
manner to assist needy individuals and families in the community become self-sufficient.
In order to help people with their basic needs and to assist them in becoming self-sufficient, the Department
will be hiring three people who are unemployed or underemployed to assist the Department in determining
eligibility for public assistance programs for individuals and families needing assistance. Currently, the
Department is experiencing an all time high caseload in Medicaid and Food Assistance. By hiring three
public assistance technicians, the Department will not only be assisting three individuals with jobs and self-
sufficiency, but these three individuals will also be assisting the Department in processing the large volume
of applications and re -determinations for public assistance, and getting benefits to eligible individuals or
families. This will assist in preventing families from putting a strain on community organizations' food
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inventories, improving the efficiency of billing and improving cash flow for Medicaid. It will aide the
family by determining Medicaid eligibility quicker, and help providers so they do not keep rebilling
Medicaid or having to check if Medicaid is active when a Medicaid applicant is pending eligibility
determination, etc.
Detailed description of the project identified to reduce poverty:
By hiring three Public Assistance Eligibility Technicians, this will maintain or increase their earnings
potential and on the job training while assisting other individuals and families in the community becomes
self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency will be accomplished through cash, food, medical assistance, referrals to the
Employment Services Office, and other community resources.
Identification of population served:
Lawfully present Weld County residents whose households making less than 200% of federal poverty.
Detailed budget outlining expenditure strategy: $173,375
These funds will be used on staff salaries, benefits and travel.
Description of any other funds committed to be utilized for the project:
County, state and federal dollars will be used to provide supplies, equipment, supervision, trainers' time
and overhead for these staff
Disclosure of any other Recovery Act funds awarded from other agencies that will be included in the
project, including the amount of funding leveraged:
None
Projected outcome for the customer/clients being served (outcome statement):
100% or three individuals hired for this project will maintain their self-sufficiency by working as a Public
Assistance Eligibility Technician. In addition, the technicians will be assisting at a minimum of 1,200
individuals/families in becoming self-sufficient through providing cash, food and/or medical assistance
along with making referrals to the Weld County Employment Services Office and other community
resources. In 2010, it is projected that the Employment Services Office will be co -located on the same
campus as technicians. This makes the eligibility for public assistance process to employment assistance
more efficient and seamless by having both functions on the same campus.
Estimation of number of individuals/families anticipated to move out of poverty because of this
project:
One hundred percent (100%) or 3 individuals hired to determine eligibility for public assistance.
Fifty percent (50%) or 600 individuals will maintain or improve their basic needs through working with the
eligibility technicians, Employment Services and other community resources. Poverty is defined as 100%
of federal poverty.
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Description of how the tripartite board will be used in this project:
The tripartite board will be utilized in this project by providing input on the design of the project including
the desired outcomes of the project, approval of the project and monitoring the project for compliance with
the plan submitted.
Frequency of project status updates provided to the tripartite board:
Quarterly
Will the project continue after the ARRA funds have been spent?
Yes
If so, how will the agency sustain the project? If not, how can the agency ensure there will be no
negative after effects?
Staff will be kept employed either through additional funding or through expected attrition.
Project Name: Emergency Services Directly Related to Maintaining or Obtaining
Employment
Category: Emergency Services
Reason why specific category was chosen with clear justification:
With a lack of supportive services from various programs and community agencies for clients to obtain
needed supplies and financial supportive services in order to gain and maintain full-time employment, the
Department would like to assist clients by providing additional resources so that clients may become or
maintain their self-sufficiency.
Detailed description of the project identified to reduce poverty:
By providing emergency services to employed, underemployed or unemployed individuals, this may
decrease the need for ongoing governmental assistance and help individuals become or maintain their self-
sufficiency.
Identification of population served:
Lawfully present Weld County residents whose households making less than 200% of federal poverty and
are currently working or looking for work.
Detailed budget outlining expenditure strategy: $17,466
These funds will be used for supportive services such as customer assistance with minor car repairs of $500
or less, rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, car insurance assistance, food boxes, gas vouchers,
bus tokens, clothing, eyeglasses, ESL/GED books, computer learning lab costs, on the job training specific
to employment, physicals, dental assistance, computer lab classes and certificate programs required for
employment purpose.
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Description of any other funds committed to be utilized for the project:
Funds from county, state and/or federal government will be used for supervision of this project, fiscal staff
and any other overhead.
Disclosure of any other Recovery Act funds awarded from other agencies that will be included in the
project, including the amount of funding leveraged:
None
Projected outcome for the customer/clients being served (outcome statement):
Approximately 50 individuals will be assisted with these funds and will either gain or maintain full-time
employment and self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is defined as 125% of federal poverty.
Estimation of number of individuals/families anticipated to move out of poverty because of this
project:
50
Description of how the tripartite board will be used in this project:
The tripartite board will be utilized in this project by providing input on the design of the project including
the desired outcomes of the project, approval of the project and monitoring the project for compliance with
the plan submitted.
Frequency of project status updates provided to the tripartite board:
Quarterly
Will the project continue after the ARRA funds have been spent?
Yes
If so, how will the agency sustain the project?
The Department can look at adding this to our annual CSBG plan, but in a scaled down version in order to
stay within budget.
If not, how can the agency ensure there will be no negative after effects?
Project Name: Summer Youth Program
Category: Employment
Reason why specific category was chosen with clear justification:
The importance of the Summer Youth Employment Program to the community cannot be understated.
Providing at risk 14 and 15 year olds, who may have few or no appropriate role models in their lives, the
opportunity to learn work ethics, improve their life skills and educational standing while putting money in
their pocket is an invaluable experience. This may be the only chance they have to enhance their skills
before entering the workforce at an unsubsidized level and to acquire the tools needed to be successful.
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Detailed description of the project identified to reduce poverty:
The majority of the funding of the Summer Youth Employment Program goes directly to the low-income
participants in the form of wages/bonuses. Providing youth with their own income will help alleviate the
financial pressure the parent is under regarding the cost of clothes, entertainment, school supplies, etc. for
that child, and can give the youth a feeling of pride and accomplishment upon completing the program.
In addition, the skills gained through these experiences and stable employment will lead to opportunities
for unsubsidized employment in the future which helps to reduce poverty.
Identification of population served:
The purpose of the Summer Youth Employment Program is to target economically disadvantaged youth
ages 14-15. Target groups by priority are families receiving TANF, food stamps, or Medicaid. Also
eligible are those 14 and 15 year olds placed in foster care or receiving services from Youth in Conflict.
All individuals served will make less than 200% of federal poverty.
Detailed budget outlining expenditure strategy: $97,000
Funding for this program will go for wages and incentives paid to youth, salaries and benefits for crew
leaders and case managers, educational and life skill fees for youth and transportation costs to worksites
and educational classes.
Y Life Skills Enhancement activities
Health Career Exploration through a collaborative effort with AIMS Community College
Re -Think Anger Management provided by C.A.R.E.
Abstinence Training provided by the Weld County Health Department
Pregnancy Prevention
Drop -out Prevention/ Community Educational Resources
Drug & Alcohol Prevention
Conflict Resolution Training
Gang Involvement Prevention given by the Greeley Police Department Gang Unit
Money Management
V V V V V V V V V
Description of any other funds committed to be utilized for the project:
Administrative costs such as supplies, equipment, supervision and overhead costs will be paid with county,
state and/or federal funds.
Disclosure of any other Recovery Act funds awarded from other agencies that will be included in the
project, including the amount of funding leveraged:
None
Projected outcome for the customer/clients being served (outcome statement):
90% of the youth will return to school; 100% of the youth will enhance their occupation skills and life skill
enhancement competency will be attained.
Estimation of number of individuals/families anticipated to move out of poverty because of this
project:
60
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Description of how the tripartite board will be used in this project:
The tripartite board will be utilized in this project by providing input on the design of the project including
the desired outcomes of the project, approval of the project and monitoring the project for compliance with
the plan submitted.
Frequency of project status updates provided to the tripartite board:
Quarterly
Will the project continue after the ARRA funds have been spent?
No
If so, how will the agency sustain the project?
If not, how can the agency ensure there will be no negative after effects? Alternative funding will be
explored.
All youth will exit the program, so there should not be a negative impact. However, the Department will
explore other funding options to keep the program going for future years.
Project Name: Enhanced Employment Opportunities
Category: Employment
Reason why specific category was chosen with clear justification:
The program will provide the opportunity for the Employment First Program to provide intensive services
for Food Assistance customers by increasing workfare work experience sites and relate this to career goals.
Enhanced assessment services, as well as short term training, will also be available therefore increasing
employment skills that can be marketed in the business community. It will also provide increased
opportunity for others in Employment First besides workfare participants only, but the program and people
will benefit from more workfare sites.
Detailed description of the project identified to reduce poverty:
The program extends opportunities to the person to gain work experience and get training while on the job
at public and non-profit work sites. The adult will be offered classes at Aims Community College in the
classroom or online, gain computer literacy skills and have an assessment done on his/her individual needs
for future skill development and job training.
Identification of population served:
Lawfully present Weld County residents whose households make under 200% of federal poverty.
Detailed budget outlining expenditure strategy: $25,000
These funds would be used to support a half time staff person's salary and benefits, training and
assessments for customers and travel for staff
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Description of any other funds committed to be utilized for the project:
All indirect and administrative funds of this position and project will be paid for by other county, state
and/or federal funds.
Disclosure of any other Recovery Act funds awarded from other agencies that will be included in the
project, including the amount of funding leveraged:
None
Projected outcome for the customer/clients being served (outcome statement):
Approximately 65 individuals will benefit from the enhanced program with 50% finding employment
within six months of participation and those individuals will be tracked by the Colorado Department of
Labor and Employment Management Information System.
Estimation of number of individuals/families anticipated to move out of poverty because of this
project:
65
Description of how the tripartite board will be used in this project:
The tripartite board will be utilized in this project by providing input on the design of the project including
the desired outcomes of the project, approval of the project and monitoring the project for compliance with
the plan submitted.
Frequency of project status updates provided to the tripartite board:
Quarterly
Will the project continue after the ARRA funds have been spent?
Yes
If so, how will the agency sustain the project? If not, how can the agency ensure there will be no
negative after effects?
The developed worksites will continue to benefit customers and offer job training and skill assessment. To
the degree other funding can be obtained, additional intensive services will be included in the on -going
program.
Project Name: Child Welfare Community Liaison
Category: Employment
Reason why specific category was chosen with clear justification:
This category was specifically chosen, as there is a connection with unemployment and at -risk children.
Parents who are stressed financially are more likely to take their aggressions out on their children thus, the
need for Child Welfare. If the parents can be gainfully employed then the likelihood of the child being
abused or neglected is much lower. Due to the high number of at -risk adults that our agency works with
daily and the limited time and resources allotted to this population this position would help create a point
person that would aid those adults who are at -risk of abuse or neglect due to their physical or mental
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challenges. Both of these liaison positions will assist people to become more self sufficient with the hopes
of preventing people from entering the child welfare and adult protection systems. Weld County
Department of Human Services employs three and a half adult protection caseworkers but the need is still
very high and the workers are limited in what they can provide.
Detailed description of the project identified to reduce poverty:
The Community Liaison will provide ongoing voluntary case management as needed for families and
individuals who are prescreened into the child welfare or entering the adult protection systems. They will
specifically work with at -risk adults or families that have risk related to their children and who are also in
need of employment to provide for their families needs. The Community Liaison will provide resources to
help families in need of extra job service, job training and support. The Community Liaison will serve as a
liaison that will connect at -risk adults, parents and children to social and community agencies for support.
Ongoing mentorship will help support the adults in continuing to participate in job search activities,
education, job training, and GED. There will not be a time limit on how long they will work with the
family or adult as it may vary.
Identification of population served:
Lawfully present Weld County residents whose households make under 200% of federal poverty. The
program is for families and individuals who are prescreened into the child welfare or entering the adult
protection systems. They will specifically work with at -risk adults or families that have risk related to their
children.
Detailed budget outlining expenditure strategy: S148,890
These funds would be used to support two staff member's salary and benefits and travel for staff
Description of any other funds committed to he utilized for the project: Disclosure of any other
Recovery Act funds awarded from other agencies that will be included in the project, including the
amount of funding leveraged:
None
Projected outcome for the customer/clients being served (outcome statement):
100% of the families or adults that are assigned a community liaison and voluntarily work with their liaison
will either gain employment or they will work toward an education that will assist them to be employed.
90% of the families who have at -risk behaviors or situations that in turn place their children at risk for
abuse or neglect will receive the appropriate resources, such as, parenting skills, assistance with financial
planning, child care, etc., will also exhibit improved family functioning to assist them in maintaining their
home and their children, thus reducing recidivism.
Estimation of number of individuals/families anticipated to move out of poverty because of this
project:
The current Community Liaison works on average with 15 families per month. Out of those 15, 87% or 13
and have employment concerns and could move out of poverty.
Description of how the tripartite board will be used in this project:
The tripartite board will be utilized in this project by providing input on the design of the project including
the desired outcomes of the project, approval of the project and monitoring the project for compliance with
the plan submitted.
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Frequency of project status updates provided to the tripartite board:
Quarterly
Will the project continue after the ARRA funds have been spent?
Yes
If so, how will the agency sustain the project?
Through attrition or other county, state and/or federal funding
If not, how can the agency ensure there will be no negative after effects?
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTYf-6,OLORADO
ATTEST:
Weld County Clerk t
BY:
Deputy Cl$ k to
William F. Garcia, Chair
JUN 1 7 2009
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