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Home My WebLink About20010480.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR YOUTH OFFENDER PROGRAM 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 an Application for Federal Assistance for the Youth Offender Program 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 U. S. Department of Labor and Employment, with terms and conditions being as stated in said appication, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Application for Federal Assistance for the Youth Offender Program 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 U. S. Department of Labor and Employment be, and hereby is, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said application. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 21st day of February, A.D., 2001. osalis1 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AID+,, I , / fX WELD COU TY, COLORADO ATTEST: L I : �► �� t{ Wel*�y. J. elle, Chair Weld County Clerk to the :�, . . %%O� XCUSED DATE OF SIGNING (AYE) 1T ,� / / ,Glenn Vaad, Pro-Tem BY: i_ / Deputy Clerk to the Board "N Wilrke O 477 APPROVE AS TO F M: _ `J� David E. Long -- /f�unty At ey Robert D. Masden pc?: /v/e 2001-0480 HR0072 KitMEMORANDUM CTO: Mike J. Geile Board of Country Commissioners COLORADO FROM: Walt Speckman Executive Director, Human Services DATE: February 16, 2001 SUBJECT: Youth Offender Community Wide Capacity Building Grant Enclosed for Board approval is a Youth Offender- Community Wide Capacity Building Grant proposal funded by the United States Department of Labor and Employment for the operation of a Youth Offender education and employment program. The grant requests $330,000.00 to provide a range of education, community linkages, and workforce development options for youth who have been involved in the juvenile justice system or are affiliated with gangs. Youth will be provided services such as GED preparation, improving essential work skills in reading, math, and writing, job placement assistance, work experience and OJT placements, and other community services which will assist them in obtaining needed workforce skills. If you have any questions, please feel free to telephone me at 353-3800 ext. 3317. 2001-0480 HeO07 S' Federal Register/Vol. 65, No. 243/Monday, December 18, 2000/Notices 79133 APPENDIX A CO VERSHEET Application for funding under SGA/DFA 01-101 "Community Audits" Name of Applicant: Employment Services of Weld County through rthe Board of Weld County Commissioners Contact Person: Mike Fiveson Phone Number: (970) 353-3800 Category: (MUST CHECK ONE) Category I - Model Community Projects Category II - Education & Training for Youth Offenders Initiatives XX Category III - Community-Wide Capacity Building Projects )GCS- C4gb 79134 Federal Register/Vol. 65, No. 243/Monday, December 18, 2000/Notices APPENDIX B APPLICATION FOR OMB Approval No.0348-0043 FEDERAL ASSISTANCE 2. DATE Feb rte a v 23, 01 Applicant IdeMl5er 1. TYPE OF SUBMISSION: 3. DATE RECEIVED BY STATE State Appllotloe Idendher Applied. Praapplintlen O Construction ❑Cowtrealon 4.DATE RECEIVED BY FEDERAL AGENCY Federal Identifier S Non-Construction O Non.ConeruWon S. APPLICANT INFORMATION Leal Namc. Orgairatioal Unit: Board of Weld (-minty rnmmissionwrs Fmployment Services of Weld _Qun_ty Address Igfn My,comity,Slate and zip code): Name and telephone number of the parnn to be contacted at,natters involving this.plkad,n arts code): 915 10th Street Mike Inn veson Greeley, Weld, CO 80631 (970) 353-3800 Fax (970) 356-3975 6. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IEIN)t ®®-® O 1 81 EI© 7. TYPE Or APPLICANT:lector apartnt led ht me ,la Mal El (7 A.Stan H Inde)mmdeol School Die. B.County I Slate Controlled Imtitttea of Higher Learning E.TYPE OF APPLICATION: C.Manielpa J .Primes Univen9y fr." O Combination O Revisiaa D.Township K Indian Tribe E.Lonesome L. Individual F. Inrormtmitl►al M.Profit OraanlantIoa Ela G. Special District N.Other(Specify): mid Revktn,ee appropriate darn)lo bones): f.NAME OF FEDERAL AGENCY: A. Inaed Aloud B ed B.Dorian Award C. Increase DunDoddDepartment of Labor D. Deanna Darden Other Upacifyl: Employment and Training Administration IS. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: It.DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF APPLICANT'S PROJECT` IJIJ-111LE1 Youth Offender Demonstration TT�t "Weld County Youth Offender Project' 12.AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJECT Idols,adds.State,etc.): Weld County Colorado 13.PROPOSED PROJECT: 14. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF: Start Date Ending Date a.Applicant h. Protect 7-1-01 6-30-03 Colorado - 4 Colorado - 4 IS.ESTIMATED FUNDING: I6. JS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS} a. Federal f 330,000 'ere a. YES.THIS PREAPPLICATSON/APPLICATION WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER:2372 PROCESS FOR REVIEW ON b.Applied f 63,139 .00 DATE a SW. f •00 b.NO.TXPROGBAM IS NOT COVERED BY E.O.12372 d. Lunt S .00 CI OR PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED BY STATE FOR REVIEW e. Other $ .00 f.Program Income f .00 17. IS THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT. g. TOTAL f 393,139 .4o Cl Ye If"Ys,"attach an explanation. X)No IS.TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF,ALL DATA IN THIS APPLICATION/PREAPPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT.THE DOCUMENT HAS NEIN DULY AUTHORIZED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICANT WILL COMPLY wmr THE ATTACHED ASSURANCES IF THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED. a.Typed Nara of AothorW Reprenotatin b.rid. Board of Weld County G}citation somber M. J. Geile Commissioners, Chair '970) 356-4nnn d.,,SIB4arpes writhed RR.prannttho ..Data Signed /2/f/J l Previous Fdilim Km Usable Staodaed Form 424 (REV 4.08) Prescribed by OMB Circular A.I02 Authorized for Local Reproduction 79136 Federal Register/Vol. 65, No. 243/Monday, December 18, 2000/Notices PART II - BUDGET INFORMATION APPENDIX C SECTION A - Budget Summary by Categories (A) (B) (c) 1. Personnel $ $ $ 71,646 2. Fringe Benefits (Rate%) 20,060 3. Travel 2,003 4. Equipment N/A 5. Supplies 3,500 6. Contractual 10,000 7. Other 42,791 _ 8. Total, Direct Cost (Lines 1 through 7) 160.000 9. Indirect Cost(Rate%) N/A 10.Training Cost/Stipends 180,000 11.TOTAL Funds Requested (Lines 8 through 10) $ $ $ 330,000 SECTION B-Cost Sharing/Match Summary(if appropriate) (A) (B) (C) ) 1.Cash Contribution $ 2. In-Kind Contribution 63,139 3.TOTAL Cost Sharing/Match (Rate%.) $ NOTE: Use Column A to record funds requested for the initial period of performance(i.e.12 months,18 months, etc.); Column B to record changes to Column A(i.e.requests for additional funds or line item changes; and Column C to record the totals(A plus B). Budget Narrative Section A 1. Personnel Includes 1 FTE- case manager for the day to day operation $49,550 .20 FTE - Youth Program supervisor $11,833 .05 FTE - Special Program Manager $ 4,056 .02 FTE-Employment Services Director $ 2,025 .02 FTE-Human Services Director $ 4.182 $71,646 Personnel costs are directly related to the program. The Case manager, and Youth Program Supervisor work directly with the youth in the delivery of services. The Special Programs Manager, Employment Services Director, and Human Services Director provide direct program oversite and evaluate and monitor the day to day operations. 2. Fringe Benefits (Rate) Fringe benefits are calculated at 28% of base salary and are included as a cost to the project. Benefits include health care, social security, workers compensation, short term disability, and retirement benefits. 1 FTE- case manager for the day to day operation $13,874 .20 FTE- Youth Program supervisor $ 3,313 .05 FTE- Special Program Manager $ 1,135 .02 FTE - Employment Services Director $ 567 .02 FTE - Human Services Director $ 1,171 $20,060 3. Travel The case manager and Youth Program Supervisor will travel throughout Weld County for recruitment,job placement, monitoring, and follow-up visits. It is estimated that staff will log approximately 274 miles per month for a total of 6576 miles over the 24 month duration of this. project. Weld County reimburses mileages at a rate of$.305 per mile. Mileage reimbursement 6576 @ $.305 per mile $ 2,003 4. Equipment Not Applicable. Employment Services will not purchase nay equipment under this proposal 5. Supplies Supplies will include materials and books for participants enrolled in the GED and basic skills components of this project. It is anticipated that approximately 100 youth will be in need of GED or basic skills remediation. Books and Supplies for 100 participants $ 3,500 6. Contractual Although Employment Services will not contract for any services under this proposal, services for alcohol and drug education, non medical alcohol and drug treatment, mental health evaluations and other specialized assessment will be purchased as needed. Alcohol,Drug,Mental Health assessments $10,000 7. Other Supportive Services Participants will be provided needed supportive services required to aid in their participation in activities. This could include transportation assistance, day care reimbursement, books and supplies for vocational courses, or specialized tools or safety equipment needed for employment. Supportive Services $22,791 Administrative Costs Administrative costs include fiscal tracking,procurement, secretarial services,processing of pay checks for work experience and OJT placements, and overhead and operating expenses for the Employment Services building. Administrative and Overhead $20,000 $42,791 S. Total, Direct Costs (Lines 1 through 7) Total Direct Costs S150,000 9. Indirect Cost (Rate%) Not Applicable 10. Training Cost/Stipends Learning Lab $100,000 The Educational Learning Lab fees are based on an hourly rate. It is planned that approximately 100 youth will be enrolled in GED and basic skills remediation components. All youth, 160,will be given a battery of assessments to determine their functioning levels as well as their interests and aptitudes for employment. Costs are to cover the Lab fees. Work Experience/Internships $ 50,000 It is estimated that 30 youth will be placed in either work experience or internship components in this project. Youth will be paid a wage of$6.50 per hour and Employment Services will cover the workers compensation costs for these placements. Placements will average approximately 250 hours. On the Job Training OJT $ 30,000 It is estimated that 10 youth will be placed in an OJT in this project. Youth will be paid a wage of$7.00 per hour and Employment Services will reimburse the employer 50%of the wages and cover any additional training required. It is anticipated that the average placement will last approximately 6 months. Total Training Costs $180,000 11.Total Funds Requested (Lines 8 through 10) $330,000 Section B 2. In-Kind Contribution $ 63,139 Employment Services will provide in-kind contributions of$63,139 for youth who are placed in the Youth Skill Development Project funded under the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps. In-kind amounts would cover educational costs and stipend payments II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Applicant: Employment Services of Weld County,PO Box 1805 Greeley,CO 80632 "Weld County children fare worse than their peers across the Front Range. Weld County is getting worse in measures of child well being and every other county on the Front Range is getting better." This statement was made by Barbara O'Brien,President of the Colorado Children's Campaign, a nonprofit group based in Denver, Colorado which compiles statistics about the state's children each year. "Weld's juvenile arrest rate is getting worse while the rest of the state is getting better,"says O'Brien. Statistics from the 1996 Uniform Crime Report, complied by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,paint a similar picture. This report places Greeley as the fifth worst city in an index of 28 Colorado communities with a population more than 10,000. According to the 2000-2001 OMNI institute report for July-October, 2000, Weld County was second only to Denver County in the number of juveniles committed to the Department of Youth Corrections. Based upon Victimization Ratios assigned in the 1996 Uniform Crime Report(the lower the ratio the more dangerous it is to live in a city), when Greeley's data(a 14.2 ratio) is compared to larger national cities, it is safer to live in New York (a 19.2 ratio) or Los Angeles(a 14.9 ratio)than it is to live in Greeley. According to the officers within the Greeley Police Department gang unit, there are currently 510 active gang members in Greeley. This number is based on individuals who are or have been involved with gang crime, and have demonstrated a gang affiliation. (The police department predicts that there are approximately two to three times as many fringe gang members.) This affiliation is a growing problem in Greeley and there is agreement that without continued intervention,the number of gangsters will increase. This project will address the issues of high risk youth, gang affiliated youth, and youth who are either coming out of the Department of Corrections or those who are being diverted from serving a sentence by providing them with positive options for education,employment and training activities,as well as provide them with other opportunities designed to assist them in achieving positive outcomes in their lives. The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Research Report"Desktop Guide to Good Juvenile Detention Practice", indicates that there are five categories that research has identified as causes and correlates of delinquency. This proposal strongly addresses at least two of those categories by attaching youth to computerized assisted educational programs which provide youth with the educational support to obtain a GED or return to school, obtain and retain employment, and expose them to the world of work through Internships or OJT's with private sector employers. In an effort to develop long term meaningful employment with a livable wage, ladders to success will be put in place which will include career counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and treatment where necessary, anger management and conflict resolution skills,job skills training, work experience placements(when identified as appropriate in the individual service strategy), and follow up services. Employment Services of Weld County has an established network of employers and is capable of increasing this network for targeted jobs for the youth to be served under this proposal. The Weld County Youth Offender project proposed in this application will serve the various communities in Weld County, Colorado. Weld County covers 4004 square miles and is located in the north central part of the state and has a population of approximately 178,864. Greeley,the largest city and county seat, is fifty miles northeast of Denver, Colorado, and fifty miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming and has a population of approximately 78,000. Employment Services of Weld County has been designated by the Weld County Workforce Development Board as the One Stop Workforce Center for the region and provides services under the Workforce Investment Act as well as other employment related programs. Employment Services of Weld County has been delivering employment and training services through a One Stop Center concept since1974. In addition to the services provided under the Work Force Investment Act,Employment Services operates basic labor exchange services through the Wagner-Peyser Act,Welfare to Work Programs,the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)Program,the Employment First Food Stamp Job Search Program,the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps/AmeriCorps Program, and services to at-risk youth through state funded programs. In response to the needs identified by the Weld County Workforce Development Board for at risk and out of school youth,Employment Services of Weld County developed a program,now in its fourth year,to provide educational,basic skills, job skills, and employment and training services to adjudicated and at-risk youth through the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program.(previously the Youth Crime Prevention and Intervention Program). The Weld County Youth Council,under the Weld County Workforce Development Board is comprised of prominent members of the community including managers from Social Services,the County District Attorney,Vocational Rehabilitation,Job Corps, State Department of Youth Corrections (Platte Valley Youth Detention Facility) and area businesses. The Youth Council will oversee the project and has provided input into the design and services being provided. The Weld County Workforce Development Board and the Board of County Commissioners assure cooperation with evaluators of the project. The grant will be administered for a period of 30 months. The first 24 months will consist of providing a full array of services designed to strengthen and build infrastructures that will directly address the needs of the population served. The final 6 months of this project will be dedicated to organizing all records relating to developed strategies and integrated services. This information will be made available to project evaluators within two months from the termination of the grant. In preparation for this application, staff from Employment Services of Weld County met with numerous area agencies and has developed a wide and significant partnership which includes virtually all community entities who work with the youth targeted under this proposal. These meetings generated a positive response from local law enforcement,probation departments,the juvenile justice system, alcohol and drug rehabilitation agencies, and others. Employment Services of Weld County currently accepts referrals from these partner agencies and will continue to provide youth served under this proposal all of the necessary supportive services to help facilitate their success as they learn about the world of work and move towards self sufficiency. Employment Services of Weld County will be the primary provider of services under this proposal, and will purchase services for youth when appropriate. Youth will receive an in- depth assessment of their needs,barriers, and goals and will be provided services which will assist them to make positive changes in their lives. Partner agencies include Island Grove Regional Treatment Center(alcohol and drug treatment services),Aims Community College, Weld County Social Services,the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Corrections,Probation,the Senate Bill 94 Committee, and other professional agencies. Drug and alcohol services, including counseling and education as well as assistance with conflict resolution and anger management training will be provided by Island Grove Regional Treatment Center. Mental health services will be provided by North Range Behavioral Health Services, or, if appropriate,by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Supportive service needs will be purchased from vendors as needed. Part III - Project Narrative Need Greeley, Colorado is the largest city and county seat of Weld County and is located 50 miles northeast of Denver, Colorado, and 50 miles south of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Greeley's population of approximately 78,000 is part of the total approximate population of 178,864 for Weld County. The majority of Weld County's economy is agriculturally based and farm income accounts for 7.9% of the per-capita income of$16,884 (1999 estimate). Although Greeley's economy is still largely based on agriculture, there is a growing base of other industries. The largest industries in Weld County include Con Agra(beef, pork, and sheep producers),chemical plants, Kodak, Hewlett Packard, State Farm Insurance (regional headquarters),North Colorado Medical Center, the University of Northern Colorado, and Aims Community College. The population of young people in Weld County less than 20 years of age is 33.2%and another 36.9% are between the ages of 20 and 44. The ethnic distribution for the county is diverse. The breakdown of the population is: 72.5% White, 25.7%Hispanic, 0.4%Black, 0.4%American Indian/Eskimo, and 1.0% Asian. There are 13 public school districts in Weld County and School District 6, serving the Greeley and Evans area,is the largest. There are five private schools, four charter schools, and four alternative schools. Although the economy has been generally strong over the last 10 years, 14%of Weld County's population lived in poverty in 1997. Like other small cities across America, Greeley, Colorado can be a great place to live. Many of the homes are old and beautiful and there are wide streets lined with large trees in the older part of town. The downtown area boasts some terrific restaurants and a modem civic center where one can see first rate productions. While most people enjoy the slow pace of Greeley, there are some tears in the fabric of this city. -1- In an article dated January 21, 1999, Anne Cumming of the Greeley Tribune points to data that suggests youth in Weld County are deficient in many areas. These areas of concern include health care and education. In this article, Cumming quotes Barbara O'Brien,President of the Colorado Children's Campaign, a nonprofit group based in Denver, Colorado which compiles statistics about the state's children each year. "Weld County children fare worse than their peers across the Front Range. Weld County is getting worse in measures of child well being and every other county on the Front Range is getting better." "Weld's juvenile arrest rate is getting worse while the rest of the state is getting better," says O'Brien. Data used in the report were based on 1997 information and were compared to the 10 year goals set in the 1980's. Strikingly, in 14 of 21 areas measured,Weld County's numbers have either stayed the same or worsened since 1991. O'Brien states that since these numbers are going in the wrong direction, it is worth exploring what is happening, or not happening,to cause this trend. The Following are among the trends of concern the County: • 58.2 per 1,000 teenagers age 15-19 had babies • Weld County ranks ninth out of the 11 most populated counties • 13.9 per 10,000 teenagers committed suicide • The county's high school graduation rate was 10th worst in the state at 74.1 percent and down from 83.1 percent in 1991 • 28.5 per 10,000 juveniles were arrested for violent crime(up from 21 per 10,000 in 1991 and 16 per 10,000 in 1994) • School attendance has decreased by 5% • 50%of all Hispanic males who enter the 9th grade drop out before graduation -2- Statistics from the 1996 Uniform Crime Report, complied by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,paint a similar picture. This report places Greeley as the fifth worst city in an index of 28 Colorado communities with a population more than 10,000. The report looked at Part 1 crimes, which are defined as violent crimes of murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape,robbery and aggravated assault. Part one property crimes include burglary, larceny- theft,motor vehicle theft and arson. The crime index is divided by a city's population and results in a Victimization Ratio. The lower the victimization ratio,the more dangerous it is to live in a given city. Unfortunately, Greeley has a ratio of 14.2 which ranks four places worse than Denver at 15.0 and is only better than four communities in the entire index. Comparing this data to larger national cities, it is safer to live in New York(19.2), and even Los Angeles (14.9),than it is in Greeley. According to the 2000-2001 OMNI institute report for July-October,2000, Weld County was second only to Denver County in number of juveniles committed to the Department of Youth Corrections. This is based on the Average Daily Population per 10,000 juveniles(ADP rate) and holds true for districts with a juvenile population of more than 20,000. Denver County's ADP rate is 43.8 and Weld County's is 38.2. Even more alarming is the percentage of males that fit a delinquency profile and are pre-adjudicated and in secure detention. In this category measuring serious offenses, Weld County is second again with a percentage of 37.7 trailing only Garfield County, 45.5 percent,which has a much smaller population of Juveniles(7,911 compared to 22,114 for Weld County). According to officers within the Greeley Police Department gang unit,there are currently 510 active gang members in Greeley. This number is based on individuals who are or have been involved with gang crime, and have demonstrated a gang affiliation. (The police department -3- predicts that there are approximately two to three times as many fringe gang members.) This affiliation is a growing problem in Greeley and there is agreement that without continued intervention,the number of gangsters will increase. According to Ms. O'Brien,"Weld's juvenile arrest rate is getting worse while the rest of the state is getting better. I think it makes sense when you see that Weld's graduation rates are going down,too." Employment Services of Weld County believes that this is an accurate statement regarding youth who are at risk of committing acts of violent behavior,becoming involved in gangs,or continuing with gang activity. Employment Services believes that one way to address this problem in the Greeley and Weld County area is to provide youth with positive options for education and employment and training, as well as provide them with other opportunities designed to assist them in achieving positive outcomes in their lives. The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Research Report"Desktop Guide to Good Juvenile Detention Practice", indicates that there are five categories that research has identified as causes and correlates of delinquency. This proposal strongly addresses at least two of those categories by attaching youth to computerized assisted educational programs which provide youth with the educational support to obtain a GED or return to school, obtain and retain employment, and expose them to the world of work through Internships or OJT's with private sector employers. In an effort to develop long term meaningful employment with a livable wage, ladders to success will be put in place which will include career counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and treatment where necessary, anger management and conflict resolution skills,job skills training, work experience placements(when identified as appropriate in the individual service -4- strategy), and follow up services. Employment Services of Weld County has an established network of employers and is capable of increasing this network for targeted jobs for the youth to be served under this proposal. Plan to Enhance/Augment Existing Services Employment Services of Weld County, a Division of the Weld County Department of Human Services has been providing services to area youth since 1974. Since that time,Employment Services has been delivering services under a One Stop concept and has provided many thousands of youth with educational and employment services. As such,there already exists a significant infrastructure on which to build. We are a County Employment Service with full access to job listings as they arrive. Employment Services of Weld County is a respected organization in the community and, operating for 26 years,has established relationships on the local, state, and national levels and serves as a referral for numerous agencies and institutions. For the fourth consecutive year, Employment Services of Weld County has been awarded the Youth Crime Prevention and Intervention Grant. This project provides services to youth between the ages of 14-21 who reside in Greeley or the Weld County area. The targeted youth for this project are adjudicated youth,or youth who have either dropped out of school, been on a waiting list for alternative school, been expelled from school,or graduated from school without appropriate workforce skills. Other target groups include teen parents or young adults between 16-24 who would benefit from the project. Services provided include: ► Alternative learning environments in which youth can work on their GED or diploma ► Improvement of essential skills in reading,writing and math ► Assistance in passing entrance exams for post secondary education ► Obtain necessary workforce development skills -5- • In-depth assessments through the use of interest inventories, aptitude tests, and skill assessments • Entry into the workforce through placement activities, limited internships, or the opportunity to become a member of the Weld County Youth Conservation Corp/AmeriCorps program. To expand the range of existing services and build a stronger and wider infrastructure, Employment Services would continue and strengthen the system of referrals that is presently in place. Employment Services anticipates referrals from probation officers, social services, district courts, the Department of Youth Corrections, and other youth programs that work with high risk and offending youth. Like other districts in Colorado, Greeley has an active community based, state funded, task force (Senate Bill 94)made up of professionals and citizens whose purpose is to provide youth involved in the juvenile justice system with alternatives to detention or to provide services upon their release. The Senate Bill 94 Committee meets on a weekly basis and its members include a police chief, representatives from probation, social services, the District Attorney's office, and a member from Employment Services of Weld County. After meeting with this distinguished group of professionals, there was widespread support for this grant proposal and assurances that the program could expect referrals from the various entities and that there was an absolute need for the services proposed under the provisions of this grant. -6- Plan and Capacity for Developing Models Career preparation services Employment Services of Weld County will serve a total of 160 youth in this project. To provide for individualized employment preparation,job placement, and linkages with the workforce development system,youth recruited or referred to the program from other agencies will spend an initial period of time completing objective assessments and individuals services strategies. This would include assessment with the Test of Adult Basic Education(TABE),the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), Employability Assessment (EA),Employment Interests (EI), or other tests to determine the youth's level of academic functioning as well as interests and aptitudes for employment. Consideration will be given to involve as many of our partners as necessary to insure an adequate assessment is done. This could include a mental health screening as well as a drug and alcohol evaluation as needed. As a prerequisite to more specialized training,youth would be enrolled in a GED or alternative high school diploma program if they have not graduated from high school. Each youth will also be required to work on employment skills training which includes all the traditional areas such as applications,resume writing,job search techniques,and interviewing. In addition to mock interviewing, the use of a video camera to record the interview will be implemented. This is a powerful tool to assist an individual in gaining an understanding of what he/she did right or wrong during the interview process. Staff can tell someone that their body posture was passive or angry,but unless they see for themselves, this information remains theoretical and abstract to a young mind. Much like listening to your own voice on tape,watching oneself on video is illuminating and instructive. -7- Training Individuals for Employment in Fields in Which Technology Skills Are Critical Employment Services believes that with more specialized training,the opportunity for long term and more meaningful employment is increased dramatically. As such, it is the intention of this proposal to continue to provide basic education services through the Employment Services Learning Lab, and then enroll youth in courses of study which will allow them every opportunity to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of self doubt, negative experiences, and crime associated with failure. Examples of our Partners in this endeavor are: Aims Community College- offers certificate, I year, and 2 year programs in a variety of in-demand fields of study including welding, tech support,building trades, computer graphics,and other degrees and certificates that would lead to meaningful employment. MTA Trucking School-provides training in commercial truck driving Front Range Community College -offers certificate, 1 year, and 2 year programs in a variety of in-demand fields of study including welding,tech support,building trades, computer graphics,and other degrees and certificates that would lead to meaningful employment. Other local schools which offer certificates for dental assistants, computer related studies, medical billing and transcription, or other training that is in a demand occupation. Basic Skills and Pre-apprenticeship Training The educational services delivered through Employment Services' Learning Lab as well as the other activities under this proposal are designed to be developmentally and culturally appropriate for the targeted youth. Youth involved in this project will be given a battery of tests designed to provide their case manager with a diagnostic evaluation of their essential -8- skill levels. These pretests win be used to indicate the functioning level of the youth, and the computerized instruction in basic skills or GED preparation will be assigned based upon the youths functioning level. Instruction will be aimed at increasing the youth's skill levels critical to their educational or employment goals. Work skill development, and work site placements will be designed to provide each youth an opportunity to obtain valuable work experience skills for entry into the labor market,develop work maturity competencies, and/or gain specific job training. Work sites will be selected based on the youth's specified employment goals,functioning level, and the potential for the employer to retain the youth after the paid internship is completed. Generally,this introduction to work will last for 250 hours, is part time, and designed to allow the youth a glimpse of"the real world," as well as develop work place skills and a certain degree of confidence. Case Management/Support Services Framework All youth referred for services under this project will be given a needs assessment that will include level of educational functioning,work maturity,barriers to employment, and health concerns including drug and alcohol issues. Recognizing that every person is unique in their talents and experience, each youth will be treated on an individual basis and provided with services designed to lead them to permanent employment. Understanding that many of the youth enrolled in this program may have drug and alcohol issues,drug and alcohol education is planned as part of the overall curriculum. Employment Services is fortunate to have Island Grove Regional Treatment Center as a member of the Youth Council under WIA and as a partner in this project. Island Grove Treatment Center has been providing services to the Greeley area -9- since 1974. Their services include detoxification,residential and outpatient services to adults, adolescents,both male and female. Island Grove serves a twelve county area in Northeastern Colorado and this fiscal year(99-00)provided treatment services to approximately 5,800 people. The Northeastern region of Colorado, which Island Grove serves,was ranked second in its abuse of alcohol per capita in studies conducted by Bruce Mendelson,researcher for the Colorado Department of Human Services,Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division. The project's intent will be to have those youth who are court mandated to receive treatment referred to Island Grove for the required services. Additionally, Island Grove will provide youth enrolled in this project with general education regarding issues of alcohol and substance abuse. This educational component will be a required activity for all youth enrolled in The Community Wide Capacity Building Project. Long-term Follow-up Services All youth successfully completing this program will understand that the program remains available to them on an ongoing basis to help them process issues or any concerns they may have. The project commits to providing ongoing services including information and referral for two years following successful termination from this program. This commitment to employers and the youth served under this project is viewed as another way of reducing recidivism and strengthening the community. Employment Services,along with the partner agencies,will work to provide troubled youth the opportunities for success and belonging that are necessary ingredients in breaking the cycle of despair and hopelessness. -10- Linkages with Human Services and Education After the initial needs assessment which includes identifying the level of educational functioning, barriers to employment, and supportive service needs, youth will be provided the appropriate services. Youth who lack a high school diploma or GED, or function below the level required for their employment goal, will work in the Employment Services' Educational Learning Lab. Here,they will be able to work with state of the art computers that will allow them to work at their own pace, according to their own needs. With the assistance of trained and professional staff, youth will prepare for their GED and be able to explore options for employment based on their interests and aptitudes. When the youth is ready for advanced and specialized training, they will be enrolled in an appropriate course of study which will prepare them for meaningful employment which will provide a livable wage. Transportation Clients who are in need of assistance with transportation will be provided supportive services which may include bus passes or gas vouchers when appropriate. Job Behavior and Life Skills Training Job behavior and life skills training will be taught throughout the course of a young person's involvement in this program. Through the Educational Learning Lab, individual case manager, and partner agencies, there will be constant exposure to learning the skills necessary to survive on the job as well as in life. This will include conflict resolution, anger management, communication, budgeting, nutrition, parenting classes (as needed), and drug and alcohol education. -11- Social Skills and Self-determination Employment Services believes that social skills, as well as self determination, are products of experience and enhanced self esteem,therefore all youth enrolled in this project will be coached and encouraged as they are exposed to opportunities for success and the various jobs they could train for. As the youth successfully work their way through the program,they will be introduced to opportunities and ideas that will not only create growth and understanding,but will also lead to choices that they will be in control of. Working closely with their case manager,and the partner agencies that may also be providing services, each young person will find doors opening as a result of their hard work and positive choices. Conflict Resolution This project will put a major and significant emphasis on the areas of communication and conflict resolution. These are key elements to a successful experience both at work and in life. Certainly this population of young offenders and at-risk youth need to learn these skills if they are to have any chance of maintaining employment. Nearly everyone at some point in time will find themselves in a difficult situation at work. The difference between keeping your job and losing it might be as simple as the things you say,or not say, when put in an unfair corner. Young people often lack the ability to think before they speak and in a moment could be told to go home simply because they were unable to resolve conflict with effective communication. These are the areas that need to be stressed and practiced. While"fight or flight"works well in the animal kingdom, it is a sure prescription for disaster at the work place. Youth must learn that when their actions are questioned, it is not a confrontation and a reason to assume a defensive or hostile -12- posture. Street ethics dictate a macho reaction to every situation that questions ability. Work ethics call for a new understanding, one that allows for the processing of advice in positive ways. Island Grove Treatment Center will also conduct classes on an individual basis to deal with the areas of conflict resolution, communication, and anger management. Employment Services believes that theses are critical areas and every effort will be made to insure that the youth understand that there are alternative and appropriate ways to resolve conflict. This understanding combined with the enhanced self esteem that will be gained from obtaining a GED, starting school,and becoming drug free,will propel the youth towards success and self sufficiency. Parenting Classes Parenting classes will be provided both in the Educational Learning Lab utilizing existing resources and staff,or from Project Care,which is a local United Way sponsored program providing a wide array of parenting classes. The role and responsibilities of the parent will be stressed especially to the male youth in the program who have fathered a child but may not have custody or contact with that child. Coordination with Child Support Enforcement will take place when appropriate. -13- Exposure to Post-secondary Education Opportunities Youth enrolled in the project will be given interest inventories, aptitude assessments, and job readiness assessments which will test for attitudes and aptitudes. In addition, when appropriate,youth will be referred to advisors at local colleges for further testing and guidance. Consideration will also be given to training that will lead to employment which is technical in nature and would provide a higher wage than other less technical jobs might. Work-related Activities,Exposure to Workplace, On-the-job Training,Work Experience, or Job Shadowing As an incentive to employers,we would familiarize them with the benefits of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This allows an employer to claim$2,100 in tax savings for each young person hired who falls into one of the accepted categories including being an ex-felon who is a member of a low income family. In addition,we would like to offer an On-the-Job(OJT)contract where an employer would be reimbursed up to 50%of wages paid for the first six months,with the Employment Services will pay for any additional training that the youth may require. Staff would also be available to help with any conflicts or issues that might arise and be of assistance to both the employer and youth in any way needed. This would include visits to the job site to help resolve problems before they became difficult and unmanageable. This is an important service for the employer who was promised this level of commitment from us at a point the youth, or previous young person,was placed with that company. This intervention will be available for a period of 90 days after the youth is hired as an unsubsidized and permanent employee. Plan to Establish or Continue Gang Suppression Activities -14- The project will work closely with local area police agencies,the Department of Probation, the Department of Youth Corrections, and other local youth programs to offer our services and accept referrals to combat the growing gang problem in Weld County. As the One Stop Center for the region,Employment Services works directly with the Weld County Work Force Development Board under the Workforce Investment Act. The Youth Council established under WIA is comprised of prominent members of the community including managers from Social Services,the County District Attorney, Vocational Rehabilitation, Job Corps, Island Grove Regional Treatment Center, Department of Youth Corrections, and area businesses. This project utilizes the Youth Council as a base and will expand upon this group of distinguished citizens to establish a youth offender and gang prevention advisory board that will participate in the coordination and input necessary to help deliver all required services. Employment Services guarantees that this board will be comprised of citizens that represent public and private sector businesses,parents, youth members, and graduates of other youth offender programs. Planned Level of Investments Utilizing the partnerships developed during The Community Wide Capacity Building Grant and incorporating them into existing and continuing programs at Employment Services of Weld County,we will be able to continue services for an indefinite and prolonged period of time. Based on the need for services to the youth targeted in this grant, our partner agencies have committed to the continued delivery of services,and will explore all possible avenues of funding. The Consortium of partners have committed to this project and insure that all the programs involved will grow by sharing resources,ideas, and delivery of key services. -15- The project presently has commitments and letters of support from The Department of Probation, Department of Youth Corrections,Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, City of Evans Police Department, City of Greeley Police Department,Island Grove Regional Treatment Center, and a Nineteenth Judicial District County Court Judge. Additionally, we have long term relationships with numerous employers, schools, and community based youth programs. Planned/Committed Linkages The distinguished and professional list of partner agencies who have agreed to make referrals and provide services is an assurance that all current programs will be made stronger and more substantial by virtue of being able to prepare youth for meaningful employment while tapping into professional services as needed. Another significant partner in this endeavor will be the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Should any of the youth be appropriate for these services, and be legally classified as disabled(including a diagnosis of depression), the program will provide services through collaboration. These services will be intended for youth transitioning out of the Department of Youth Corrections and who meet the criteria for placement through this project. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is presently under contract with the Department of Corrections to do an assessment for these youth and if deemed eligible for services can assist them with clothing,transportation, and schooling. This partnership will be significant and will ensure that the youth in this project are served to the highest degree possible utilizing as many professionals as necessary to deal with an array of obstacles and issues. Utilizing the partner agencies that have agreed to participate in the delivery of services to the youth the project will serve, there will be a connecting pattern of services that can include mental health counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and treatment, transportation, education, -16- vocational rehabilitation training, financial incentives to employers, and other services as needed. Both the Department of Corrections and the Probation Department are aware of this project application and have agreed to refer appropriate youth. There is an ongoing need to serve high risk, offending, and gang youth in Weld County. The Juvenile Services Coordinating Council, which meets weekly, is made up of managers and supervisors of organizations including Department of Social Services, Probation, Corrections, Island Grove Treatment Center, Local School Districts, Mental Health, and other community based organizations. Their purpose is to staff difficult juvenile cases and decide in what way they can best serve them, and keep the community safer in the process. These efforts are intended as an alternative to sentencing and it is a certainty that referrals would be forthcoming should we receive this grant. Plan to Fulfill Reporting Requirements Employment Services, as the Regional One Stop Center under WIA, has a well developed Management Information System (MIS) which is able to track participants and their activities on a daily basis. This information, along with financial reports tracking expenditures by participant and cost category can be provided to DOL on an as needed basis. Specific goal attainment by participant as well as by project can readily be tracked and evaluated. The Weld County Workforce Development Board and the Board of County Commissioners assure cooperation with evaluators of the project. The grant will be administered for a period of 30 months. The first 24 months will consist of providing a full array of services designed to strengthen and build infrastructures that will directly address the needs of the population served. The final 6 months of this project will be dedicated to organizing all records relating to developed strategies and integrated services. This information will be made available to project evaluators within two months from the termination of the grant. Employment Services will -17- provide DOL with an end of project report and make this information available to other interested parties. Confirmation of Cooperation with DOL Evaluators Employment Services assures that it will cooperate with Department of Labor evaluators regarding this project. -18- Hello