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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2015 CDBG MinutesCDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 1 of 17 CITY OF ORANGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM COMMITTEE MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 6:30 P.M. Weimer Room, Orange City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Mary-Ellen Manning None Mary Ellen Laster Eva Perez Fernando Rico I.CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:55 P.M. II.APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 28, 2015 Committee Member Manning moved, seconded by Committee Member Perez, to approve the January 28, 2015, Minutes as presented. Motion carried, 3-0. Ms. Laster distributed to the Committee Members the revised CDBG Program Committee meeting schedule, noting that the Consolidated Plan and FY 2015-16 Action Plan will be considered on Wednesday, February 25; and she mentioned that the public hearing for the Consolidated Plan has been noticed in the newspaper. She distributed to the Committee a list of the nonprofit agencies that were invited to apply for Orange CDBG funding, highlighting in red those agencies that responded to attend the CDBG training for nonprofit agencies. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 2 of 17 III. FUNDING PRESENTATIONS BY NONPROFIT AGENCIES AGENCY:ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ORANGE PROJECT:Operation School Bell Request funds to purchase school uniforms. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$109,600 Charlotte Vaughn, Grant Administrator, advised that this is the 52nd year for Operation School Bell. She noted that last year, the Professional Women’s Auxiliary merged its chapter with the Assistance League, losing half its membership; stated that the professional auxiliary had its own budget and contributed shoe vouchers and hygiene packs to the Operation School Bell program; advised that this chapter of the Assistance League has decided it will now be absorbing the costs of supplying those items to the Operation School Bell program, noting the prior CDBG funding was never used for these materials; and explained that is one of the reasons why the program cost has risen to $109,600 this year. She explained that the program cost also increased because they found they were underestimating the cost for the pants and sweatshirts for the junior high students; advised that last year’s cost per elementary student was $64, and this year it will be $91; and last year’s cost per junior high student was $85, and this year it will be $135. Deida Conrad, Operation School Bell Chairman, displayed for the Committee Members what is given to the students in the hygiene packs: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, soap, and comb; and advised that the junior high students receive an additional deodorant and body lotion. She noted for Committee Member Manning that the hygiene packs are only given to the students once a year. She mentioned that the screening of the school logos increases the price of the sweatshirts. Ms. Vaughn stated that the clothing given to these students is the identical clothing purchased by other students, pointing out that this helps with the children’s self-confidence. Chairman Rico asked how many students the agency will be dressing for this school year. Ms. Vaughn stated the agency’s goal/request is to clothe 1,100 students. She added that along with the hygiene kits, the elementary students receive a $20 Payless Shoe store voucher, and the junior high students get a $25 Payless Shoe store voucher; and that this agency will be absorbing that additional cost. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 3 of 17 Committee Member Manning asked for further input on the school aides the agency is in contact with for this program. Ms. Conrad explained that the schools now employ part-time community aides who are typically bilingual liaisons working with the principals, teachers, parents; and that it is their job to determine the needs of these children and to provide references to various agencies that can help these students do well in school. She added that these community aides will call the parents if these kids are having problems in school. Ms. Laster asked for further clarification on how the CDBG funds will be spent. Ms. Vaughn explained that the $10,000 in CDBG funds would clothe 109 elementary students and supplement the agency’s operating budget of $99,600, for a total budget of $109,600 to assist 1,100 students for the entire Operation School Bell program. She added that the overall budget is going to cover 975 Orange students and 125 non-Orange students, and that the CDBG funds will be used for Orange residents. Ms. Vaughn mentioned that 44.9 percent of the students in the Orange Unified School District qualify for the free or low-cost lunch program. She explained that the 125 non-Orange students are either homeless or living in a shelter but attending the Orange Unified School District schools. She stated that when these kids receive their new clothes and other items, they leave very happy, proud and excited. AGENCY:BIRTH CHOICE HEALTH CLINICS PROJECT:Improving Access to Quality Sexual & Reproductive Health Care Services Program Request funds for salary of a registered nurse. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$172,000 Mauricio Leone, Director of Business Development and Grants, explained that this is a nonprofit organization that provides free access to sexual and reproductive health care services; and that they are part of a network of six medical clinics in Southern California -- one in L.A. County, the rest in Orange County. He stated that one of these clinics is on Chapman Avenue right next to Lestonnac Clinic. He stated they provide completely free access to medical services such as prenatal care, well-women care, breast and cervical cancer testing, STD testing and treatment, ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, all to low- or CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 4 of 17 no-income individuals from Orange and other cities; and stated that their free services are provided with compassion and in a culturally sensitive manner to all men and women in need of access to medical service regardless of their ability to pay, regardless of their religion, age, and sexual orientation. Mr. Leone stated that in 2014, they provided free services to more than 4,000 individuals through more than 6,000 medical visits; that of those individuals seen, approximately 85 percent were under 200 percent of the poverty level; that approximately 80 percent of the clients were female; that 41 percent of the clients were between the ages of 15 to 25; and that 35 percent were Hispanic, 25 percent were Caucasian, 30 percent were African-American and 9 percent were Asian. Mr. Leone stated that last year in their Orange clinic, the agency provided free services to 477 individuals, 190 being Orange residents. He added that this program helps to treat completely preventable diseases and that they are proposing to continue to provide free access to medical services to all individuals in need. Committee Chairman Rico noted that this agency’s charter states that part of their mission is “being led by God,” inquiring whether this agency proselytizes to its clients as this could conflict with federal funding requirements. Mr. Leone stated they do not proselytize to their clients, that it is only their religious motivation to help people in need and that they are not a faith-based organization nor registered as a faith-based organization. Mr. Leone stated they are always looking for cost-effective means, noting they have a partnership with the Lestonnac Clinic wherein Lestonnac Clinic is providing low-rent space to this agency. Ms. Laster asked why this agency’s application asks for religious affiliations of their clientele seeking services. Mr. Leone explained that they track that information because they apply for grants from various organizations/foundations that may require that information. Ms. Laster asked if this agency currently has a nurse on staff who is providing these services. Mr. Leone stated they currently have on staff a registered nurse and two part-time nurse practitioners. He stated that the nurse practitioners provide the prenatal care and well-women care and that the registered nurse provides the STD testing/identification. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 5 of 17 Ms. Laster asked for clarification, noting that in her prior communications with Mr. Leone and the agency director regarding the Orange clinic, they had indicated the purpose of this nurse was to primarily perform STD testing and that this person is already an existing staff person. Mr. Leone stated that is correct, that in the Orange clinic, they do have a nurse practitioner; and that this funding is specifically for a registered nurse to provide STD testing. Ms. Laster asked if the CDBG funding Mr. Leone is requesting now is for the nurse who is currently on staff at the Orange facility and to perform STD testing. Mr. Leone indicated that is correct. Ms. Laster asked if that person is currently a full-time staff person. Mr. Leone stated yes. Ms. Laster asked why this agency is requesting CDBG funding for this full-time staff person if this position is currently being funded by this agency. Mr. Leone explained that this agency recently expanded their days of service from three days to five days a week and that they need the additional funds to continue to operate five days a week. Ms. Laster asked if the agency is currently funding the five-day operation. Mr. Leone stated yes. Committee Chairman Rico asked when this operation was changed from three to five days a week. Mr. Leone stated it was approximately five months ago. He added that they received $30,000 from St. Joseph Hospital to increase the number of service days; and stated they need this funding to cover the gap in funding for these extra days, noting it costs $70,000 to $80,000 to add two more days a week to this operation. Committee Member Perez asked for further information on the housing assistance they provide. Mr. Leone explained that this agency used to have another organization called Toby’s House that provided free housing to homeless, low-income people; and stated that due to the lack of financing, they closed down that shelter. He added that through the sale of that house, the agency has some funding remaining to assist people with motel vouchers. He clarified that this request for CDBG CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 6 of 17 funding will not go toward that effort, that they are only requesting funding for a registered nurse. Mr. Leone noted for Committee Member Perez that their Fatherhood Mentoring program consists of four volunteers in each clinic who mentor young fathers and fathers-to-be. Committee Member Manning asked if anyone pays for any of these services. Mr. Leone stated that regardless of income, everyone receives these services free of charge. He stated that a sliding scale fee program is required of clinics that receive federal funding, noting they do not receive any federal funding, and reiterated that their services are completely free of charge to everyone regardless of their income. Mr. Leone advised that currently, the MBA student program at Concordia University is performing a cost benefit analysis to determine how much it would benefit their agency to charge for insurance from those who have insurance, such as recipients of Obama Care, Medi-Cal and Covered California; and he added that because 85 percent of their clientele qualifies for Medi-Cal or Covered California, they would be interested in seeking that funding so their clinics can become self- sustainable. Ms. Laster noted that agencies should charge fees for their services for those clients who can afford to pay for services; and noted her concern with an agency expanding its program if it cannot afford to do so. AGENCY:DAYLE McINTOSH CENTER PROJECT:Transition Services for Youth with Disabilities Request funds for operational costs. Amount Requested:$3,300 Total Project Cost:$65,414 Paula Margeson, Executive Director, advised that this agency has been in existence for 37 years, serving all of Orange County and targeting people with various disabilities; and explained that their entire mission is to help disabled people become as self-sufficient as possible. She explained that they desperately need to start a youth outreach program because the youth with disabilities population are not leaving the public school system ready to transition into young adult life, lacking the skills and the self- confidence needed to move forward. She advised that approximately 60 percent of the disabled youth population drops out of school before they graduate. She explained that a lot of times these disabled CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 7 of 17 youth are the only ones in their family with a disability and that they lack an appropriate peer support system; that these kids are now mainstreamed into regular schools and that they do not easily integrate and connect with others; and she added that one-half of one percent of this population will never leave the Social Security benefits program if they start collecting before they turn 18, pointing out it is a learned dependency that negatively affects their quality of life. She stated they would rather stick to those meager stipends than to risk going out into the community and becoming employed and for that reason they need to start molding the mindset of this population while they are young that they are capable. She added that 70 percent of this population are unemployed, a statistic that has not changed for decades even though legislation has been passed to help. Ms. Margeson pointed out that what makes the Dayle McIntosh Center unique is that most everyone who works at this agency has a disability; and noted it is very important for disabled youth to be around successful adults who have disabilities. Ms. Margeson stated that with this program, they will make the connections through the schools with one-on-one counseling with the youth and their families to determine their potential, to provide each disabled youth with a transition plan that makes sense for their disability, one that youth can continue to work with throughout life; and pointed out that the Dayle McIntosh Center is available to all disabled clients from cradle to grave. She pointed out that the agency helps anyone with any disability, whether it is mental, emotional, developmental, or physical; and added that they do not charge a fee for their services. She added that they will also identify group homes where they can go in and present their curriculum and form a relationship with the disabled youth living in those group homes. Ms. Margeson explained that this agency will perform the following with this program: provide an intense week-long independent living training academy this summer wherein each client will participate every day; provide monthly peer support groups in four- to five-hour sessions on Saturdays when the youth are out of school; provide one-on-one mobility training where they teach the disabled youth to use the bus system; provide on-site shopping education with a mock shopping list, training the youth how to select items, compare prices, and read nutritional value labels; and provide training on how to utilize the One-Stop Center by teaching them how to fill out an application, apply for a job. Ms. Margeson noted that they already have a mobility training component in place with their independent living skills program for the adults but that they would like to expand this program for the disabled young adult population. She stated they are trying to put this youth program in place and seeking financial assistance from various cities; stated they will target the disabled youth in Orange CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 8 of 17 County and the Orange Unified School District; and stated it will cost $416 per disabled youth, giving each disabled youth at least 40 hours of direct service. Ms. Margeson added that this agency already has various ancillary services/staff in place they can merge into this youth program, such as staff trained to deal with employment issues and counseling. She added that she knows this program will be a huge success because she developed a similar program in Dallas that is busily working with young adults with various disabilities. Ms. Laster asked for further input on the $40,000 Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) grant. Ms. Margeson stated that is the mobility training grant they have in place and have been working with for a few years and plan to continue; and she added they are currently doing a recruitment specifically for a mobility trainer for the youth, and that position would eventually be bridged over to be the youth coordinator. She added that a lot of people on staff are going to fill in as far as the training curriculum. She noted that the agency also receives funds from the Department of Labor for its Soft Skills program, wherein they teach disabled youth social and communication skills; and she explained that children with disabilities need to be taught team work skills because they often cannot play on recreational teams and do the other things that able-bodied kids get to do on a daily basis. She stated they deliberately have to teach these skills so these kids are employable and have a chance to live independently. Committee Chairman Rico noted his concern that this funding may not be enough to cover all this agency is seeking to accomplish. Ms. Margeson explained that this agency’s existing infrastructure will feed into this program where needed. She added that in the first year, this program will serve 60 disabled youth from Orange County, eight of those disabled youth will be Orange residents. She advised that the Orange County Transit Authority funding is already in place; and that they will specifically target each individual in developing a curriculum around their transportation needs and provide independent living skills training, noting this program will be designed to be all inclusive. She stated they have to be very creative in how they approach the trainings because of limited funding. Ms. Margeson stated that once this program is underway and proven successful in this County, they will attempt a collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation which will pay a fee for service to continue this youth program. She advised that that is very likely to happen because a new law just passed called the Work Force Improvement Opportunity Act wherein the Department of Rehabilitation is mandated to use 15 percent of its funds for youth, noting the Department of Rehabilitation is desperately seeking programs to fund. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 9 of 17 Committee Chairman Rico asked if this CDBG funding is seed money for this disabled youth program. Ms. Margeson stated yes. Committee Member Perez asked if this agency already has the clients for this program. Ms. Margeson stated that while they do serve the disabled population of all ages, they have not yet targeted young adults for this program; and she stated there will be no problem finding young adults for this program. She commented on other things they would like to do with these youth, such as visiting Disneyland and the beach, noting these kids rarely get the opportunity to participate in fun outings. She added that this agency will assist these young adults with performing volunteer community service, noting that sometimes those efforts can help with job experience; and she commented on the difficulty with these disabled youth obtaining employment. Ms. Laster asked if salaries and benefits are part of the operational costs. Ms. Margeson stated not the salaries. She noted that the CDBG funding would primarily be used for program fees, supplies, transportation to and from, and refreshments. She stated that they teach cooking classes and that the clients cook their lunch every day. She advised that approximately 99 percent of their clients are low-income or in the poverty range, and that they rarely get a chance to experience theme parks or other fun things. She stated it would be nice to give them some enjoyment on top of all their education. Ms. Margeson stated that in some cultures, the disabled are looked upon as not being able to work and/or live independently and not part of the mainstream of society, that they are seen by their relatives as having to be cared for their entire life. She advised that a lot of the disabled population is homeless and living in desperate situations, noting that they receive $900 a month and cannot typically find rent low enough. She added that this agency is now in Anaheim and has a new office in Laguna Hills, so they are now getting into the southern end of the County. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 10 of 17 AGENCY:FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION PROJECT:Fair Housing Program Request funds for direct program expenses, including staffing costs and office expenses. Amount Requested:$24,522 Total Project Cost:$26,974 Barbara Shull, Executive Director, distributed to the Committee members program materials; and stated she has been with this organization for 25 years. She advised that Fair Housing Foundation complies with the HUD/CDBG requirements to address fair housing; and that this is their second year providing a fair housing program in Orange. She explained that as an organization, they try to evolve/grow not only the program but the services they offer and announced the following three new things this agency has done: hired a full-time ASL certified bilingual Vietnamese outreach and housing assistant for the deaf and hard of hearing population, now having on staff four bilingual Spanish interpreters and one bilingual Vietnamese interpreter; opened a second office in Santa Ana in December, now having an Orange County full-time office with two full-time individuals, Martha Torres, who is their fair housing Spanish bilingual specialist, and Stephanie Lu, who is their bilingual Vietnamese outreach and housing assistant. She stated that office is doing well and is located across the street from the Santa Ana City Hall facility; and partnered in 2014 with the Housing Opportunities Collaborative of Orange and San Diego Counties, part of that collaborative offering the first in the nation virtual counseling network not only for fair housing issues but also for other nonprofit organizations or social service agencies. Ms. Shull explained that clients can come to their offices or be assisted through the virtual counseling network; and that they will be able to utilize that program with a webcam on their personal computer with agency staff or will be able to receive one-on-one counseling, some even not having to leave their homes. She added they will also be able to fill out and submit various forms, such as those for the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and homeless-related organizations; and advised that this is a HUD-funded pilot program. Ms. Shull stated that to date, the agency is currently at 53 percent of reaching its direct client services goal in Orange for 2014/2015; that they have assisted 160 households with 120 of their issues being resolved without the need to refer; and that of the general housing clients they have assisted, the majority involved habitability issues, notices and security deposit refunds, and assisting clients answering their unlawful detainer filings. She added that the management CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 11 of 17 trainings will be advertised using card stock instead of flyers and added that those will be mailed. Ms. Shull stated they have assisted nine households with allegations of housing discriminations, noting that they found no evidence to substantiate five of those allegations; and that they opened two cases, which were investigated and successfully conciliated. She advised that in Orange, they conducted a Certificate Management Training on November 17, 2014, which had five attendees. She mentioned that they have walk-in clinics in Orange; that they conducted clinics in October, December, and January; that they conducted one Landlord Workshop in December and a Tenant Workshop in September; and stated that they continue to fulfill their contractual obligations. Committee Chairman Rico asked for further input on the virtual counseling network. Ms. Shull stated that the collaborative is funded through HUD because HUD is trying to do a more regional approach instead of funding small, individual groups; pointed out that a collaborating agency has to have a housing component; explained that it is more of a clearinghouse, where a client would call into the clearinghouse using an 800 number that is advertised by HUD; and that the clearinghouse would send that client to the appropriate agency through the virtual counseling network. She stated that a client would be able to receive help with rent, medical assistance, fair housing, homelessness issues, disability issues and that the goal is to get partners from all of the groups necessary and to eventually end up as one hub. She explained that the collaborative does not perform direct client services; that they are just the organization that joins the nonprofit agencies together to become partners; and that a client will literally beep through on the computer that will be staffed by a live operator to assist them and connect them with the appropriate agency. She stated there are two of the agency’s staff people are logged into two computers at all times and can immediately respond to the collaborative beeps. She noted that eventually, there will be collaboratives in every state and possibly county. Ms. Shull stated that HUD advertises this 800 number and the pilot program; that the Fair Housing Foundation is the only agency that receives fair housing referrals, noting that currently, they are the only fair housing organization in this collaborative; advised that there are 40 partners; and that as the program grows, they will be able to receive calls from anywhere in the nation. She stated that they are only receiving calls from the cities they currently service. Ms. Laster noted her concern with different tenant/landlord laws from state to state. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 12 of 17 Ms. Shull advised that for now, this program is only in Orange County and San Diego Counties; that the collaborative is attempting to expand into Los Angeles and Riverside Counties; that they could conceivably receive a call from outside the state, noting they will do their best to refer any such call using a separate log; stated they will be reporting all the calls coming in for fair housing; and based on that data, HUD will start funding more per client for each organization and reimburse for expenses through the collaborative for those agencies that are not part of this collaborative. She noted the importance of referring clients to agencies that are responsive and are at their computers/phones and can immediately answer a call for assistance. Ms. Laster asked how the Fair Housing Foundation was selected for this pilot program. Ms. Shull stated that the HUD office in Santa Ana referred the agency to the collaborative. AGENCY:FRIENDLY CENTER, INC. PROJECT:Emergency Food & Basic Needs Assistance & Supplemental Food Program Request funds for salary costs. Amount Requested:$10,000 Total Project Cost:$118,500 Cynthia Drury, Program Director, highlighted a family that recently came to this agency for assistance as a result of both parents losing their jobs; stated that they met with program advocates, received food, learned about other programs available to them, and received utility assistance so they could become more stable as they searched for jobs; and advised that they were adopted through the Adopt a Family program at Christmas, receiving clothes and more food for the holidays. She explained that this agency was able to wrap this family with other services; and stated that this agency helps families in crisis, moving them forward by providing them with basic needs. She added that this family was able to come almost daily for the Supplemental Food Program. Ms. Drury stated they have a pilot program wherein advocates meet with families to do assessments of their needs, developing a family development matrix; stated that this evidence-based assessment will be reassessed to track that family’s progress through the program. She stated that this agency offers counseling, academic tutoring, and a recreation program; that the clients come to them through the school districts, walk-ins, and word of mouth. She added that this CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 13 of 17 agency has been doing this work in Orange for the past 90 years, now with two locations. Committee Chairman Rico asked why the salary budget has dropped $90,000 from 2014 to 2015. Ms. Drury stated that some of their salary budget is reimbursable; advised that the agency did lose some United Way funding, losing their family support and educational funding; and stated Cathy Seelig, the agency’s Executive Director, handles the budget and would be able to address this question and follow up with Ms. Laster. AGENCY:HELPING OUR MENTALLY ILL EXPERIENCE SUCCESS, INCORORATED PROJECT:Riley House Rehabilitation Request funds to paint the interior house and common areas and refinish flooring with carpet in the bedrooms and laminate in the common areas. Amount Requested:$12,235 Total Project Cost:$12,235 Helen Cameron, Manager for Residents with Special Needs, stated this agency assists clients who have mental illness; that the agency now has six houses, three apartment communities; and advised that they built the first house of its type in Midway City for homeless clients with a mental health diagnosis. She advised that they expanded into Anaheim by building 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments for the chronically homeless population with a mental health diagnosis; and that they now have 20 units in Irvine that are part of a 134-unit community, making them the largest provider of this kind of housing in Orange County. Ms. Cameron stated that there are currently six residents at the Riley House, four men and two women; that they each pay affordable rent based on their SSI income, which is typically $850 a month; and that out of that $850 a month, they pay their rent, take care of their shopping, cooking, and budgeting. She advised that they hold regular meetings in the house to discuss how each tenant is doing with their medication compliance, how they’re getting along with their roommates, and their performance of household chores. She stated that each tenant is expected to be involved in 20 hours a week of outside activities, noting there is one female tenant who works fulltime. She advised that the majority of these residents are involved in volunteering locally. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 14 of 17 Ms. Cameron stated that while the Swidler house is 50 years old, it does not look its age, thanking Orange for its prior support. She stated that following the performance of a property needs assessment, they are proposing to replace the carpeting and other flooring and paint the interior; and stated that they try to meet or exceed the community standards for their properties. Ms. Cameron mentioned that a couple of the residents love to garden and help to beautify the property. Committee Member Perez asked if there are any openings in these facilities. Ms. Cameron stated they all have long waiting lists, noting the turnover rate is very low. She noted for Ms. Laster that they received Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds, for the 20 units in the 134-unit community in Irvine and that all of the units are affordable. She noted they are embarking on a homeless families community in Anaheim, a mix of family units; that they will be providing vouchers for families that have children in the high school district and are considered homeless; and that they will then have 15 more mental health units in that same community. Ms. Laster asked if the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) provided vouchers for the MHSA units in Irvine. Ms. Cameron stated they received 10 vouchers for the Doria II community; that for the first phase, they used one-time funds through MHSA; and she stated that the community in Anaheim will likely be the last funded through that mechanism. Ms. Cameron advised that just last week, the agency was awarded a bonus round of funding to identify the most vulnerable homeless population and provide housing for 100 people countywide; and advised that they formed a collaborative that will be led by Mercy House, and include Orangewood, Friendship Shelter in Laguna, Colette’s Children’s Home, Share Ourselves, and Jamboree/HOMES, which will be doing the housing component. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 15 of 17 AGENCY:MARIPOSA WOMEN AND FAMILY CENTER PROJECT:Community Counseling Program Request funds for direct program expenses and staffing costs, including WTLC staffing costs. Amount Requested:$15,000 Total Project Cost:$461,341 Dr. Krista Driver, CEO, stated this agency is a nonprofit counseling center providing low-cost counseling services to mostly women but also to men and adolescents for substance abuse, sexual assault counseling, domestic violence, and bereavement. She noted that the Cal Works program is fully funded by the County; that the other substance abuse program is partially funded by the County; and noted that this application is for their Community Counseling Program. She stated that this year they would like to offer free intakes for Orange residents with this CDBG money. Dr. Driver advised that this agency is collaborating with WTLC; that WTLC is on their Orange campus providing the PEP classes, which is court-ordered domestic violence counseling. She advised that they also have a staff person on their campus one day a week to do drop-in assessments for those women; and that they would like to also offer Orange residents that program free of charge as long as the funding lasts. Dr. Driver advised that this agency serves approximately 3,000 clients a year at its Orange campus; stated they also have a campus in San Juan Capistrano; advised that they have 33 collaborative partners; and mentioned that they have recently collaborated with an 11-year-old girl who is responsible for developing Anika’s Pink Closet, which will benefit domestic violence victims. She explained that part of this collaborative will provide prevention classes for young girls that will range from bullying, domestic violence, and substance abuse prevention. Ms. Laster noted the application states that the CDBG funds will be used for direct program expenses, such as program materials, supplies, and program’s counselors, clinical supervisor, and WTLC staffing costs, and asked for clarification of how the CDBG funds would be used, as Dr. Driver’s presentation indicates the funds will be used for intakes. Dr. Driver stated that they are proposing to do the intakes free of charge for Orange residents. Dr. Driver stated the current fee is $30 for an intake; that the PEP classes performed by WTLC are $10 each class; and that the intake fee is where the WTLC scholarship comes into play. She stated they will provide the intake for Orange residents free of charge and that the funds will also cover staffing costs for WTLC activities onsite. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 16 of 17 Ms. Laster stated that WTLC is not applying for CDBG funding this year from the City, and asked if Mariposa Women and Family Center is proposing to fund WTLC staff through this request. Dr. Driver stated they are collaborating in this effort. Lindsey Crook, Programs Administrator, advised that they put together a domestic violence collaborative five months ago in Orange County with WTLC, Human Options, Laura’s House, UCI, and Orange County Family Justice Center; advised that the agencies are all working together to do a campaign on ending violence against women in Orange County; and stated they are planning an event in February 2016. Ms. Laster asked for clarification of the application, which shows that CDBG funds will be used to fund direct program expenses, such as program materials, supplies and program’s counselors and clinical supervisor, including WTLC staffing cost, and inquired how the intake will be free if the CDBG funds are being used for these other expenses. Dr. Driver stated these funds will be used for the PEP class intakes and those services. Committee Chairman Rico asked if the intake is just a small component of that request for funding. Dr. Driver explained that Mariposa is a fee-for service program; that their intake fee is $30; that the lowest fee they can charge is $15 per client; and that it typically costs $120 per session, and to offset that cost with a typical client paying $15, the money is needed for that offset. She stated that in order to offer it for $15, they have to come up with other funding. She explained that they are proposing to offer the initial intake at no cost while they do the assessment to determine what their fee will eventually be for their services. She added there will be no cost for the PEP classes; advised that the domestic abuse shelters are the only facilities that can run the PEP program, a court-ordered domestic violence class. She stated it is difficult for Orange residents to get to the Fullerton, Irvine or South County facilities for those PEP classes, noting that is why they have brought the PEP classes onto Mariposa’s Orange campus. Ms. Laster asked what the fees will be after the initial intake fee. Dr. Driver stated it would depend on a client’s income, noting most people are usually assessed to pay $15 for individual therapy or $10 for group therapy. She advised that they also provide free childcare to all their clients. She stated that a client, depending on a sliding scale, can pay anywhere from $15 to $65 following their free intake; and she reiterated that the majority of their clients pay $15. CDBG Minutes February 11, 2015 Page 17 of 17 Committee Chairman Rico asked if there is zero contribution, whether it would be approximately $70 per Orange resident. Dr. Driver indicated that is correct. Committee Member Perez asked what would happen if a client cannot afford to pay any money. Dr. Driver stated if that client suffers from substance abuse, they would be able to help them at no charge because they have funding through the Cal Works County program; and that if they have no money and do not suffer from substance abuse, they would provide them a referral for free services elsewhere. She added that they have various free programs people can join and that the agency will provide referrals when they cannot help an individual. Ms. Laster and the Committee discussed potential issues with collaborative efforts including the adequate/proper tracking of the use of CDBG funds. The Committee also discussed the history of poor/inaccurate recordkeeping and reporting from Mariposa and WTLC, noting that while both agencies provide services to the community, their paperwork and quarterly reporting need improvement. Committee Member Perez commented that the therapists are likely not trained to perform operational management activities, pointing out these two agencies have not submitted adequate documentation to meet HUD’s guidelines for CDBG funding. Ms. Laster confirmed for Committee Chairman Rico that she would provide a report card to the Committee to reflect the performance and reporting practices of the CDBG-funded nonprofit agencies. Committee Chairman Rico directed Ms. Laster to contact the representative from Dayle McIntosh to whittle down how their funds will be used. VI. PUBLIC COMMENT None. VII. ADJOURNMENT At 9:27 P.M. the meeting was formally adjourned.