pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2011-12-01.pdf, 3
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SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2011-12-01 | 3 | Hank Leeper, ED - Alameda Food Bank: Mr. Leeper explained that he is the new Ed of the Food Bank, has been on the job for seven months, and volunteered at the Food Bank before applying for the position. The AFB is expecting a 7 to10% increase in their client base this year, unlike the 24% increase a few year's back, but their families served is at an all-time high. They noticed a bump in July, as those who lost their Unemployment Benefits came in for assistance. They continue to see new families every day. He noted that this was his first Public Needs Hearing and expressed appreciation as to how the funds benefited so many programs, and what a great value the programs brought to the community. He also thanked the City and the Board for their continued support of the Food Bank. George Phillps, ED - Alameda Boys and Girls Club George echoed Mr. Leeper's comments, adding "When I hear the stories from other agencies, it's hard to ask for more money." He said that, with the opening of the new Club, the West End Teen Center numbers have grown quickly. Membership is now at 600, with 125 to 140 youth participating daily. Over the years, he has seen his CDBG funding drop from around $35,000 to $15,000, and he may be losing a $40,000 grant from the Alameda Housing Authority. His clientele has changed, and they' re no longer just from Public Housing. He's just added 25 youth who now pay $50 a year B&G Club membership as opposed to the much higher cost of ARPD's RAP program. He's hoping to find ways to encourage more parents to devote time to the club. A Blight Busters grant will allow the club to create a community Garden in a space that formerly had outdated portables. The Club also hosts Girls Inc's Teen "Zine, and AFS and Island High programs. President Wasko thanked the Agency Directors and Students Representatives who made their presentations. The board was especially impressed by the stories of the AIA student presenters: Becca, Edgar, and Dee Board Discussion: A discussion regarding the greater utilization of corporate and community volunteers included a suggestion to have an Executive from a corporation, such as Abbott, speak at a Council meeting explaining their employees volunteering in the community, how they see the importance of our service providers, and the need for other sources of funding for these programs. Ways to seek financial support from our business community, especially Alameda's larger corporations, should be explored. Suggestions were made to encourage the Council to explore other funding sources to help meet the increased need and replace the shrinking CDBG funds, and other traditional funding sources. A request was made to have CDBG staff make a presentation regarding ways that safety net services might benefit from CDBG funding beyond the 15% Public Services dollars. The Board should have a working group meeting to discuss options. The CDBG funding process should allow us to see how many people are being served by a Grant ($10,000 for example), so we can make a direct correlation to numbers served per dollars spent. We can then say, "If another $XXX is given to this program, XXX more people can be served. | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2011-12-01.pdf |