pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2012-03-22.pdf, 4
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SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2012-03-22 | 4 | Marc Morales - Teen Program Director for Alameda Boys and Girls Club thanked the City and Board for their continued support. As they approach the Club's one-year anniversary, they have grown their membership to over 400 youth 6 to 18. He estimated that 70% are low-income, and more than 70% are receiving a scholarship and receive all services at no cost. CDBG funding will help them provide Health & Wellness and Culinary Arts programs. They collaborate with AUSD, ARPD, AEF, APC, the College of Alameda, and others. Their membership is split about 60% male / 40% female, and are 70%-80% minority. Their health services include dental, vision and other health screenings, visits from the "Breath Mobile", and rides to dental appointments at the college. President Wasko and others members agreed that the B&G club does "great work". Kathleen Seabolt - West Alameda Community Programs Director Alternatives In Action (AIA) thanked City staff and the Board for the CDBG funded partnership they've had with AIA these past years, and added as an Alamedan she appreciated the Board's focus on safety-net services. AIA has been operating as a leader in youth programming and she hoped this group could help find some funding outside of CDBG to help keep their programs going. She hoped AIA could participate in an "open door for funding opportunities as they came along". She highlighted AIA programs that prepare youth for college and employment, and allow them to participate in events such as Project Youth View, Funk the Violence, and their Neighborhood Block Party. President Wasko thanked her for coming, adding "we genuinely support you for speaking to youth where they are" She shared that the team tried and will continue to try to help identify other funding sources for AIA. Tina Fleeton - Bananas thanked the Board for their many years of support and said that she appreciated and understood the need for safety-net services. The recommended cut in funding however will be very difficult for them, and she hopes we will consider them if and when other funding might be available. This cut will force many families to remain on their waiting list and not receive vouchers. Bananas transferred 5 families from our vouchers to a long-term program this year and will continue to try to transfer others currently in the program. She explained that the program provides a monthly $250 payment per child for 12 months. This helps families seek or retain employment or education opportunities. President Wasko thanked Ms. Fleeton for her passion and for the services provided by Bananas, adding that the Board would be happy to provide letters of support for other grants. Jamie Almanza - Executive Director, Bay Area Community Services (Four Bridges) said that she has just joined the organization and they recently lost their Meals On Wheels grant in Oakland. She wished that there could be a formula that kept agencies from losing 100% of their grant, as she understood how devastating that can be. She went on to say that Four Bridges, a 2-day-a-week drop in program, is the only mental health services program in Alameda for persons 18 and older. Without their services, many of their clients would be on the streets talking to themselves, or institutionalized. All are severely impoverished, 70% reside in Alameda, 50% are of color, and 70% are older adults. Many live in board- and care facilities. The program provides training money manage and other life-skills, and counseling related to substance abuse. It includes a reduced-cost lunch. President Wasko welcomed Ms. Almanza to Alameda and thanked her for coming to represent BACS. She added that we rarely see a BACS representative at our meetings, and hopes that she will come back. Discussion: Member Biggs voiced appreciation for all those who came out to speak, adding that last night he attended a meeting hosted by Supervisor Chan that detailed the large cuts coming to childcare programs. | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2012-03-22.pdf |