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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08101993 - 1.34 1 -34 TO: BOARD OF SVPERVISORS Contra ` l FROM: y Costa JOAN V. SPARKS'., DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT DATE: JULY 16, 19 9 3 County SUBJECT: APPROVE SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSAL TO CC COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING TO PROVIDE FOR ORGANIZING "CONTRA-COSTA WORKS" . SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENOATION(S)8 BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION I. RECOMMENDED ACTION APPROVE submission of a proposal for funding to Contra Costa County Community` Development Department for Community Development Block Grant Fur'ids to contract an individual to organize in the East County for implementation of the "Contra Costa Works" program The estimated amount to be requested is $35, 000 for a person to organize `in the Pittsburg/West Pittsburg area of the County for the implementation of the "Contra Costa Works" program initially approved by the Board of Supervisors on March 17, 1992 . AUTHORIZE the Director, Community Services Department, or her designee, to sign application documents and contracts on behalf of the County. II. FINANCIAL'. IMPACT This request is for an application for a competitive process. The amount to; be awarded is not known .nor guaranteed. If and when an amount is awarded for this competitive project an appropriation adjustment will be forwarded to the County for processing. The funds will be matched through a grant from United Way and through volunteer hours by the Volunteers Center of Contra Costa. III. CONSEOUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION A decision not to approve this application could result in loss of a much nbeded individual to organize and implement the "Contra Costa Works" program. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: ZYES SIGNATURE RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURES: ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS Z I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS 18 A TRUE ANIMOU8(ABSENT ~r + AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. Contact: Joan Sparks 646-5544 AUG 1 O 1993 CC: CAO ATTESTED CSD PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR M382 (10/88) BY ,DEPUTY IV. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDED ACTION This proposed action is a collaborative effort between the Office of Supervisor Tom Torlakson, Richard Martinez , Prefecto Villarreal, Joan Sparks, and the County Administrators office. This could provide funding for a Community Organizer to organize and coordinate action for: 1) Countywide Inventory of County Resources. Identify all county resources currently being mobilized to provide jobs search and jobs training programs throughout Contra Costa County. Provide coordination of existing state, county, and local programs for more effective use. Work with county and other jurisdictions to analyze and pursue "local hiring" . 2) Student Job Fair. Organize a student Job Fair where local stu- dents will have the opportunity to meet with leading employers and local businesses in Contra Costa County. In these events potential employers will explain what high school graduates can expect in each company, the types of positions that are currently being filled and the skills required. These efforts could be coordinated through the local chamber of commerce and major business associa- tions like the Contra Costa Council. The Developer may also organize or conduct seminars to provide information on filling out job applications, how to do job search, and interview skills. 3) Other involvement. Potential other involvement could include: a) Work Training Partnership . .b) Strengthening the Family c) Volunteer Outreach and Mentorship Programs The proposed position would supply the key for a much needed organization of real work opportunities and a positive incentive for doing well in school. A job on the horizon, a career to reach out for provides great motivation and hope. For most of the youth in juvenile hall, for most of the homeless adults on our streets or in shelters, there is little positive future on the horizon. For these individuals, there is no real employment opportunity for a combination and variety of reasons--= because of a lack of jobs, because of the lack of training and because of the lack of development of a work ethic. This latter phenomenon- a deficiency of purpose and a missing Isense of responsibility often coupled with despair-- we find most prevalent in communities that have a large number of dysfunctional families. These families are chronically unemployed and are frequently two or three generations into the welfare cycle. Reform of the welfare system is critically needed in a way that fosters a work ethic and a sense of responsibility to family and community. The best way to do this is directly through employment and through training for available jobs. `i,