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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01182005 - C57 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISOR := °�` SContra FROM: JOHN SWEETEN, County Administrator .,- ...: Costa o. I�i��. i DATE: JANUARY 18, 2005 COUI`Z' ,,. County 1,`; SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT ENTRIES TO THE NACo ACTS OF CARING AWARDS PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION: AUTHORIZE the Chair, Board of Supervisors, to sign applications for submission to the National Association of Counties for the 2005 Acts of Caring Awards Program. FISCAL IMPACT: None. An application fee is not required. BACKGROUND: The National Association of Counties (NACo) is sponsoring the NACo Acts of Caring Awards Program for 2005 and Contra Costa County wishes to participate in the program. The County will nominate the following programs for award consideration: • Contra Costa County Family Economic Security Partnership (Health Services Department) • Angel Tree Program (Employment and Human Services Department) • Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (Employment and Human Services Department) • Volunteers in Probation (Probation Department) In submitting these applications, the County agrees to the Program requirements and responsibilities as set forth by NACo for entering into the awards program. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: ❑YES ❑NO SIGNATURE: ------_------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------p- _-----_--22iaL __-------- -------- ✓RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMEND ON OF TEE _Le!::�APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOAM IM11,11 S ~ APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED------------------ -- ------------- --- OT ER-------------------- VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN UNANIMOUS(ABSENT } AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE AYES: NOES: SHOWN. ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTESTED: JANUARY 18,2005 CONTACT: JULIE ENEA (925)335-1077 JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CC: COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROBATION DEPARTMENT BY ,DEPUTY 1 1 Acts of Caring Program Application Form All applications must include the following information (use additional sheets as necessary). Separate applications must be submitted for each eligible program.There is no limit to the number of entries per eligible applicant. 1.Signature of Chief Elected County Official (board chair/county executive): Name of Chief Elect County Official: Gayle B. U i l kema County: Contra Costa Title: Chair of the Board Phone: (925) 335-1046 Street Address: 651 Pine Street, 11th Floor City,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 2.Program Title: Contra Costa County Family Economic .1;e»ri tTPartnprshin Crpsp) 3.Program Type(choose one): OCommunity Improvement ]Health/Social Services OCriminal justice/Emergency Management OLibraries OElderly Services OPrograms for Children&Youth 4.County Population: 995 2000 -_ S.Population Category(choose one): One(500,000 and above) Two(100,000-500,000) Three(100,000 and below) 6.Contact Information: Name: Mary Foran, FESP Chair Title: Associate Di rPr _or Contra Costa County Health Srvc Street Address: 20 Allen Street_--___ City,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 370-5010 Fax: (925) 370-5098 E-mail:mf oran@hsd.co.contra-cos to.ca.us 7.Please address the following questions: ■ What is the nature of the program? Include a brief history with program inception date.Describe how the program works and whom it benefits. ■ What are the basic statistics of the program? Number of volunteers per year•Number of paid staff working on the program a Program budget• Dollar value of volunteer time•Other measurable outcomes(please describe) ■ What role do county leaders play in enhancing or facilitating the volunteer program? ■ How has the program had a significant,positive impact on your community? Include specific claims and evidence of effectiveness.How would you characterize its legacy for the future of your community? ■ What makes the program innovative and unique? Why should the program be recognized as an"Act of Caring"? ■ Should the program be considered for the"Youth Service Award"? ■ How can other communities replicate the project? What obstacles might others encounter in replication? Applications must be received at the following address on or before Friday January 21,2005. NACo • Acts of Caring Awards*440 First St., NW 9 Washington, DC 20001 f 3 t l h' i National Association of Counties 2005 Acts of Caring Awards Family Economic Security Partnership it•...!`i+:'v;`'ti'.7,'."fir. y:,••y. !i Program Title: Family Economic Security Partnership Year the Program was implemented: 2003 Program Contact: Mary Foran Title: Associate Director Agency: Health Services Department County: Contra Costa County, California Address: 20 Allen Street, Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 370-5010 E-Mail: mforan@hsd.co.contra-costa.ca..us FAX: (925) 370-5098 i F t 4 II I 1 4 1 1 i 1 I i I • Acts of Caring i F Contra Costa County t Family Economic Security Partnership ( The Family Economic Security Partnership (FESP) is a public, private and non-profit collabo- ration designed to increase the income and build the assets of low-income families and individ- uals in Contra Costa County. In response to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports that coun- ty residents grossly under-claimed available tax credits, the Partnership was launched in September 2003 and was created as a way to locally respond to a national movement to assist people who are working but still unable to make ends meet. The Partnership is initially work- ing to meet its goals by offering assistance in two forms: 1) Provide free tax preparation services with an emphasis on increasing the claiming of the Earned Income Tax Credit (FITC) and other federal and state tax credits created to increase the incomes of low income workers; and 2) Engage low income families and individuals in a gradual process of building financial assets for the future. Coordination and Collaboration: The members of the Partnership include the founding sponsors—the United Way of the Bay Area, the IRS, Contra Costa County Employment&Human Services, Contra Costa County Health Services and First 5 Contra Costa—and public agencies and community organizations such as AARP flax Aide, the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa, Greater Richmond VITA Initiative, opportunities for Technology Information Careers, Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond, several churches, Catholic Charities of the East Bay, City of Richmond/RichmondWORKS, Lao Family Community Development and others. In addition to crucial funding from the United way, the East Bay Community Foundation and the San Francisco Foundation, the Partnership organizations contributed the staff and in kind resources needed to roll out the Partnership's initial campaign. Contra Costa County human service departments (Employment &Human Services, Health Services and First 5) provided core leadership and staff to ensure the project moved forward by coordinating volunteer recruitment, arranging for volunteer training and providing support and guidance to the vari- ous taxp reparation sites. Additionally, county employees formed the core of active volunteers, comprising over 45% of the certified tax-preparers. Objectives: In September 2003, the Partnership launched a countywide campaign called, Earn It! Keep Itt. Save It! Contra Costa to provide low-income individuals and families with free tax preparation assistance. The campaign was designed to achieve the following specific objectives: • Recruit and train 100 volunteers to provide free tax preparation services. • Support the operation of 12 Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) sites across the county. • Provide 500 people with financial education tips. • Prepare 735 returns, resulting in approximately $1 million in tax refunds. Implicit in these objectives were the expectations that the campaign would save low-income families and individuals the cost of paid tax preparation and would reduce their use of refund anticipation loans. Results: By the close of the 2004 tax season the following results were achieved: * Over 150 volunteers worked in the VITA sites * 13 VITA sites were operational * 1,296 returns were prepared, providing families with $1,347,552 in federal refunds, including$585,805 from the Earned Income Credit. Additionally, the following asset development strategies were used depending on site logistics and client flow: Money Trap video; scripts and talking points on tips for financial success for volunteer taxpreparers to use when talking with tax filers; asset building newsletter and visual materials available at the sites; and a bank coupon good for $5 check cashing fee at a local bank or free check cashing if the client opened an account. Resources Invested: Approximately $32,000 in grant funding was expended during the 2004 campaign. Additionally, the sponsors and participating agencies contributed an estimated $119,000 via the in-kind value of staff time and other direct costs. Approximately 25 county staff contributed time in kind to doing administrative duties, such as meeting facilitation and volunteer coordination and management. These figures only include the investment made by local government agen- cies and the United Way. They do not include the value of the time contributed by volunteers, the staffs of IRS, FDIC, and the community organizations and churches that participated. In the Bay Area, Contra Costa County is unique in its collaborative approach to meeting the needs of low-income families through the Family Economic Security Partnership. By com- ing together in this fashion we are able to take advantage of county leadership and in-kind resources while adding the financial support and grassroots connection to the community that is provided by partner organizations. First-year experiences taught many valuable lessons, such as the need to start early with planning and the solicitation of volunteers. Many of the lessons learned are being incorpo- rated into the planning and execution of what we hope will be an even more successful sec- ond year venture. Additionally, the Partnership is exploring how best to create the capacity to sponsor financial education and asset building activities throughout the year. We think other county jurisdictions across the country can engage in this type of collabora- tion, especially when a compelling project, filled with positive potential, presents itself. It is not always easy to remain inclusive and to stay connected with all the partners, however, hav- ing all the partners working on a compelling project helps overcome the difficulties. The VITA program and the strong support it receives from the IRS, has a long history with many successes. In Contra Costa County we think we have found a way to enhance this suc- cessful program through the efforts of our Family Economic Security Partnership, enabling us to help more families and individuals than would otherwise have been possible. While the Partnership's VITA project was clearly a community effort, it is important to recog- nize the critical contribution made by county staff to that effort. For example: Of the 117 volunteer tax preparers last year, 50 work for Contra Costa County; one of the four volunteer Tax Law Instructors works for the county; and of course there are the numerous county staff that provided "behind the scenes" support, ensuring that the project ran smoothly. It is the goal of County government and the people that work for it, to make local govern- ment effective in providing services to the community. 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If $33,692 ($34,692 if married). P p Tax Credit which provides up you qualify, the FITC will reduce • . . to $1,000 for each dependent You were raising one child and your taxes and could give you earned less than $29,666 ($30,666 child under age 17. back up to $4,204. if married). The locations of the FREE VITA • You had no children in your Even if you don't owe income tax, tax preparation sites are listed on home in 2003, earned less than you can get the FITC. $11)230 ($121230 if married andthe back. Call (800} 358-8832 ) ..", were between 25 and 64 years old, for more information. • • I I ee 1 1 1 A project of the Family Economic Security Partnership GET FREE TAX HELP. GET MONEY BACK. From January 31st until April 15th,Volunteer Income Status Maximum Possible Tax Assistance (VITA)Centers across Contra Costa Earnings Cash Back County will be providing free tax assistance and language Single $11,230 $382 interpreters to help you file your taxes. No children When you go to a free tax assistance site,bring the Married $12,230 $382 following things with you: No children • Social Security card or photocopy of it for each family Unmarried $29,666 $2l547 Child member(or ITIN number for the working adult) Married $309666 $2,547 • W-2 forms for all jobs 1 child Unmarried $33,692 $47204 • All 1099 forms and other income forms 2+children • Child Carerovider information Married $349692 $4,204 p 2+ children For general information or translation services call (800) 358-8832. Or visit the website: www.eamitkeepitsaveit.org The VITA Centers are listed below. Brentwood One Stop First Baptist Church Freedom Christian 929 2nd Street 224 Linda Vista Street Fellowship Ministries Brentwood, CA 94513 Pittsburg,CA 94565 3750 San Pablo Dam Road Hours: 9 am to 1 pm Hours: 10 am to 2 pm El Sobrante,CA 94803 Saturdays: 2/14, 2/287 3/137 Saturdays: 2/14, 2/287 3/13 Hours: Saturdays: 8 am to 11 am 3/27 &4/10 3/277 4/3 &4/10 Mondays: 4 pm to 7 pm Feb. 7 to April 10 St.AnthonyA Concord One Stop Catholic Church 1875 Willow Pass Road Mt.Zion Missionary 971 OHara Avenue Concord,CA 94520 Baptist Church Oakley,CA 94561 Hours: Saturdays:9 am to 6 pm 235 Fifth Street Hours: Call (510)637-2482 Feb. 1 to April 14 Richmond CA 94801 Hours:Saturdays: 10 am to 4 pm OPTIC Housing Authority Jan.31 to April 10 3102 Delta Fair Boulevard 1805 Arnold Drive Call: (510) 236-1054 Antioch,CA 94509 Martinez,CA 94553 Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Hours: Thursdays: 6 pm to 9 pm Community Heritage Saturdays: 1/31, 2/7,3/27 From Feb. 5 to April 8 Saturdays: 9 am to 1 Senior Housing m 4/3 &4/10 y p 1555 Third Street 2/713/67 4/3 &4/10 North Richmond,CA 94801 Bay Point works Hours: Saturdays: 10 am to 4 pm 3105 Willow Pass Road San Pablo One Stop� an. 17 to April 10 2300 El Portal Drive Suite B J p Bay Point,CA 94565 (Except Feb. 28 and Mar. 27: Hours: Make appointment: San Pablo,CA 94806 12 to 4 pm) Call (510} 412-0580 (925) 427-8391 Hours: 6 pm to 9 pm Open:Feb. 2 to April 14 Tuesdays,Wednesdays&Thursdays: Catholic Charities/ Drop-in"Super Saturday" Feb. 1 to April 14 21 am to 2 m English Action Center 2 ,9 p I Richmond%rks 2369 Barrett Avenue 330 25th Street Richmond,CA 94804 Richmond,CA 94804 Hours: Call (510) 234-5110 Hours: 10 am to 2 pm Saturdays:Feb. 6 to April 10 ' J' , 1 u ... la.. .. _ {_ 44 '.W.M Jam' [ �. r M��.`•1�y ,. \.r �'. { � _rr. � r -iY.` '.r j �'�t J :'*r ,N.. - M1 +i r .. ,fir r' '.+• r , y. �+'. ,r ..i ,,.' r' ',,,.','a +i1•.' .+ 1✓' 'a' rJ •r aT r.:r�� .::+'� .i f a �'Y.'f:s' �-~ $ 'i; sr r `/ ,.rr r _A•r. ,r f rr.. ,1 n'I L'••d n 1 k_ ...• rye - � -R: ., t •.s w ,Y .'K t - n. -!a •I r '" )'*•r::i� i � "'i:,y ,,,Y �1;, !. y r. •r -.>• �' ''"rr >!. _ .R '��. {ti �•x kyr .4 k.. { / i Ii 'r�}C J! M .i�• F' 'at s. t1'+.t;i r 1. C A' Y � _ _Y, r, ! _.I* � !.. tk^Y#' : .it:. .tr:,. �`' �y�J"•4,IM.Il- +" k I i.f f 'rYr } ...7 •i*'r k• Y T '}.rP�}wfT/4v�� J �. Y I.. .r i. � f ! 1 J i - �'*� �4 x��•st r r+* � 3r � �: r z r {., r .rk.-:� � -. � Wim'{`a''a#� +Lv.f,Y�+#yyy.:-. . "~ e I.,..:� •,, ..ld '- f '" Y :,..• � !I,'-��"�.+++a1P,�`+�[y:`'"*kk'"'i�.,i"tw.y+r4: r:�;*r....:..'...- .:..ti.` r { !', ,a/* �?":+ z {� r.�• � Y. .'tI q. .,r:..13.�St'�hy,,��-"�''1�`r �•r. r 'f r i i tr b�Sx, _ �',,r}�.���,&.,* iti -� F y s � t•C S rr i t -11 r ',,�i ri> .. k ! ,w rt}f, .t'e� f ! t �ci,�•� u _ - 4 t�fty�. 1 aV. t `i 1"'� +' -r, t "K- '/#r•^c.fs:<"„ -t '"r .Y t /..`, t r ,/}?�.'�''t �'•`S.fY x*}*� ++Gg1�M� - r. !- F Yi�in YYMtY �����'t5��� y k�h, y,' �4rC r•.! L : a .. � 1 sae �# r �'' y! s a*.W. 'y.. L �' id 1 .r +•! j, .�•k i,Sl+f y�wfy�.* t a k 1,y. ��'k�:r �,:'++t- +.r' a r ,, . #.<; •s"'K•�1M'ak r''Olt, Mk "Mi+ p'sf<.i�'4"�u ...� {L,r^n�t t "1 r,, •-a r r•' 1' I)ti.T'S r�*ryYf rSS 'i ll*M1�1 17RN e t*, „]'p't4*}rr/ ;..x�;�t��-,�'.4��?p.i+. ?+r*Y•� '�f .�t � t a r roti f 7:4'97h'S{'rT Yr ax:a4',,* 'z i , .IY" wr t`�••3} _ ,,, Ati�I,k�c �',�",L�-.tom}{(,;,,,,ry y s•� •: �,y -w � - - I: i a"•`iT''J i i 'v;�.,}to'�:•%rylxN•. -.- ., �ta'"{'>,�.Ir �j .ks.� kt• i �$,)}'+kiq�?{ rF 1fi���{!<'s. {,3r'4�+�5"'4 -•.:' �Lc..r'lS�:`,_'ra r.,.<.x. ... .. ... .. ,I..: f �ar �ed InconeYou nAaY liy Claim- the C hild Tax Credit for the EITC if: Tax Credit, too! (ou can claim the Earned Income • You were raising two or more If you have children, you may • (EITC). children and earned less than also qualify for the federal Child Tax Credit It is a tax �. fY $33,692 {$34,692 if married}. Tax Credit which provides u Benefit for people who work. If p p rou uali the EITC will reduce to $1,000 for each dependent � �'� • You were raising one child and your taxes and could give you earned less than $29,666 {$30,666child under age 1?. g y )ack up to $4,204. if married). The locations of the FREE VITA • You had no children in your tax preparation sites are listed on :ven if you don't owe income tax, p ' Y home �n 2003, earned less than you can get the EITC. $11,230 ($12,230 if marred) and the back. Call (800) 358-883 2 were between 25 and 64Y ears old. for more information. arn 1 ee E. on a os 1: t A project of the Family Economic Security Partnership t k GET FREE TAX HELP. GET MONEY BACK. From January 31st until April 15th,Volunteer Income Status Maximum Possible Tax Assistance (VITA)Centers across Contra Costa Earnings Cash Back County will be providing free tax assistance and language interpreters to help you file your taxes. Single $11,230 $382 No children When you go to a free tax assistance site,bring the Married $125230 $382 following things with you: No children • Social Security card or photocopy of it for each family Unmarried $2906 $29547 Child member(or ITIN number for the working adult) Married $30,666 $2,547 • W-2 forms for all jobs 1 child • All 1099 forms and other income forms Unmarried $33,692 $4,2042+children • Child Care provider information Married $34,692 .$4,204 2+ children For general information or translation services call (800) 358-8832. Or visit the website: www.eamitkeepitsaveit.org The VITA Centers are listed below. Brentwood One Stop FirstBaptist Church Freedom Christian 929 2nd Street 224 Linda Vista Street Fellowship Ministries Brentwood,CA 94513 Pittsburg,CA 94565 3750 San Pablo Dam Road Hours: 9 am to 1 pm Hours: 10 am to 2 pm El Sobrante,CA 94803 Saturdays: 2/14, 2/28,3/13, Saturdays: 2/14, 2/28,3/13 Hours: Saturdays: 8 am to 11 am 3/27 &4/10 3/27, 4/3 &4/10 Mondays: 4P m to 7 m P Feb. 7 to April 10 St.AnthonyA Concord One Stop Catholic Church 1875 Willow Pass Road Mt.Zion Missionary 971 OHara v Concord CA 945 20 7 Avenue � Baptist Church Oakley,CA 94561 Hours: Saturdays: 9 am to 6 pm 235 Fifth Street Hours: Call(510) 637-2482 Feb. 1 to April 14 Richmond CA 94 801 OPTIC Housing Authority Hours:Saturdays: 10 am to 4 pm P ril 10 3102 Delta Fair Boulevard 1805 Arnoldan.31 to April Drive Call: (510) 236-1054 Antioch,CA 94509 Martinez,CA 94553 Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm Hours: Thursdays: 6 pm to 9 pm Community Heritage From Feb.5 to April 8 Saturdays: 1/31, 2/7,3/27 P Senior Housing 4/3 &4/10 Saturdays: 9 am to 1 pm 2/7,3/6,4/3 &4/10 1555 Third Street Bay Point works North Richmond,CA 94801 San Pablo One Stop 3105 Willow Pass Road p Hours. Saturdays. 10 am to 4 pmJan. 17 to April 10 2300 El Portal Drive,Suite B P Bay Point,CA 94565 t Feb. 28 and Mar. 27: Hours: Make appointment: San Pablo,CA 94806 (Except 925 427-8391 Hours: 6 m to 9 m 12 to 4 pm) Call (510) 412-0580 ( ) P P Open: Feb. 2 to April 14 Tuesdays,Wednesdays&Thursdays: Feb. 1 to April 14 Catholic Charities/ Drop-in"Super Saturday" p 2/21, 9 am to 2 pm English Action Center RichmondMbrks 2369 Barrett Avenue 330 25th Street Richmond,CA 94804 Richmond,CA 94804 Hours: Call (510) 234-5110 Hours: 10 am to 2 pm Saturdays:Feb. 6 to April 10 i' a.i . • ' t.,.:r: - .. - •r. . ., ! ' . -> :r ..:. - 14 } -"'""•der s'"r'U='•�y,� .J" y,. s ,Y .. - . .• '�`-.: -F: r x.''fi T'sad•,.., _* ! Y .f . j ,,a'. ':..7+Y.Mk :";P_-.•._i -F'.W,.r?•.eq'. f i' r ;' F �i ? ;, " ry,ILi yr 1i a r-tW¢,� �,7)4. rn-,q c .r w r'r 1 f a...•L i.11,�y,t�-•.f ry0:. 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Si callfic '692 Si cas 6�2 dos, ramble reducira t as, ado), callf�car n puedeS Para recibir 'odr1an re us impueStos I r� . resart �' mpues edj to d e hasty EsruvieSe tos PorH e 4,20 , s criand11os- an ° un hljohasty $1 que proveunque no t3 aste $29,666 y ,00►o por c e debar iin (��3Q,666Sidee • ada hiJ0 x )cedes pueStos, si casado p ndiente Me recibir EI ). nor de 1 T�• � leo to 7 anos. vias hi jos en Las ub 2003 to casae icacione fi° �`anaste men n el � S para la re ($12,230 °S de$11RAT�I P paracio!230 TA de n 1 si gado r indi tIIT�,. es ' 25 ,� } Y tell., cadas al tan 11 ,,. y 64 anos d entre (800) 358 reverso. L1 f e ectad. arae al-8832 ! ju Cl 0 1zn formac., para mayor Ion. I f 11 i • 100 I Olu jj{{FFk Y� Lln Pr°YectI S a I * I Is � de Fam1 jY E c°nomic SeCur1 � ty Partnersh� P , } ; l RECIBA AYUDA GRATUITA EN LLENAR SU DECLARACION DE IMPUESTOS. RECIBA DINERO DE VUELTA. A partir del 31 de enero hasta el 15 de abril,VITA,siglas en ingles para Estado 'Ganancia Devolucion Posible Centro de Voluntarios que Ayudan a llenar la Declaracibn de Impuestos, Maxima de Dinero en Efectivo alrededor del Condado de Contra Costa,proveeran asistencia gratuita e int6rpretes,para ayudarle a presentar su declaracion de impuestos. Soltero $11,230 $382 Sin hijos Cuando vaya a recibir ayuda en su declaracion de impuestos, Casado $12,230 $382 lleve consigo los siguientes documentos: Sin hijos • Su tarjeta del Seguro Social o fotocopia del mismo para cada No Casado $29,666 $29547 miembro de la familia(o numero de Identificacibn de la Renta Interna, 1 hijo correspondiente al empleado adulto) Casado $30,666 $2,547 • Formas W-2 de todos los empleos 1 hijo • Todas las formas 1099 y otros formularios de declaracion de impuestos No Casado $33,692 $4,204 2+hijos • Informacion sobre el proveedor de cuidado de ninos Casado $34,692 $49204 2+hijos Para informacion general o servicios de traduccion llame al (800) 358-8832 i O visite el sitio web: www.eamitkeepitsaveit.org Los Centros de VITA estan indicados a continuacion. Brentwood One Stop First Baptist Church Freedom Christian ! 929 2nd Street 224 Linda Vista Street Fellowship Ministries Brentwood,CA 94513 Pittsburg,CA 94565 3750 San Pablo Dam Road Horan: De 9 am a 1 pm Horas: De 10 am a 2 pm EI Sobrante,CA 94803 3/27 y 4/10 3/27, 4/3 y 4110 Sdbados: 2/14,2/289 3/13, Sdbados: 2/14, 2/28,3/13 Horas: Saturdays: 8 am a 11 am Lunes: De 4 pm a 7 pm St.Anthony's Concord One Stop Feb. 7 hasty April 10 Catholic Church 1875 Willow Pass Road Mt. Zion Missionary 971 OHara Avenue Concord,CA 94520 Baptist Church Oakley,CA 94561 Horas: Sdbados:De 9 am a 6 pm 235 Fifth Street Horas: Llame(510)637-2482 Feb. 1 a April 14 Richmond,CA 94801 OPTIC Housing Authority Horas: Sdbados:De 10 am a 4 pm t Jan. 31 hasty April 10 3102 Delta Fair Boulevard 1805 Arnold Drive Llame: (510)236-1054 Antioch,CA 94509 Martinez,CA 94553 Horas: De 9 am a 4:30 pm Horas: Jueves: 6 pm a 9 pm Community e Herita Desde Feb.5 hasty April g Sdbados: 1/31,217, 3/27 p Senior Housing 413 4/10 Sdbados: De 9 am a 1 pm y 1555 Third Street 2/7,3/6,4/3 y 4/10 North Richmond,CA 94801 Bay Point Works m 4 10 Dam a d Sabaos: e 3105 Willow Pass Road San Pablo One Stop Horas: p Bay Point,CA 94565 2300 El Portal Drive,Suite B Enero 17 a April 10(Excepto Feb. 28 y Mar. 27: Horas: Haga una Cita: San Pablo, CA 94806 25 427- Horas: De 6 m a 9 m 12 a 4 pm)Llame {510)412-0580 (9 ) 8391 P P Abierto:Feb.2 hasta April 14 Martes,Miercoles y Jueves: . . � i �� � �� Feb. 1 hasty April 14 Catholic Charities/ S Cita Super Sabado P 2/21,De 9 am a 2 pm English Action Center Richmondw • orks 2369 Barrett Avenue - 330 25th Street Richmond,CA 94804 Richmond,CA 94804 Horas: Llame(510)234-5110 C Horas:De 10 am a 2 pm Sdbados:Feb. 6 hasta April 10 Acts of Caring Progra� Appl ication Forte All applications must include the following information (use additional sheets as necessary). Separate applications must be submitted for each eligible program. There is no limit to the number of entries per eligible applicant. I.Signature of Chief Elected County Official(board chair/county executive): Name of Chief Elect County Official.- -Gayle B. Uilkema County. Contra Costa Title: Chair of the Board Phone: .- - (925) 335-1046 Street Address: 651 Pine Street, 11th Floor City,,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 2.Program Title.- Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) 3.Program Type(choose one): Mommunity Improvement OHealth/Social Services OCriminal Justice/Emergency Management OLibraries IDElderly Services OPrograms for Children&Youth 4.County Population: 9483816 S.Population Category(choose one): C?ne(500,000 and above) Two(100,000-500*000) Three(100,000 and below) 6.Contact Information: Name: IRMnis Lyon Title: HICAP Manager Street Address: 2530 Arnold Drive, Suite 300 City,State,Zip.- Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: -(510) 374-7433 Fax: (925) 335-8717 E-mail: Ilyon@ehsd.cccounty.US 7.Please address the following questions: • What is the nature of the program?Include a brief history with program inception date.Describe how the program works and whom it benefits. • What are the basic statistics of the program? Number of volunteers per yeare Number of paid staff working on the program 9 Program budget e Dollar value of volunteer time 9 Other measurable outcomes(please describe) • What role do county leaders play in enhancing or facilitating the volunteer program? • How has the program had a significant positive impact on your community.?Include specific claims and evidence of effectiveness.How would you characterize its legacy for the future of your community? • What makes the program innovative and unique? Why should the program be recognized as an"Act of Caring • Should the program be considered for the"Youth Service Award"? • How can other communities replicate the project? What obstacles might others encounter in replication? Applications must be received at the following address on or before Friday January 21,,2005. NACo*Acts of Caring Awards *440 First St.,, NW*Washington, DC 20001 NACo 2005 Acts of Caring Awards Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) Employment & Human Services Department Contra Costa County, California 4 ME,,, January 2005 NACo 2005 Acts of Caring Awards Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) Employment & Human Services Department Contra Costa County, California What is the "The day that Igor an appoin&nent to talk to you nature was one of the best days ofmylife. Ifeltas though Ihad of the program? hits brick wall..." "Out of desperation we calledyour agency for help....There are no words that can express our feeling ofreliefand appreciation for all the work that HICAP did for vs." The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) of Contra Costa County received these words of appreciation from clients for successfully appealing an HMO's denial of payment of$49,000 for a hospital stay,for geeing a company to reinstate health insurance for a retired employee with Alzheimer's,and for getting Medicare to pay for two denied ambulance bills. Since its inception in 1983,HICAP Volunteer Counselors have been dedicated to seeing that seniors and the disabled receive access to health care. HICAP volunteers provide free individual consultation to Medicare beneficiaries. The volunteer health insurance counselors help seniors with the following concerns: ■ Understanding Medicare ■ Choosing insurance to supplement Medicare ■ Appealing denials of health care and payment for care ■ Deciding whether to purchase long-term care insurance ■ Preventing insurance fraud and abuse The program benefits seniors and younger,disabled Medicare beneficiaries who are denied care or are confused by complex regulations and changing policies. HICAP clients are given information to make wise choices in obtaining medical care and prescription drugs. Counselors meet with clients in 20 locations throughout the county and travel to the homes of clients who are disabled. Translation services are available without charge. What are the In the past year,twenty-six HICAP Counselors basic statistics provided individual assistance to 2,454 people. In of the program addition HICAP offered sixty-six educational presentations attended by a total of 2,218 county residents. Counselors documented financial savings totaling$231,961 for clients due to HICAP's efforts in recovering payment for medical claims and in the cancellation of duplicative insurance policies. HICAP counselors provided 2,622 hours of volunteer service. At a value of$20 per hour,this professional level of service is worth$54,440. Two full-time staff and one half-time staff'are paid by the county to provide the training, supervision and recognition of the volunteers, to handle complex, difficult cases, and to manage program administration. HICAP staff reviews every case and meets with the volunteers monthly. The total budget for the HICAPprogram for the past fiscal year was $184,037. Additional in-kind support came from counseling site locations that provided room use and scheduled counseling appointments. i � What role do The county administration supports the HICAP � county leaders play in volunteers by providing direction and encouragement enhancing � or facilitating The county sponsors several recognition events each year � the volunteer to honor the volunteers with special awards. HICAP has received the program? "Contra Costa County Government � Volunteer Program of the Year" award and was honored at a special reception by the Chair of the � Board of Supervisors. County leaders provide opportunities for HICAP to work with other county organizations � to address changes in the health care system to benefit seniors as well as for HICAP staff and � volunteers to receive training to update their knowledge. For example, HICAP worked with the � County Advisory Council on Aging to address the overcharging of Medi-Cal beneficiaries for the � cost of prescription drugs. Recently,the County Training Unit assisted HICAP staff in presenting � a seminar on"The New Medicare Law." Seventy-four providers of aging services attended the I training. How has the HICAP is responsible for seniors receiving � program had a � significant, °. physical therapy that was threatened with termination, ' positive impact for seniors being able to remain in a hospital when faced on your � community.t with premature release,for seniors getting access to free � prescription drugs that they couldn't otherwise afford, and for seniors getting their HMO to pay for � emergency out-of-area care that had been denied. These are a few examples of the impact of the volunteers. When a Medicare HMO decided in the fall of 2001 to terminate services to ten thousand seniors in Contra.Costa County, HICAP responded with a major educational campaign to notify residents of their rights and choices for continued health care. During the three-month crisis, HICAP received 3,445 related calls for assistance. HICAP gave presentations to 3,500 people, which is one-third of those affected. HICAP counselors also prevent insurance fraud. In Contra Costa County, counselors found seven clients who were victims of financial abuse totaling more than $40,000 by one insurance agent The agent sold duplicate and nonexistent policies and overcharged for premiums. What makes the i HICAP is innovative and unique because t uses program innovative and the collective skills and creativity of the volunteers and unique?? Wh q y h ulc� the t. staff to respond to the needs presented by the so ro ram by P g ty. For example, one volunteer found that the special rights recognized as an communi "Act of Caring?" of the Medicareo ulation with end-stage-renal-disease are complex. P P � P She researched the options for this special population and prepared a consumer handout on her findings. Another volunteer developed a comparison chart of the premiums charged by companies offering Medicare Supplemental Insurance in Contra Costa County. She found vast differences in the prices charged by companies for the same products and wanted consumers to have this information. The volunteers are tireless in getting Medicare beneficiaries the health care they deserve and to which they are entitled. Many spend hours negotiating with HMO service representatives and case managers and the staff of medical offices to obtain needed care. The counselors also write many letters for clients to appeal denials of payment for such things as wheelchairs or ambulance trips. a Contra Costa HICAP attributes the longevity of the commitments made by its volunteers to its use of counselors in all aspects of service. In addition to the traditional counseling role,the volunteers are utilized as community educators, as mentors for new counselors, as trainers at the monthly training updates, as reviewers of client cases, as research assistants, as representatives at community organizations,and as specialists in various areas of health insurance regulations. Volunteers are expected to function as professionals. Our Congresswoman, Ellen Tauscher,wrote to the volunteers, "I know that you have seen firsthand the difficulties that one can encounter when faced with illness. HICAP has been a fabulous resource for so many people struggling to make sense of their health care options. I M r has had a significant impact on the lives of man know that HICAP grafi p y seniors and their families. It is with great confidence that my office has referred many constituents to the HICAP Program for s assistance." is How can other Contra Costa HICAP is happy to provide communities information to other communities. HICAP staff has replicate the project? What -F presented the model it developed for the utilization of I obstacles might t others encounter volunteer skins at state conferences. Staff recently I' in replication? described the workshops it developed for facilitating access to r Medicare's $600 prescription drug credit at the California Association t r; { of Area Agencies on Aging Conference. Contra Costa HICAP has a unique,interactive tracing ro for new counselors,which has been replicated with success. program p I f `1 t I. I i, i' i i I 1 i i I f v 1 Acts of Caring Program Application Form All applications must include the following information (use additional sheets as necessary). Separate applications must be submitted for each eligible program.There is no limit to the number of entries per eligible applicant. 1.Signature of Chief Elected County Official(board chair/county executive): Name of Chief Elect County Official: Gayle B. U i l kema County: Contra Costa Tide: Chair of the Board Phone: (925) 335-1046 Street Address: 651 Pine Street, 11th Floor City,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 2.Program Title: Angel Tree Program 3.Program Type(choose one): OCommunity Improvement OHealth/Social Services OCriminal justice/Emergency Management OLibraries OElderly Services MPrograms for Children&Youth 4.County Population: 995,000 (1/1/2003) S.Population Category(choose one): One(500,000 and above) Two(1009000-5009000) Three(100,000 and below) 6.Contact Information: Name: Kenneth Snyder Title: ni S t-ri r t Mans QPr Street Address: 30 Muir Road City,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: (925) 335-2193 l=ax: (925) 335-2199 E-mail: ksn der@ehsd.cccount .us 7.Please address the following questions: ■ What is the nature of the program,Include a brief history with program inception date.Describe how the program works and whom it benefits. ■ What are the basic statistics of the program? Number of volunteers per year• Number of paid staff working on the program 9 Program budget* Dollar value of volunteer time*Other measurable outcomes(please describe) ■ What role do county leaders play in enhancing or facilitating the volunteer program ■ How has the program had a significant,positive impact on your community?Include specific claims and evidence of effectiveness.How would you characterize its legacy for the future of your community? ■ What makes the program innovative and unique? Why should the program be recognized as an"'Act of Caring".) ■ Should the program be considered for the"Youth Service Award"? ■ How can other communities replicate the project? What obstacles might others encounter in replication? Applications must be received at the following address on or before Friday January 21,2005. NACo • Acts of Caring Awards •440 First St., NW•Washington, DC 20001 NACo Acts of Caring 2005 Angel Program I Employment & Human Services Department Contra Costa County, California eM1y ti. 'R s� January 2005 NACo Acts of Caring 2005 Angel 'T'ree Program Employment & Human Services Department Contra Costa County, California Program Overview: The:;: The Angel Tree Program has been serving needy children In Contra.Costa County every year since 1997. The program is designed to provide gifts to at risk.,disadvantaged, and impoverished children during the December holiday period.These children are served by the county's Employment& Human Services Department's (EHSD) Children and Family Services Bureau. (CFS) The children are predominately in out-of-home placement. (Foster Care) The program is county wide. Angel Tree is managed by'"volunteers and Emergency Services Team.in Action" (VESTIA) VESTIA is a non-profit 501c3 corporation established in 1986 that operates in partnership With EHSD. The program utilizes EHSD and VESTIA employees, plus business and individual volunteer and donor partners from the community. Some of our Angel Tree volunteer/donor community partners are Blackhawk Realty,West County Curves, Grace Episcopal Church,Alain Pinel Realty, and The Williams Company. Program Logistics: .'w 1. VESTIA sends"Angel Tree" tags to EHSD's children's Social Workers.The social workers receive one tag for each child they have within their caseload. 2. The Social Workers then ask each child to list gift Wishes.After the tags are filled in they are returned to VESTIA. 3. VESTIA distributes the completed tags to our volunteer/donor partners. 4. The volunteer/donors shop for and wrap the,guts, and deliver them to a central distribution center.The gifts are donated to VESTIA, 5. Tagged With the appropriate Angel'tree name,the gifts are sent to the appropriate Social Worker in each CFS district office,Who deliver the gifts. • ti s tic s for Angel l �— Value of Volunteer hours and gifts Sta Tree 2004: * 2,020 Volunteer Hours,valued at$40,780 �_ * Donated Angel Tree Gifts: $127,170 Number of Volunteers: 979 * Number of Paid Staff.- 16 Number of donated gifts: 2,826 Number of children served: 2,826 Community Impact: .:.r.:: Without this program, 2,826 children would have received little or nothing over the December Holidays. Receiving these gifts,besides being a j = joyful experience,lets these kids know that they are valued. This is a life-enhancing experience that helps the children build trust and self-esteem.The legacy for the future of the community is that this trust and self-esteem in turn improves the probability that these children will develop into productive, self-sufficient citizens. Additionally,the program.provides a conduit to focus the desire, energy, and resources of local citizens and businesses to make a positive difference in their community Angel Tree: VESTIA is in a public-private relationship with An innovative �:n.. EHSD. Staff time,office space. and equipment and unique �' is donated to us by Contra Costa County "Act of sarin ��,;M` EHSD. Consequently,nearly all the money } .. donated to VESTIA goes to meet the needs of our clients. • Given that VESTIA is a 501c3 non-profit,we have the advantage of offering to our donors the benefit of making a tax-deductible contribution that can still directly benefit Contra Costa County EHSD clients. • VESTIA's afff iation with Contra Costa.EHSD means that our donors,whether individual, corporate, or with a foundation,have complete confidence that we are in deed serving truly disadvantaged clients. Replication of the : . , s"`` This program can be replicated in any community. ''' Many citizens,businesses, and community groups Angel Tree in other communities: aspire to aid their less fortunate neighbors.This impulse is especially strong during the December holiday period.An"Angel Tree"type program would focus the energy and resources of local citizens,businesses,and community groups by offering volunteer work and a conduit for donations. 113DActs of a rin Program Application Form All applications must include the following information (use additional sheets as necessary). Separate applications must be submitted for each eligible program. There is no limit to the number of entries per eligible applicant. 1.Signature of Chief Elected County Official (board chair/county executive): Name of Chief Elect County Official: Ga Y le B. Uilkema ) County: Contra Costa Title: Chair of the Board Phone: (925 335-1046 Street Address, 651 Pine Street,, 11th Floor City,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 2.Program Title: VrAi3riteers in Probati-cm Contra Costa Cg=tv. Probation 3.Program Type (choose one): OCommunity Improvement OHealth'/Social Services IfCriminal justice/Emergency Management [Libraries 0Elderly Services [Programs for Children &Youth e 4.County Population: A pDroximate,ly 1 million. S.Population Category (choose one): One (500,000 and above) Two (100,000-500,000) Three (100,000 and below) 6.Contact Information: Peggy Rochelle Volunteer Coordinator Name: Title: 50 Douglas Drive, Suite 201 StreetAddress: City,State,Zip: Martinez, CA 94553 Phone: - 925-313-4187 Fax: 925-313-4178 E-mail: Peggy chelle@Pr0bcccount,.v,us 7.Please address the following questions: • What is the nature of the program?Include a brief history with program inception date.Describe how the program works and whom it benefits. • What are the basic statistics of the program.? Number of volunteers per year* Number of paid staff working on the program a Program budget a Dollar value of volunteer time 11 Other measurable outcomes (please describe) • What role do county leaders play in enhancing or facilitating the volunteer program? • How has the program had a significant,positive impact on your community? Include specific claims and evidence of effectiveness.How would you characterize its legacy for the future of your community? • What makes the program innovative and unique? Why should the program be recognized as an"Act of Caring"! • Should the program be considered for the"Youth Service Award"? • How can other communities replicate the project? What obstacles might others encounter in replication? Applications must be received at the following address on or before Friday January 21, 2005. NACoe Acts of Caring Awards * 440 First St., NW 9 Washington, DC 20001 VOLUNTEERS IN PROBATION CONTRA COSTA COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT 2005 NACO Acts Of Caring Awards Volunteers in Probation (VIP) was established by the Contra Costa.County Probation Department under the SafeFutures grant in 1997. In October of 2001,when the SafeFutures grant ended,the Volunteers In Probation Program continued through funding under the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act(JJCPA)grant. Due to funding adjustments,the program's funding was modified and funding is now under Contra Costa County's Probation General fund. This funding provides partial funding for one Probation Officer who coordinates the program. The goal of the program since its inception has been to fortify and supplement the efforts of juvenile supervision services procured by the Probation Department,by providing a wide range of volunteer programs to serve our youth. These include,a one to one mentoring program, Technology of Teens in Transition,tutoring, The Garden Club, The Body Shop, and other volunteer projects. Currently our one to one mentoring program has 23 Adult Mentors who are working with youth at risk who are on Probation. These mentors are matched with a youth who are placed in one of our residential treatment facilities, Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility,the Summit Boys Center, or the Chris Adams Girls Center. The mentors become involved in the youth's treatment plan by providing individual attention,tutoring, and taking the youth on outings. This mentoring relationship continues once the child is returned home, where the youth will further benefit from the support of the caring volunteer. This mentoring bond has often lasted for many years,one ofour mentor/mentee matches have been together since the beginning of the program, 7 years. The young man has successfully transitioned out of the criminal justice system and is now leading a productive life. Mentors believe in the youth they serve and offer an alternative to the youth's criminal lifestyle. On their very first outing., one of our other matches,walked around the U.C. Berkeley campus. The mentor told the young lady that she would be able to go to this school one day. After hard work and support from her mentor,this young woman is now a junior at UC Berkeley. Besides the one to one mentoring program, Volunteers In Probation also has many other programs in which volunteers work with youth at risk. One of these is the collaborated effort with the County Library System bringing library resources and library skills to youth in custody. Technology for Teens In Transition, also known as T-3, matches Internet Mentors with residents housed in one of our four intuitional settings where the volunteer meets weekly with wards expanding their computer skills. Specifically, volunteers give youth the opportunity to go online and seek information through approved web sites. Volunteers In Probation also matches adult tutors with the youth at one of our four juvenile institutions. These volunteers work closely with the institutional school staff tutoring one or more wards in the areas in which they are deficient or prepping them for the GED exams. For over 6 years, our volunteers have helped publish a newsletter by and for youth in custody. This bi-monthly publication, "The words From the Inside"(for residents of Juvenile Hall and the Chris Adams Girls Center) consists of original essays, stories, interviews,drawings,poems,raps, and inspirational messages submitted by youth in custody. One of our programs at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility is made up of Volunteers who are members of the Discovery Bay Garden Club. They work with the streetwise residents in growing their own vegetable garden and landscaping to beautifying the facility. This group has also spearheaded fundraising events to fund special projects, like an irrigation system. One of our volunteers worked with the director of the Chris Adams Girls Center and has developed a program called the"Body Shop". She works with several girls once a week for 90 minutes,teaching relaxation, yoga,breath work, and massage. The girls and staff love the Body Shop program and as it has been such a success, she is now working with the young men at the Summit Center, a residential program for boys. The Volunteers In Probation program also clears and trains the Volunteers for the Animal Rescue Foundation, ARF, who work daily with the residents of the Chris Adams Girls Center and the Summit Boys Center. These volunteers work with rescued dogs and cats teaching the youth how to train and care for the animals which will make these animals t w ready for adoption. At the Chris Adams Girls center, ARF has built a kennels where the girls care for rescued.cats full time. Volunteers and volunteer interns assist Probation Officers in the Juvenile units allowing the Probation Officers more opportunity to work with the wards on their caseload. Many volunteers and interns are exploring the world of probation, in order to assess whether it is a viable career path for them. Several volunteers have developed a.passion for helping our at risk youth and have obtain permanent positions within the department. Volunteers In Probation has approximately 96 volunteers working with the Contra Costa County Probation Department to serve the needs of our youth. During the last fiscal year the volunteers have given over 5000 hours. Probation Staff has continually been sensitive to the needs of the volunteers and makes efforts to utilize volunteer skills. Measuring the benefits of this program is difficult, but when you talk to the young lady who is now in college due to her mentor's encouragement or a 16-year-old boy who can finally read because of a dedicated tutor,this program is invaluable.