Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: December 6, 2024
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
FROM: Carrie Mathes, CFCM, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, C.P.M., Manager II, Procurement Division
CONTACT: Angela Chestang, Manager, Citizens’ Commission for Children Division
PHONE: 407-836-6541
SUBJECT: Approval of Contract Y25-2042, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2042, Provision of Community Services, with Joshua’s House Foundation, Inc., in the total contract amount of $200,000 for a two-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract will provide funds for innovation programming for youth - District 5, which will include a bilingual vocational program for special needs students designed to equip students with special needs with the skills and support necessary to achieve gainful employment or self-employment. Programming is intended to empower students with special needs by providing them with vocational skills, physical and mental health support, social interaction opportunities, and practical internship experiences needed to confidently enter the workforce. The performance period is January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2556-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Joshua’s House Foundation, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services for residents of Orange County Commission District 5. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Joshua’s House Foundation, Inc. has not previously been awarded funding by the CCC.
REMARKS:
In accordance with the Code of Ordinances, Part 1, Chapter 17, Article III, Section 17-286 - Application and Exclusions, agreements between the Board and nonprofit organizations are excluded from competitive procurement requirements.
Vocational training programs play a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce. These programs not only equip individuals with practical, job-specific skills but also help boost their self-confidence and independence. By offering specialized training tailored to the unique strengths and abilities of each individual, vocational programs effectively prepare them for meaningful employment opportunities. Additionally, these programs may also provide valuable support services such as job coaching, mentorship, and workplace accommodations to ensure success in a professional setting. Overall, vocational training programs for individuals with disabilities are essential in promoting inclusion, equality, and dignity in the workplace, ultimately leading to greater economic independence and overall well-being for this population.
The program estimates serving 50 unduplicated residents annually and providing approximately 633 bilingual vocational and employability skills training sessions per contract year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan for this program includes collaboration with Orange County Public Schools, community and faith-based organizations, disability advocates and organizations, community information sessions, social media, as well as print materials such as brochures and flyers. The agency has a history of service provision with this specialized population and has developed a wide network of collaborative partners to assist with marketing.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Joshua’s House Foundation, Inc., the CCC offers a comprehensive resource directory of all funded programming published on the CCC web page, located at www.ocfl.net/ccc <http://www.ocfl.net/ccc>. Through this directory, constituents may search for funded services within a specific distance of their home, place of work, or other address of significance.
Additionally, the CCC has contracted community engagement specialists, located primarily in east and west Orange County, for service delivery to benefit citizens with an emphasis on maintaining contact with community groups, parents, and other caregivers, providing support to residents, as well as evaluating and responding to community needs concerning children. The CCC also employs a part-time community ambassador, whose role is primarily to engage with civic, law enforcement, and community groups to market services and to stay connected with the various community groups throughout Orange County.
Finally, the CCC maintains an electronic e-mail distribution database, and distributes shared resources and information submitted by community non-profits monthly. This method allows funded and non-funded service providers the opportunity to learn about services, events, or special projects that may benefit the community at large.
Services will primarily be provided at the following location:
• 4298 Bancroft Blvd., Orlando, FL 32833, in Commission District 5
Innovation programming for youth is competitively funded in each Orange County Commission District. The goal of this category of funding is that the programming is unique and not currently funded through the CCC. A comprehensive list of the innovation programming funded through the CCC, current and proposed, is provided as an attachment to this request. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.