Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: August 30, 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 Y25-2021, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2021, Provision of Community Services, with Primrose Center, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $225,000 for a three-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 Employment Training for Adults with Disabilities to Primrose Center, Inc. The program will provide evidence-based supported employment services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, with an emphasis on increasing independence, knowledge, and safety of individuals with disabilities by providing training in job skills needed to prepare and place participants in gainful employment in the mainstream workforce. The performance period is October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-0404-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Primrose Center, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Employment Training for Adults with Disabilities is a unique Scope of Service, with only one program funded through 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.
Through a person-centered approach, individuals will receive tailored support catered to their specific needs, strengths, and goals. This will involve job coaching, skill-building activities, and ongoing assessments to ensure success in the workforce. By utilizing evidence-based practices such as Individual Placement and Support, participants will have access to proven strategies that promote sustained employment outcomes. The program also emphasizes collaboration with community partners and employers to create inclusive work environments that value diversity and inclusivity. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve meaningful employment opportunities that align with their interests and abilities, fostering independence and self-sufficiency. The program estimates serving approximately 30 unduplicated residents and providing 2,398 hours of direct service per contract year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan for this program includes, but is not limited to, social media, community outreach and presentations, employer networking, mailers, and continued relationship building in the disability community.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Primrose Center, 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>. At this time, the CCC is currently working with Orange County’s Communications Division on improved functionality of the directory, allowing for constituents to search for services within a specific distance of their home, place of work, or other address of significance. The updates are in the final stages of testing and will ultimately result in an improved experience for residents seeking services.
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 on a monthly basis. 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.
Intake, assessment, plan development, and job skills training services will be provided primarily at the Primrose Center, located at 2733 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32806, located in Commission District 3. Program participants are matched with employers located countywide, including, but not limited to Five Guys Burgers & Fries, McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut, Publix, Sea World, Marriott, Embassy Suites, and Southern Exhibits.
All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services. Constituents may access services through referral from community organizations such as Vocational Rehabilitation and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, or through self-referral by contacting the agency directly. Constituents may also access programming by contacting the CCC for referral.
Primrose Center, Inc. has previously received funding from the CCC, with the most recent contract term of October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2024, for provision of Employment Training for Adults with Disabilities. The agency met contractual deliverables and has a satisfactory monitoring on file for Contract Y19-2023.