Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: November 20, 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 Y25-2057, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2057, Provision of Community Services, with Wake Up Mentoring, Inc., for a total contract award amount of $450,000 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 youth offender re-entry programming which will provide year-round re-entry services within Orange County for justice-involved youth up to age 22, with the goal of reducing recidivism among youth returning to their communities following confinement and/or residential placement. Services will include, but are not limited to, comprehensive reentry planning and individualized pre- and post-release services such as education and literacy support, life skills, work readiness, job training and placement, medical and/or behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment, counseling, mentoring, and legal assistance. The performance period is January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2556-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Wake Up Mentoring, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Wake Up Mentoring, Inc., has previously been awarded funding by the CCC, with a performance period effective October 2023.
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.
Youth re-entry programs offer a variety of benefits to young individuals who are transitioning back into their communities after being involved in the justice system. Providing crucial support and resources that help facilitate successful reintegration reduces the likelihood of re-offending. Through mentorship, counseling, job training, and education opportunities, youth re-entry programs empower participants to make positive choices and build a foundation for future success. Additionally, by fostering pro-social relationships and engaging participants in constructive activities, youth re-entry programs play a vital role in breaking the cycle of criminal behavior among vulnerable populations. Overall, investing in these programs not only benefits individual participants but also contributes to safer communities and reduces societal costs associated with incarceration.
The program estimates serving 35 unduplicated residents and providing approximately 3,333 hours of direct service per contract year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan will be implemented through resource sharing with community organizations, word-of-mouth, social media platforms, and through referral partnerships with the Juvenile Assessment Center, probation officers, and juvenile court system. Constituents may access programming through referral, contacting the agency directly, or contacting the CCC for referral.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Wake Up Mentoring, 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 locations:
• 1206 Monitor Avenue, Orlando, FL 32818, in Commission District 6
• Orange Regional Juvenile Detention Center, 2800 S. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL 32806, in Commission District 3
• Various Community-Based locations, and in clients’ homes, Countywide
This is a new program not previously funded through CCC. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.