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 Y25-2018, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2018, Provision of Community Services, with Operation New Hope, Inc., in the total contract award amount of $150,000 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 life skills training and development for offenders. Programming provides support for adults impacted by the justice system in overcoming barriers such as employment, housing, and transportation, which are critical for successful reintegration. Investing in life skills training for adult offenders is an effective strategy to promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism rates, and create safer communities. 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 Operation New Hope, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. Life Skills Training and Development for Offenders is a unique Scope of Service, with only one program funded through the CCC. Operation New Hope, Inc. has not previously received funding from 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.
Programming will be implemented utilizing the evidence-based Ready4Work framework, which includes career development training focused on interpersonal skills, self-sufficiency, coping strategies, communication, employability and job readiness, and job retention. Additionally, clients will be provided mental health counseling, family reunification support, individual case management, vocational training opportunities, and job coaching that supports their reintegration into the community. The program estimates serving approximately 300 unduplicated residents and providing 1,750 hours of direct service per contract year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan for this program includes, but is not limited to, pre-release programming delivered at correctional facilities, connection with the statewide re-entry network, as well as continuous collaboration and marketing through County Parole Offices, Sheriff 's Offices, County/City Correctional Facilities, Diversion Courts, Homeless Shelters, Department of Children and Families, and other community partners serving people impacted by the criminal justice system.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Operation New Hope, 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>. 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 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 be provided primarily at 617 N Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL 32801, located in Commission District 5. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services. Constituents may access services through referral from community or faith-based organizations, local law enforcement, detention centers or prisons, or through self-referral by contacting the agency directly. Constituents may also access programming by contacting the CCC for referral.