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 Y25-2049, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2049, Provision of Community Services, with The Community Life Improvement Center, Inc., in the total contract amount of $300,000 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 entrepreneurship/financial programming for youth in West Orange County, which will provide youth with the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial and financial literacy activities, with an emphasis on workplace readiness, career and technical programming, entrepreneurship (product/service research and development, marketing, and branding) and financial literacy skills. 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 The Community Life Improvement Center, Inc., to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division (CCC) concurs with the funding recommendation. The Community Life Improvement Center, Inc. has previously received funding from the CCC for various competitively awarded programs since July 2020.
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.
In today's rapidly changing and competitive global economy, entrepreneurship and financial literacy have become essential skills for youth to succeed in their careers and personal lives. Entrepreneurship programs offer youth the opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills while fostering a spirit of innovation and resilience. By equipping young individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to start their own businesses or pursue entrepreneurial ventures, these programs empower them to take control of their financial future and contribute to economic growth. Additionally, improving financial literacy among young people helps them make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt, ultimately leading to greater financial stability and independence in adulthood.
With this funding, The Community Life Improvement Center, Inc. (CLIC) plans to launch the “CLIC Kids Commerce Club." The program is designed specifically for at-risk youth living in West Orange County, with the goal of engaging young individuals in meaningful and constructive activities centered around commerce and business, diverting their attention and energy away from potentially criminal activities and toward positive self-development and community involvement.
The program estimates serving 75 unduplicated residents annually and providing approximately 2,220 hours of direct service per contract year.
Services can be accessed by contacting the agency directly to register for programming, or by contacting the CCC for referral. The agency conducts outreach and recruitment through school partnerships, engagement with community and faith-based organizations and initiatives such as Black Business Orlando and credible messengers. Additional marketing is conducted through social media and various online platforms, print media, open houses, local media, as well as community events and presentations.
In addition to marketing strategies employed by The Community Life Improvement 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. 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:
• 9401 W. Colonial Dr. Suite 630, Orlando, FL 34761, in Commission District 2
This funding award is not inclusive of all entrepreneurship/financial programming for youth funded by Orange County Government. A comprehensive list of current and proposed entrepreneurship/financial programming for youth funded through the CCC as an attachment to this request. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.