Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: February 25, 2025
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 Y25-2031, Provision of Community Services
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of Contract Y25-2031, Provision of Community Services, with Big Sis, Inc., in the total contract amount of $525,000 for a three-year term. ([Community and Family Services Department Citizens’ Commission for Children Division] Procurement Division)
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PROCUREMENT:
This contract provides funds for teen pregnancy prevention and supportive services for children of incarcerated parents. The teen pregnancy prevention program will serve youth ages 15-19, focusing on education about personal responsibility, healthy relationships, and the importance of family values. With a strong emphasis on parental involvement, individual accountability, and access to effective resources, the program aligns with our community's commitment to supporting the well-being of families and fostering a future of self-reliance and responsibility. Approval of funding for this initiative will help ensure that our youth are equipped to make positive, informed choices that will benefit them and the community as a whole.
Supportive services for children of incarcerated parents programming will support youth identified as at-risk of becoming or currently involved with the juvenile justice system due to elevated risk factors of parental or guardian incarceration. The program will promote positive behaviors and interaction in the family and social environments, emphasizing the achievement of attainable goals including, but not limited to, increased academic success, reduction of involvement in delinquent or destructive behaviors, prevention or reduction of anti-social behaviors, and reduction of delinquent recidivism.
The performance period is upon contract execution through December 31, 2027.
FUNDING:
Funding is available in account number 0001-062-2556-8610.
APPROVALS:
The Citizens’ Review Panel for Human Services recommended Big Sis, Inc. to receive funding to provide these services. The Citizens’ Commission for Children Division concurs with the funding recommendation. Big Sis, Inc. was previously awarded funding by the Citizens’ Commission for Children Division in 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.
Teen pregnancy prevention programs are crucial in addressing the myriad of challenges that young parents face. These programs not only educate teenagers about contraception and responsible sexual behavior but also help them understand the consequences of early parenthood - such as limiting educational and career opportunities, financial instability, and emotional stress. By providing information, resources, and support to at-risk teens, these prevention programs empower them to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. Additionally, reducing teen pregnancies can have a positive impact on society as a whole by decreasing rates of poverty, increasing high school graduation rates, and improving overall health outcomes for both mothers and babies. The program estimates serving approximately 150 unduplicated residents and providing 1,875 hours of direct service per contract year.
Supportive services for children of incarcerated parents are crucial in addressing the numerous challenges they face. These children often experience feelings of abandonment, guilt, and isolation due to their parents’ absence. Supportive services can provide emotional support, educational assistance, and counseling to help mitigate the negative impacts of parental incarceration on a child's well-being. By offering a safe space for children to express their emotions and concerns, these services can help build resilience and coping mechanisms. Additionally, supportive services can strengthen the parent-child relationship by facilitating communication and visitation opportunities between the incarcerated parent and their child. Ultimately, investing in these services not only supports the immediate needs of children but also contributes to breaking generational cycles of incarceration and promoting positive outcomes for families in crisis. The program estimates serving approximately 50 unduplicated residents and providing 2,500 hours of direct service per contract year.
The agency’s outreach and recruitment plan for this program includes working collaboratively with schools and community, faith-based, and youth organizations to identify youth for the programs. The agency will also leverage digital outreach and social media, and attend community events. Additionally, the agency will collaborate with schools, juvenile justice systems, social service agencies, public defenders office, court system and community organizations to identify children impacted by parental incarceration.
Constituents may access services by contacting the agency directly to enroll in services, or through referral from community organizations or the Citizens’ Commission for Children (CCC).
In addition to marketing strategies employed by Big Sis, 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>.
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:
• 107 Wymore Road, Eatonville, Florida 32751, in Commission District 2
• 501 N. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801, in Commission District 5
• Mobile Outreach services will be made available at locations throughout the County.
This funding award is not inclusive of all teen pregnancy and supportive services for children of incarcerated parents programming funded by Orange County Government. A list of the teen pregnancy and supportive services for children of incarcerated parents programming funded through the Citizens’ Commission for Children Division is provided as an attachment to this item. All Orange County residents may have access to funded programs/services.