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Authorize the County’s contribution of $ 15,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 1 to benefit the following organizations, including The Arc-Solano ($2,000), Vallejo Community Arts Foundation ($1,500), Genesis House ($2,000), Florence Douglas Center (Vallejo Seniors Citizen’s Council, Inc) ($2,000), Friends of Loma Vista Farm ($2,000), On The Move, VOICES Youth Program ($2,000) , Another Chapter (Kidder Literary Initiatives) ($1,000), Solano County Fair Association ($1,000), and Solano Pride ($1,500)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Hannigan requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County’s contribution of $ 15,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 1 to benefit the following organizations, including The Arc-Solano ($2,000), Vallejo Community Arts Foundation ($1,500), Genesis House ($2,000), Florence Douglas Center (Vallejo Seniors Citizen’s Council, Inc) ($2,000), Friends of Loma Vista Farm ($2,000), On The Move, VOICES Youth Program ($2,000), Another Chapter (Kidder Literary Initiatives) ($1,000), Solano County Fair Association ($1,000), and Solano Pride ($1,500).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
During the FY2023/24 Budget Hearings, the Board appropriated $15,000 to District 1 to support community service programs. District 1 recommends distribution of the $15,000 available as follows:
The Arc-Solano - $2,000
For more than 60 years, The Arc-Solano has been on the front lines in providing resources and empowering Solano County residents to promote and protect their rights and interests, while enriching the quality of their lives. Currently, they provide three Core Programs that support adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities. The two-day Programs provide consumers with the necessary tools and life skills for community inclusion through classes, coaching, and guided community participation. By assisting with executive skills such as problem-solving, budgeting, and health management, the Independent Living Skills program supports those who wish to or who already live independently to remain that way. The Arc Solano also offers Value-Added programs to enrich consumers' lives, such as theater, literacy, Kitchen Club, and art. Funds will be used to assist the participants in their programs. Visit www.thearcsolano.org
Vallejo Community Arts Foundation - $1,500
The Vallejo Community Arts Foundation presents its annual Summer Arts Camp starting July 16, 2024. Campers are presented with a variety of media as they build skills in drawing, painting, mosaics, silk screen, lino cut prints, alcohol inks, collage, clay, photography and more. The camp culminates with an exhibition of camper artwork on display at the Temple Arts Loft and a public performance by camp participants on the stage of the Empress Theatre. Funds will be used to assist the youth in the Summer Arts Camp. To learn more about Vallejo Community Arts Foundation and the Summer Arts Camp, visit www.VallejoArts.org.
Genesis House - $2,000
Three licensed facitlies-45 beds (31 treatment and 14 sober living). The primary function is to provide 9-11 months of residential treatment in a highly structured atmosphere for substance abusers. The facility may function as an alternative to jail but not as a half-way house and is for abstinence treatment only. The program provides services via individual client treatment plans, intensive group experiences, and one to one counseling. Strong program emphasis is placed on client growth from program dependence to personal independence. The facility is a self-sufficient community; cooking and miniatous is performed by clients. Funds will be used to assist clients seeking assistance through the programs at Genesis House. For more information call 707-557-3166.
Florence Douglas Center (Vallejo Seniors Citizen’s Council Inc) - $ 2,000
The participants at the Florence Douglas Center are interested in improving their quality of life. The Center is excited to offer a healthy living seminar focused on making good choices in eating, increasing movement which in turn can improve outlook and help with sleep. The healthy eating seminar will tie in with the Walking for Health and the Shoe Distribution programs. The outreach will be through the Center’s Welcome Hand Newsletter and throughout the Center’s many activities. Seniors will be offered the opportunity to increase their involvement in making good choices in healthy eating and movement to improve their quality of life through education and hands on seminars for healthy living. Funds will be used to assist the seniors involved at the Florence Douglas Center. To learn more about the Florence Douglas Senior Center, visit www.FlorenceDouglasSeniorCenter.org
Friends of Loma Vista Farm - $2,000
Loma Vista Farm is a 5-arce outdoor classroom that provides hands-on educational activities involving plants and animals for children of all ages and abilities. It seeks to increase students’ knowledge of nature and nutrition while enhancing academic learning, Eco literacy and psychosocial development.
Founded in 1974, Loma Vista Farm has been making a difference in the community for almost four decades as a resource for environmental education. Loma Vista is a public and private venture between the Vallejo Unified School District and the Friends of Loma Vista Farm, a community-based nonprofit organization established in 2003. The Friends provide fiscal, administrative and organizational oversight and leadership. The Board is comprised of teachers, parents, community members and representatives from local businesses. The Friends’ mission is to support Loma Vista Farm & Garden Center with funding, future planning and development, and management. Funds will be used to enhance the programs for children at the Farm. To learn more about the Loma Vista Farm, visit www.LomaVistaFarm.org.
On The Move, VOICES Youth Program - $2,000
VOICES recognizes that youth are not only recipients of social services, they are also active leaders in supporting their peers, guiding the evolving vision of program delivery at each site, conducting capacity building to enable growing numbers of social service agencies to become “youth-friendly,” and advocating to the community at large to listen and respond to youth voices. VOICES’ one-of-a-kind Youth-Engagement Model provides evidence of past experience and expertise related to developing program activities and goals. The Model focuses on empowering each youth, integrating resources and services, and working with the entire community to address the barriers that youth face as they leave systems of care. Funds will be used to assist the youth involved with the organization. To learn more about the VOICES Youth Program, visit www.voicesyouthcenter.org.
Another Chapter (Kidder Literary Initiatives) - $1,000
Another Chapter’s mission is to promote literacy by providing books to kids and families in Solano County. They have given over 35,500 books since 2016. Another Chapter envisions a world where diverse, high-quality books are readily available to everyone who wants to read. We believe that every child's journey should be illuminated by the power of books, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. Through the joy of reading, we aim to light up young minds, guiding them toward a future filled with knowledge, empathy, and boundless opportunities. Funds will be used to assist the kids and families in the program. To learn more about the Another Chapter, visit www.AnotherChapter.org.
Solano County Fair Association - $1,000
The Solano County Fair Association (SCFA) was established in 1946 to produce the annual Solano County Fair and manage the year-round operations of the Solano County Fairgrounds.
Since then, the SCFA has been providing educational, cultural, artistic, commercial and recreational programs to the residents of Solano County. This year, we celebrate the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee of the Solano County Fair! From the 13th to the 16th day of June, we invite you to come to the Solano County Fair.
There is a lot to look forward to at this year’s County Fair:
Prepare to be captivated by a splendid array of entertainment that befits the grandeur of our jubilee celebration. From breathtaking performances to awe-inspiring displays, the fairgrounds shall resonate with joy and laughter, creating memories that shall be cherished for generations to come. Partake in the culinary delights that shall tempt even the most discerning palates. The finest fare from esteemed vendors shall be at your disposal, offering a gastronomic experience that rivals the greatest of feasts.
Embark on a journey through the marketplace, where artisans and vendors shall showcase their wares. Discover trinkets and treasures fit for royalty, as you peruse the stalls brimming with delights. Witness the majesty of our four-legged and feathered two-legged companions at the animal exhibition, where noble creatures of the land shall be on display. A spectacle of elegance and grace awaits as we celebrate the beauty and charm of our cherished companions.
Family AG Day - A Day for the Agricultural Heart - June 13th:
Honoring the roots of our fair county, the 13th day of June shall be dedicated to Family AG Day. Experience the agricultural heartbeat of our community, where families can come together to celebrate the traditions that have shaped our lands.
Out At The Fair Extravaganza - June 15th:
On the 15th day of June, join us for a special celebration-Out At The Fair-an all-day extravaganza filled with joy and acceptance. Revel in the spirit of inclusivity and diversity as we come together in unity and celebration.
The Solano County Fairgrounds is open year-round to accommodate the annual Fair, Youth Ag Day and a calendar of public and community events that stretch throughout the year. It is also used by the state and county during emergencies as a refuge for the community and a staging site for service agencies.
The Solano County Fairgrounds is owned by Solano County and operated by the Solano County Fair Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. As home to the annual Solano County Fair it is a vital part of the Network of California Fairs. Funds will be used to enhance the 2024 Fair. To learn more about the Solano county Fair, visit www.SCFair.com.
Solano Pride - $1,500
Solano Pride provides services for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) citizens in Solano County offering social, recreational and educational activities, counseling, information, and a youth groups. Founded in 1998, Solano Pride is a 501c3 organization, and is funded by Solano County Mental Health and through individual contributions.
Funds will help support their engaged youth program by supporting LGBT youth ages 12-24 in Vallejo. This includes two weekly support groups, and our school-based support for gay-straight alliances (GSA’s) in Vallejo Public Schools. To learn more about Solano Pride, visit www.SolanoPride.org.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the 2023/24 Budget Hearings, the Board appropriated $15,000 to each supervisorial district, to allow Board members to support community service programs. The Board directed County Counsel to provide guidelines on how to recommend funding for qualifying agencies or programs. The guidelines are as follows:
1) Each supervisor must submit the proposed expenditure to the County Counsel and the Auditor/Controller for initial review.
2) The Board must approve the expenditure by a majority vote.
3) The Board must determine that the expenditure is for a public purpose.
4) The Board may authorize an expenditure of public funds to a nonprofit organization so long as the County retains ultimate control over the exercise of judgment and discretion of the intended program.
5) To ensure accountability, all expenditures are subject to periodic audit by the Auditor/Controller; and
a) If the recipient provides an activity, program or service (“activity”), it shall provide an activity report within 30 days of the activity that states the number of persons attending (if applicable) or participating activities carried out, feedback from participants (if applicable) and benefits of the activity. The recipient’s failure to provide a report may result in its being considered ineligible for future funding.
b) If the recipient is purchasing property or making improvements, it shall use the funds for only the specified purposes and allow representatives of the county to inspect and/or audit the purchase or the contractor’s performance, the facility or the portion improved with the funds and/or the records pertaining to the expenditures. The recipient shall retain for inspection and audit purposes any and all books, receipts, documentation and other records of the expenditures for three (3) years from date of receiving funds.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department's FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to authorize this appropriation; however, this is not recommended as this item is consistent with Board policy.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was prepared in coordination with the County Administrator’s Office, County Auditor-Controller’s Office and County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION