TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement and all related documents with The California Endowment for the enhancement of operations of the Role of Men Program in the amount of $177,928 from February 1, 2007 through July 31, 2008; execute subsequent amendments if applicable; and increase appropriations in the Health Fund (SR 130) and in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE) by $177,928. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The California Endowment (TCE) has awarded the City of Long Beach an eighteen month grant in the amount of $177,928 to enhance the capacity of the Role of Men (ROM) Program to improve health outcomes and stabilization of families through improved program procedures, infrastructure, curriculum and social marketing development, enhanced data and evaluation systems. The core purpose of the funding is to develop a Train-the- Trainer component that will enable ROM staff to train other organizations in the skills of setting up and operating this successful fatherhood program that assists men, especially African-American men, and their families.
The ROM program was initiated in 1996 with California State Department of Health Services funds to assist in decreasing the high rate of infant mortality among African Americans in Long Beach by increasing the positive role of men/fathers in childbirth and child rearing and promoting a healthier family atmosphere. Since its inception, more than 3,000 fathers of African American and other ethnic backgrounds have been served by the ROM Program, and many have continued to be involved with the program by assisting new participants through mentoring and community projects. The ROM Program is also funded in part by the Knight Foundation and works collaboratively with the Long Beach Community Action Partnership and the Long Beach Unified District Head Start Program within the 90806 and 90813 zip code areas.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Lori A. Conway on February 8, 200...
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