TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements with the State of California to receive $245,960 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to support the Disability Program Navigator Initiative; to execute all necessary documents with Goodwill Serving the People of Los Angeles County, a Long Beach-based nonprofit, for a contract totaling $60,000; and to execute any subsequent needed amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Investment Network (Network) operates the Disability Program Navigator Initiative that provides targeted employment and career development assistance to disabled residents. Over the last few years, the Network has developed collaborative relationships with local organizations to form a service consortium that includes AbilityFirst, Goodwill, the State Department of Rehabilitation, the Disabled Resource Center, CSU Long Beach - Disabled Student Services, Long Beach City College - Disabled Student Programs and Services, the Social Security Administration, and the Long Beach Mental Health Center.
The target populations for this project are individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, or have developmental disabilities. Services are coordinated through the Career Transition Center in conjunction with the many project partners, with the goal of employment and career advancement opportunities that result in increased livable-wage jobs with benefits. The Network had previously applied for and been awarded substantial funds for its project. The State is providing an additional year of funding totaling $245,960 to continue program activities from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011.
Additionally, the Network will continue to contract with Goodwill in the amount of $60,000 to complement the services available at the Career Transition Center. This entity will provide expertise to enhance Network customer access and connections to a variety of programs, services, and funds available to promote...
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