TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the California Department of Education in an amount up to $90,000 to operate the Even Start Family Literacy Program; to execute a contract with the Long Beach Unified School District in an amount up to $85,000 to provide family literacy services; to execute any needed subsequent amendments; and increase appropriations in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR) by $90,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pacific Gateway and Long Beach Unified School District (School District) jointly applied to the California Department of Education for Even Start Grant funds to continue operation of a local family literacy program. The Even Start Program (Program) helps to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by improving educational opportunities for low-income families and by helping parents gain the skills needed to become full partners in the education of their young children. The Program integrates early childhood education, adult literacy and basic education, and parenting education into a unified family literacy approach.
In Long Beach, Pacific Gateway and the School District have further enhanced program activities by linking the workforce development programs of the Career Transition Center into the mix of services for the participating adult parents. Services are delivered at the Long Beach School for Adults, the Career Transition Center, and at various Head Start locations throughout the community. The Program also provides books for participating families to create at-home libraries to encourage ongoing reading.
Pacific Gateway will contract with the School District in an amount up to $85,000 to deliver program services to approximately 40 low-income families, and to provide technical assistance and coaching to qualified Head Start entities interested in delivering Family Literacy Programs. Pacific Gateway will use the remaining $5,000 for grant oversight and management activities.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on October 19, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 18, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 8, 2011 in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The receipt of grant funds is not currently budgeted. Therefore, an appropriation increase of $90,000 in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Human Resources Department (HR) is requested as part of the recommended action. There is no impact to the General Fund. Approval of this recommendation will result in job training, skills enhancement and employment opportunities for approximately 40 resident parents.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER