Item2-CDC CSBG Report September 2024 — original pdf

Backup

Community Services Block Grant 2024 Contract Programmatic/Financial Report September 10, 2024 The Community Services Block Grant funds the delivery of services to low income Texas residents in all 254 counties. These funds support a variety of direct services in addition to helping maintain the core administrative elements of community action agencies. For the City of Austin, the grant provides funding for the delivery of basic needs, case management, preventive health and employment support services through the City’s six (6) Neighborhood Centers and the two (2) Outreach Sites. Mission: The Neighborhood Services Unit improves the lives and health of people experiencing poverty by providing public health and social services and connecting residents of Austin and Travis County to community resources. ◼ Basic Needs (food, clothing, information and referral, notary services, transportation, car safety education and car seats, tax preparation, fans, Thanksgiving food baskets and other seasonal activities); ◼ Preventive Health (screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar including a1C, and cholesterol; pregnancy testing; health promotion presentations, coordination and participation in health fairs, immunizations, coordination of wellness activities, linkages to medical home providers and diabetes case management); ◼ Case Management (individual/family support counseling, advocacy, self-sufficiency case management, crisis intervention, linkages with employers, educational opportunities and training, and working with individuals on quality of life issues); ◼ Employment Support (intake, assessment and goal setting, job readiness training, job placement assistance, and job retention services) Expenditures Categories 2024 Contract Budget % of Total Cumulative Expenditures as of 7/31/24 Personnel Fringe Benefits Other Total $1,129,050.00 $225,704.89 $107,934.50 $333,639.39 30% 1  4 4E 5 5B 5D 4C 4I 5A 5JJ 7A 7B 7D 7N Transition Out of Poverty Goal Goal Achieved TOP Individuals who transitioned out of poverty 43 13 Success Rate% 30% Austin Public Health Report on PY24 Community Action Plan MISSION: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of our community. TOP 5 NEEDS: Housing; Health; Employment; Basic Needs; Education Report Date July 2024 FNPI Outcome Description Target #Enrolled #Achieved Success Rate % Housing Households who avoided eviction Health and Social/Behavioral Development Individuals who demonstrated improved physical health and well being Individuals who improved skills related to the adult role of parents/caregivers 800 10 50 1,131 1,131 #Enrolled #Achieved 46 53 Success Rate % 190% 141% 72% SRV 3O Service Description Tax Preparation Programs Number Served 356 A Year Ago 19 36 317 136 781 42,030 1,131 142 63,452 117 1,348 13 832 1,785 Rent Payments Utility Payments Immunizations Food Distribution Case Management Eligibility Determinations Transportation Emergency Clothing 3A.1 Total number of volunteer hours donated to the Agency Programmatic/Administrative Updates 1. Neighborhood Services – We offer Basic Needs including Food Help, Emergency Rental assistance in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Central Texas, Utility Assistance, Self-Sufficiency Case Management services, Bus Passes, Health Screenings, Information & Referrals, and Seasonal Services* at our six Neighborhood Centers.** 2 *Child Safety Seats, Fans and Income Tax filing. ** The South Austin, Blackland and Rosewood Zaragosa Neighborhood Centers are currently closed for major HVAC renovations. The public is being directed to the other Neighborhood Centers for services. 2. CDC Nomination/Selection Update – We are reviewing the process of amending the bylaws to create more efficiencies in the nomination/selection of CDC commissioners. The North Austin Nomination/Selection meeting will be held on Thursday, September 19th at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center at 7:00pm. 3. 60 Year Anniversary of Community Action – 60 years ago Lyndon B. Johnson declared the “War on Poverty.” David Bradley, the author of CSBG said it best this year, “When the War on Poverty began and Community Action Agencies were formed, we were given one of the most difficult assignments that any movement has ever received: to end poverty in America. And, in doing so, to bring hope, justice, and opportunity to all of our people. It has certainly not been an easy 60 years. But then again, if ending poverty in America was easy, someone else would have done it a long time ago. But, we were given the responsibility. We know that the ever changing political winds, combined with other more pressing priorities and the sometimes unrealistic expectations placed upon us, have made this journey hard, long and sometimes controversial. But regardless of the obstacles, for 60 years we have not only succeeded, but we have also become vital in the life of our communities. That is worthy of a celebration!” 4. Client Satisfaction Surveys – In July we sent out two surveys, (please see back-up documents for details), one to our Self-Sufficiency Case Management Services clients and the other to the clients who received basic needs services from our agency. The results were overwhelmingly positive. For example, 85% of SSCM clients reported that case management has made them more self-sufficient and 85% agreed their case manager helped them find services (jobs, healthcare, supports, etc.). Also, 80% of clients who received basic needs services were happy with the services they received and 91% would recommend a friend or relative get help at a neighborhood center. 5. Fresh Foods For Families (FFFF) – The Neighborhood Centers in collaboration with the Central Texas Food Bank holds Fresh Food For Families events that provide free monthly distributions of fruits, vegetables and other fresh foods to low-income families. These distributions supplement existing grocery budgets with much-needed nutritious foods. We continue to experience increased demand for these services. 6. Home Delivery Program – In collaboration with the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) and Amazon, the NSU offer a home delivery food program. Eligible individuals (Travis County Residents, “Low Income,” Target Population (Household with children 0-18 or Senior 60+), Individuals with a disability, Veterans and Active Military 3 members) can sign up to receive a box of shelf stable foods monthly. This very successful program was moved to the CTFB facility at the end of August. This Fall the CTFB will add 10 lbs. 10 lbs. of fresh produce to each box. 7. Financial Stability Rental Assistance Funding – From January - August, we have assisted 671 people in 252 households avoid eviction using these funds. The total amount of rent assistance payments was $694,071.26. 8. Austin Energy Plus 1 Program – Serious illness, a recent job loss, or the pandemic can make it difficult for some customers to pay their utility bills. The Plus 1 fund helps by providing emergency financial aid to customers who are having a temporary problem paying their utility bills. From January – July we have assisted 142 people. 9. NSU Public Health Nursing - The Neighborhood Services nurses are offering free health screenings at the Neighborhood Centers. Services included: blood pressure screenings, blood sugar screenings, cholesterol screenings, health education, hemoglobin A1c, pregnancy tests, and general health information & resources. From January – June, 3,873 individuals were served by NSU nursing activities. 10. Self-Sufficiency Case Management Services – The Neighborhood Services Unit social workers help clients reenter the world of work, connecting them with resources, agencies, and training opportunities; including assistance with housing stability, basic needs, and public transportation. In June, there were 7 transitions out of poverty as a result of the NSU’s self-sufficiency case management program. 4