Item 2-CDC CSBG Report December 2024 — original pdf

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Community Services Block Grant 2024 Contract Programmatic/Financial Report December 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 10/31/24 Personnel Fringe Benefits Other Total $1,140,731.00 $449,414.85 $211,910.37 $661,325.22 58% 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 28 Success Rate% 65% 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 October 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 1,178 1,178 #Enrolled #Achieved 46 69 Success Rate % 190% 147% 104% SRV 3O Service Description Tax Preparation Programs Number Served 356 A Year Ago 19 52 317 167 349 1,084 63,988 1,178 198 337 82,980 153 1,410 17 1,103 2,121 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. 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. 3. 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 members) can sign up to receive a box of shelf stable foods monthly. In November 1,322 Households/3,802 Individuals had food boxes delivered to their doorstep which included 10 lbs. of fresh produce. 4. Dove Springs Neighborhood Center – The project was funded by a voter-approved bond measure in 2018. The health clinic and facility are set to act as a central hub for the Dove Springs community, offering a number of resources in one place, including a Neighborhood Center, WIC office, Immunizations Clinic, and a child care center. 5. Financial Stability Rental Assistance Funding – From January - October, we have assisted 696 people in 264 households avoid eviction using these funds. The total amount of rent assistance payments was $785,456.80. 6. 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 – October we have helped 207 people keep their lights on. 7. 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. The NSU nurses administered 337 flu shots to our clients. These events targeted low- income and uninsured individuals in our community. 8. 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, 3 basic needs, and public transportation. In October, there were 4 transitions out of poverty as a result of the NSU’s self-sufficiency case management program. Success Story In Social Worker’s own words: A client was initially seen for a health prescreening and diabetes case management. The client was referred by our Blackland Neighborhood Center (BNC) social worker who recommended the NSU nurse assist them with diabetes education. The client has a PCP and attends the VA clinic for their medical conditions. They mentioned that they had already started making changes to their food choices. DEEP classes and Diabetes Care Program were recommended after their elevated A1c results. The patient faced multiple social determinants of health challenges. In collaboration with the NSU social worker, the client was able to find employment and receive bus passes for transportation. As a result, they transitioned out of poverty. They also benefited from food distribution services, enrolling in food pantries, and the HOPE program. We conducted home visits for food distribution and medical follow-ups. The client was provided with information on meal planning, setting short-term goals, and the importance of continuing with his PCP for vision, neuropathy monitoring, and dental checkups. After several follow-up visits, the client's A1c trended down and they reported making healthier food choices. They even started using the treadmill at their apartment for exercise because of the hot Texas weather. The client also received oscillating fans during the summer to help with the heat, for which they were very grateful. The NSU assisted the client with multiple social determinants of health challenges, collaborating with social workers, community health workers, nurses, and other APH staff. During our last visit, they reported feeling less stressed, grateful for their part-time job, and plans to continue managing their diabetes through a good diet, daily medications, and regular PCP visits at the VA clinic. The client expressed his deep appreciation for the NSU social worker and team for addressing their various social needs and providing valuable diabetes management information to help them control their blood sugar levels. They have made significant improvements in their A1c levels, reduced their stress levels, and they are hoping to secure full-time employment with benefits soon. 4