Draft_FY24-25 Budget Recommendation - Supporting On-Point Reentry Consortium — original pdf

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HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-XXX Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY24-25 Budget Recommendation – Supporting On-Point Reentry Consortium Motioned By: Commissioner Lyssette Galvan Seconded By: Commissioner Amanda Afifi Recommendation On-Point Reentry Consortium (OPRC) stands out as a pioneering nonprofit, dedicated to empowering individuals who have been impacted by the judicial system to redefine their lives through successful reentry. Among the most vulnerable groups in our city, these individuals more than often are from diverse and underserved communities. By participating in OPRC, these individuals not only rebuild their lives but also become effective and contributing members of our community, enriching its fabric through their newfound skills and experiences. To address their needs effectively, the commission strongly advocates for funding to support one full-time employee (FTE) and programming at OPRC. Description of Recommendation to Council  Allocate funding for an Executive Director at On-Point Reentry Consortium; $75,000, this includes salary, fringe benefits, and overhead costs.  Allocate funding for services and programming at On-Point Reentry Consortium; $25,000. Rationale: According to the Texas Criminal Justice Data Snapshot by the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the US Department of Justice and Justice Center with The Council of State Governments, 15% of individuals who exited the judicial system in 2019 cycled back into the system within three years. Therefore, ensuring successful reintegration into society, particularly through wraparound services, is imperative to mitigate recidivism rates. The On-Point Reentry Consortium (OPRC) stands as a unique beacon in Austin and Texas, boasting unparalleled expertise and experience. Comprised of BIPOC women leaders trained by the National Institute of Corrections and the Department of Justice, OPRC’s work is paramount, especially in a state like Texas with high incarceration rates. It serves as a vital resource to reduce recidivism and reintegrate judicially impacted individuals into communities, tapping into an underutilized workforce pool. In the past year, OPRC achieved remarkable milestones:  Serving approximately 600 judicially impacted individuals through tailored reentry- specific training, consulting, and coaching services, aiding them to rebuilding their lives and careers. 1 of 3   Donating over 3,600 hours of invaluable time and expertise, valued at more than $370,000, to sustain programming and support clients, despite lacking paid FTEs.  Securing free office space from three esteemed community organizations, signifying recognition of OPRC’s value and impact while fostering collaboration.  Training and certifying 80 community providers in evidence-based training from the Department of Justice and the National Institute for Corrections, called Reentry Employment Specialist.  Organizing a Reentry Community Resource Fair in partnership with Findhelp.org, Workforce Solutions, and Goodwill of Central Texas, drawing over 150 attendees.  Conducting Work Ethic Workshops and distributing 127 computer and hotspots to clients with sponsorship from INDEED and PCs4P.  Presenting reentry and job readiness information to inmates in the Del Valle Correctional Complex and the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Bastrop.  Collaborating and signing MOUs with numerous nonprofits bolstering service offerings. Demographically, OPRC’s clientele reflects the diversity of the populations served with notable statistics, including:  45% African American  44% Latino  10% Caucasian  1% Asian  75% male  20% female  5% no-binary  Average age of clients is 41, with most possessing at least a 5th-grade reading level and a GED or high school diploma. OPRC’s holistic approach ensures culturally sensitive support tailored to the unique needs of returning citizens. The organization facilitates access to emotional, financial, housing, employment, and mental health resources, bridging gaps and eliminating obstacles hindering successful reentry. Additionally, OPRC fosters collaboration among service providers to ensure seamless coordination for clients, continually refining practices based on evidence-based and best practices. The workshops offered by OPRC further demonstrate its commitment to comprehensive support:  Work Ethic 101: Instilling professionalism, time management, and cooperation skills  essentials for workplace success. IMPACT: Equipping clients with motivation, positivity, achievement, commitment, and teachability to overcome barriers.  The Important of D.I.R.T.: Guiding clients to embody Dignity, Integrity, Respect, and Trust for personal and professional growth.  Navigating the City of Austin Application for Community Members: Assisting in job applications, resume crafting, and interview preparation for city roles. Considering OPRC’s remarkable achievements and impending leadership changes that may affect service levels, the commission recommends allocating $100,000 to support OPRC, 2 of 3  enabling the hiring of a full-time Executive Director and enhancing programming services to sustain and expand its impactful initiatives. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 3 of 3