Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into a grant agreement with the J. Jireh Development Corporation in support of the organization’s SIMBA/SIMSA summer youth programming.
SIMBA/SIMSA is a youth development program which stands for Safe In My Brothers Arms & Safe In My Sisters Arms. The SIMBA and SIMSA program was created for young African American youths between the ages 8-17. The goal is to challenge them to meet their full potential. The male program (SIMBA Circle) was instituted in 1993 when a group of African American community leaders recognized that there was a need for mentors for African American youth, which will help them become healthy, non-violent adults. This organization gives children the opportunity to address their fears, build positive relationships and discover their potential. They will have the opportunity to learn from experienced staff members who engage and encourage youth to build high self-esteem, self-worth and empowers at risk youth to lead.
J. Jireh is partnering with Central Community House, Capital University, and Transit Arts. Central Community House is providing mentoring services with volunteers from Capital University. The participants will have the opportunity to engage in Transit Arts’ programming once a month. J. Jireh’s SIMBA/SIMSA program takes participants to an overnight camp focused on building self-worth amongst kids from vulnerable neighborhoods.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to have funding in place in anticipation of summer youth programming needs.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into a grant agreement with the J. Jireh Development Corporation in support of the organization’s SIMBA/SIMSA summer youth programming; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and...
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