Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a contract with the Columbus Urban League to support the African-American Male Initiative. The Initiative evolved out of discussions held during the African-American Male Summit, which was conducted in January of 2006 by Mayor Coleman and Councilman Kevin Boyce. At the Summit, the primary topics were the increasing homicide rates among young African-American men and what strategies could be employed to tackle the underlying factors.
Objectives of the Initiative are to work collaboratively with existing programs, services and organizations within the community to address the issues and circumstances that have hindered many African-American males from being successful, healthy, balanced and well-adjusted members of society.
Activities will focus on four areas: 1) educational/social development; 2) prevention; 3) faith-based involvement; and 4) business with an overall core focus on leadership development and enhancement of self- esteem for African-American men and boys.
Funding being authorized by this legislation represents the second year of support from the City for the Initiative, from which specific programs, i.e. the Father 2 Father Program, a partnership between the Urban League and the Child Support Enforcement Agency to assist men in becoming responsible and nurturing fathers, have been developed.
The ordinance is presented as an emergency to facilitate the continuation of activities without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds for this contract are allocated from the 2008 General Fund. In June 2007 the City of Columbus entered into a contract with the Columbus Urban League to administer the Initiative utilizing $150,000.00 from the 2007 General Fund.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Development Department to enter into a contract with the Columbus Urban League to support the African-American Male Initiative; to ...
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