Explanation
Background For the past 20 years, the YMCA of Central Ohio has been dedicated to, and significantly engaged with, youth in Franklin County. The organization identifies that there is more work to be done and guidance to be given as gun violence increases, academic successes wane, and youth fall victim to street and drug dealings. These trends are alarming as they increase the chances of both incarceration and learning gaps for youth. It is clear that youth and young adults need academic support, emotional development, and options for success.
Ordinance 1399-2021 authorized the Department of Education to contract with YMCA to engage in the Fresh Start Program. In 2021, Fresh Start served at-risk youth ages 15-18 with social and emotional development, continued education, vocational skills / job acquisition, pro-social activity, social support, substance abuse, and victim awareness.
Because the pandemic however, success at engaging youth was inconsistent. Now that the pandemic has abated somewhat, participation has begun to increase. Staff have been able to access school buildings and capitalize on program referrals at a much more consistent rate. Staff have also pivoted to providing in-school group services and both virtual and in person mentoring, which has shown success.
Ordinance 1399-2021 encumbered $131,450.00 in American Rescue Plan funds for the Fresh Start Program. Of this, only $26,214.77 was spent. Extending the current contract, and allocating the remaining balance ($105,235.23) of funds will allow YMCA to continue and increase this work in the community significantly.
The Department of Education requests the authority to modify and extend the contractual deadline for the Fresh Start Program to June 14, 2023 and to allocate the remaining funds.
Fiscal Impact: There is no new funding associated with this ordinance.
Emergency Designation: Emergency designation is requested to modify the Fresh Start contract prior to expiration.
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