Proposal for Emerging Opportunity Program Fall 2014

Transcription

1 Proposal for Emerging Opportunity Program Fall 2014 Submit application to Deadline: 12:00 pm (noon) on Friday August 29, 2014 LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please limit your proposal and responses to the form and space provided. Any materials submitted in addition to this application form will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Do not attempt to unlock or alter this form. If you need assistance with this proposal or are unclear about how to respond to any questions please contact CDD staff at Agency or Group: Title of Proposal: Contact Person: Employment & Training Association (EATA) Amount Requested: $40, Is this program/project still viable if awarded less than requested? Yes No Building Opportunities thru Occupational Skills Training (BOOST) Employment Jon Danforth Address: 1819 Aberg Ave. Madison, WI Telephone: Is this Group a 501 (C) (3)? Applicant Organization founded (Year): Name of Fiscal Agent (if Applicable): Fiscal Agent Contact Person: jdanforth@eata.org Yes or No Yes 1966 N/A N/A Incorporated under Chapter 181 Wis. Stats? Yes or No Yes 1. Emerging Need or Opportunity: (5000 characters) Please describe the emerging need or unanticipated opportunity that warrants City resources and attention at this time: Madison residents, especially the homeless, with employment barriers have a significant need for assistance in obtaining and maintaining employment. This is an on-going issue and the need to address this situation is critical for our community. Although there are several Madison area employers with entry level opportunities, these barriered individuals do not have the basic soft skills, work skills or work history to match the employers' pressing needs. There are many agencies and programs involved in accomplishing this mission, collaboration and coordination of service provision throughout the community is improving significantly. Our goal is to build on these collaborations with exisiting programming including W2, Dane County's Foodshare Employment and Training (FSET) program, the Worksmart (WIA) program, and other community based initiatives to create a pilot project working directly with local employers to develop trainings for residents which will lead to employment opportunities. This project would develop cuirriculum with the employers for entry level positions and then train participants on those needed skills. 1

2 The Employment & Training Association (EATA) agrees with Mayor Soglin's comments in the October 2, 2013 Madison Employment Plan. In this plan Mayor Soglin states, "We need to create good jobs accessible to people with a wide range of skills and to connect people to these jobs. We start by focusing on adult employment initiatives aimed at workers with limited work experience, education and training." BOOST Madison's Employment will focus on Building Opportunities thru Occupational Skills Trainings, which are identified by and created in cooperation with the employer. In the late 1990's a similar approach was used with Madison's SE Asian population that was dependent on the W2 program. The training prior to employment, along with the on-site job coaching, helped place 95% of the individuals into employment. In the City's employment plan, Madison's poverty rate is reduced significantly when at least one person has attained full time employment. The rate of poverty was almost ten times higher at 23.4 % for a household without full time employment as opposed to only 2.6% when full time employment was introduced into the household. With the success seen with the SE Asian population in the 1990's EATA believes that employer-based training is again the way to success. By seeking the buy-in from the employers from the beginning to discuss the skills sets needed for entry level positions, creating trainings to introduce individuals to those skills and then providing on-site job coaching will help ensure better outcomes for these barriered residents of Madison. In addition to being on FoodShare many individuals will have significant criminal backgrounds, mental health, AODA or other significant health care problems. EATA will track each individual's progress through the State of Wisconsin CARES and the Homeless Consortium database system to report its progress monthly. 2. Applicant Organization: (5000 Characters) Please briefly describe the history and structure of your organization. Include information about staffing, your board and/or volunteers. Please describe any successes you have had in the areas of programming or the project described in this proposal. The Employment and Training Association (EATA) is one of the oldest private, non-profit, community based organizations in South Central Wisconsin. EATA has operated various federal training components funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency's roots date back to 1966 when EATA operated the Community Action Program: Neighborhood Youth Corp. Since that time, EATA has managed components of Youth and Adult Work Experience, Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), Work Exploration and Job Training (WEJT), Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS), Children First, FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET), Wisconsin Works (W-2), the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Re-entry Programming and DVR Services. EATA is committed to providing employment and training services in a way that preserves personal dignity, considers individual needs and differences, and supports individuals and their families. To further this goal, the agency employs staff with a unique blend of talents, skills, and backgrounds to ensure that customers' needs are met. EATA provides comprehensive employment and training services throughout South Central Wisconsin. As a One-Stop-Operator, partner agency in Dane, Sauk, Columbia, Marquette, Dodge and Jefferson Counties EATA has been a leader in the integration and coordination of regional services in South Central Wisconsin. Since 1966 EATA has maintained longtime relationships with other community based service providers, as well as local employers. Neighborhood involvement helps EATA to forge relationships with local staff to provide a seamless transition for our shared participants. This approach ultimately leads to better trained 2

3 candidates going into the workforce. EATA continues to cultivate and provide multi-cultural services to the diverse population in South Central Wisconsin. EATA has been successful because of the dedicated employees who strive to help those in need see the possibilities and assist them in getting there. 3. Intended Service Population: (2500 characters) Please describe the intended service population (e.g., where they are located, ages, ethnicities, income ranges, English language proficiency etc.). The intended service population is comprised of the Homeless and FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) participants. These populations encompasses individuals of multiple ages, ethnicities, skill levels and barriers to employment, such as criminal backgrounds, AODA, mental health or other health care issues. 4. Innovation: (5000 characters) How does this proposal reflect a new or innovative approach to the stated problem? EATA proposes to work with local employers to develop trainings for the Homeless and FoodShare participants residing in Madison & Dane County. This project would develop curriculum with the employers for full-time, entry level positions and train the participants on those skill sets. The employer would offer a tour of their company, help develop the curriculum and agree to interview individuals from the training. Staff from the BOOST Employment project would job coach on-site for those offered employment and act as the intermediary for any retention issues that may arise. Retention would be tracked at 30, 60 & 90 days. 5. Project/Program Goals: (5000 characters) Please describe the specific goals, objectives and intended measurable impacts of this program/project. Include the number of people you expect will benefit from this project. Program Goal 1: The Employment & Training Association will create employer-based trainings which will offer opportunities for the Homeless and FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) participants to gain new skills for entry level positions within those companies. Measurable Outcomes: * The Employment & Training Association (EATA) will contact at least 50 employers about creating trainings specific to their hiring needs. * EATA will create and offer at least one training per month to FSET participants. Program Goal 2: FSET participants will learn new skills necessary for specific entry level positions, as well as gain and retain employment Measurable Outcomes: * At least 50 FSET participants will be recruited to participate in the employer-based occupational skills training. * At least 60% of those who successfully finish the training will find employment. 6. Program/Project design: (5000 characters) Please describe structure of proposed program or project, hours of service/schedule, staffing, curriculum or project/service structure, etc. As stated above, EATA proposes to work with local employers to develop trainings for the Homeless and FoodShare participants residing in Madison & Dane County. This project would develop curriculum with the employers for full-time, entry level positions and train the participants on those skill sets. The employer would offer a tour of their company, help develop the curriculum and agree to interview individuals from the training. Staff from the BOOST Madison's Employment project would job coach on-site for those offered employment 3

4 and act as the intermediary for any retention issues that may arise. Retention would be tracked at 30, 60 & 90 days. The Training Coordinator will recruit interested employers, create training curriculum and provide training services on an on-going basis. The Training Coordinator will also work in concert with the staffing agencies to find potential employers. Orientation and recruitement would take place weekly. Particpants will be recruited thru the Homeless Consortium and the FoodShare Employment network for eligible and appropriate referrals to trainings. Appropriate is in reference to specific employment parameters, such as a person with a battery charge is not an appropriate referral to Mendota Mental Health because of the Caretaker law. At least one training would be provided each month, but more than likely at least 2 trainings would be offered each month to participants from the Homeless Consortium and the general FoodShare Employment & Training population. Tours of companies would take place before training is completed. Interviews for companies will take place after training is complete with the "sponsoring" company. Job Club for employment search would take place weekly. After employment is obtained, the Employment and Retention Specialist would check in at work sites and provide on-site job coaching if need be, as well as retention services, such as problem solving for issues such as child care or transportation needs. The Case Manager will track participation in the State reporting systems for FoodShare and the Homeless Consortium. The Case Manager will also track retention. 7. Community Engagement: (2500 characters) Please describe how residents and community were engaged in the development of the proposed project or program. The local employer community has discussed the lack of suitable candidates for entry level positions and has already expressed interest in enacting this proposal; several examples include: Pitney Bowes Pre-Sort Services. SPI Global, and Mendota Mental Health Center. In addition to regular employers, staffing agencies have also expressed an interest in partnering on this proposal to help local employers fill their positions more successfully; such as Celerity. Per Foodshare Employment and Training numbers historically with a 35% entered employment goal, the need for additional training opportunities is apparent. 8. Collaboration: (2500 characters) Please describe the level of involvement with other service providers, schools, funders, government bodies, or other public or private stakeholders in the development of this proposal and its expected implementation. This program design was approved by Dane County Human Services and the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. The Employment & Training Association currently administers several special population FoodShare Employment & Training (FSET) programs in cooperative partnerships with Dane County Human Services, the City of Madison's Homeless Consortium, Deferred Prosecution and Madison Urban Ministry. This latest design was created from the comments of local employers who described the disconnect between the applicant pool and their staffing needs. It is a fact that as the economy gets tighter, training is one of the first departments to be eliminated in corporate America. This option would allow for participants to be trained in the areas employers are seeking for their entry level positions. As employers see the 4

5 success of the program, the goal would be to charge a modest fee for service in order to sustain the project. In addition, collaboration with staffing agencies will provide another avenue to create partnerships with employers for training, placement and retention opportunities for the FSET population. Discussions with two such agencies have already occurred in relation to this program design. 9. Proposed Timeline for Implementation: Activity Estimated Date of Completion Staff orientation, training & planning Fall 2014 Outreach & recruitment of employers Fall Fall 2015 Outreach & recuitment of FoodShare Employment and Training participants for employer-based trainings thru Community Based January-November 2015 Agencies Employer-Based Skills Trainings January-December 2015 Individualized case management for the FoodShare Employment and Training participants, along with on-site job coaching and January-December 2015 retention services Employer Appreciation Lunch December Funding: (500 characters each) a) What other funding have you sought and/or received to support this project? Dane County Department of Human Services, has committed matching funds from the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program if they remain the lead contractor for the FoodShare Employment and Training program in this region. The FSET program was up for bid and EATA partnered with Dane County as the lead provider for 50/50 match in their proposal, which was submitted in July Final decisions for that proposal are scheduled for the end of September b) Do you anticipate future funding needs from City sources associated with this proposal? Please describe. We are writing this proposal under the assumption that Dane County Department of Human Services (DCDHS) does indeed get awarded the FoodShare Employment & Training grant, which was submitted in July of Decisions are not anticipated until the end of September of If DCDHS is not awarded these funds, then we would approach the new FSET agency with this proposal, but we would operate the program either full time for 6 months or part time for a year based on your recommendations. c) Has your organization received funding from the City of Madison Community Development Division, City of Madison CDBG office, Community Services, the Emerging Opportunities Program or the former Emerging Neighborhoods Program in the last 5 years? Yes No 11. Budget: 5

6 Summarize your project budget by estimated costs, revenue, and fund source. BUDGET EXPENDITURES A. Personnel Costs (Complete Personnel chart below) TOTAL PROJECT COSTS AMOUNT OF CITY $ REQUESTED AMOUNT OF NON- CITY REVENUES SOURCE OF NON- City FUNDED PORTION 1. Salaries/Wages (show detail below) $50, $25,038 $25,038 DCDHS 2. Fringe Benefits and Payroll Taxes $17, $8,531 $8,531 DCDHS B. Program Costs 1. Program supplies and equipment $1, $660 $660 DCDHS 2. Office Supplies 3. Transportation $6, $3,300 $3,300 DCDHS 4. Other (explain) $2, $1, $1, DCDHS C. Space Costs 5. Rent/Utilities/Telephone $2, $1, $1, DCDHS 6. Other (explain): D. TOTAL (A + B + C) $80, $40,000 $40,000 Explanation of Other expenses: (500 characters) Other costs associated with the grant include administrative expenditures, as well as additional funding for insurance, payroll, and professional services. 12. Personnel Chart: Please list all paid staff that will be working on the proposed program/project. Title of Staff Position F.T.E.* Proposed Hourly Wage* Employment & Retention Specialist.75 $14.90 Case Manager.2 $18.31 Employer Relations & Training Coordinator.225 $27.57 Fiscal Coordinator.05 $25.18 Executive Director.055 $30.75 TOTAL *FTE = Full Time Equivalent (1.00,.75,.50, etc.) 2080 hours = 1.00 FTE Please identify FTE that will be spent in this project. *Note: All employees involved in programs receiving City of Madison funds must be paid the established Living Wage as required under City of Madison Ordinance Effective January 1, 2014 December 31, 2014, the Living Wage is $12.45 per hour. Effective January 1, 2015 December 31, 2015, the Living Wage will increase to $12.62 per hour. 6

7 13. Fiscal Agent Relationship (if applicable): If applicant organization is not a 501c (3) this section must be completed. If applicant is a 501c (3) please skip to the Signature Page. Fundamental expectations of the Fiscal Agent and Applicant relationship: The Fiscal Agent should read the EOP application and have some confidence that the applicant agency will be able to successfully implement the proposed project or program. The Fiscal Agent will accept allocated funds from the City of Madison for the identified program or project and reimburse the applicant for expenses incurred performing the work of the contracted program. The Fiscal Agent and the applicant agency will decide who will provide and purchase the necessary insurance coverage for the identified program. The Fiscal Agent will ensure that the funded project or program is in compliance with City of Madison Purchase of Service Contact requirements, including but not limited to Living Wage requirements, Non Discrimination and Affirmative Action, and equal benefits protections. Applicant is expected to provide the Fiscal Agent with the Fiscal Agent Commitment Form. Please indicate date and staff person that received this form. Date: N/A Staff person: N/A Position: N/A Telephone Number: N/A 7

8 -SIGNATURE PAGE- 1. Affirmative Action: If funded, applicant hereby agrees to comply with City of Madison Ordinance and file either an exemption or an Affirmative Action Plan with the Department of Civil Rights. A model Affirmative Action Plan and instructions are available at 2. Living Wage Ordinance: All employees involved in programs supported by City of Madison funds must be paid the established Living Wage as required under City of Madison Ordinance For January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014, the Living Wage is $12.45 per hour. Effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015 the Living Wage will increase to $12.62 per hour. For more information on Living Wage requirements, go to 3. City of Madison Contracts: If funded, applicant agrees to comply with all applicable local, State and Federal provisions. A sample contract that includes standard provisions may be obtained by contacting the Community Development Division at (608) If funded, the City of Madison reserves the right to negotiate the final terms of a contract with the selected agency. 4. Signature: (Any applications submitted without a signature will be considered incomplete and will not be considered for funding.) Applicant Signature: Enter Name: Jon Danforth By entering your initials in the box, JD You are electronically signing your name and agreeing to the terms above. Date: 8/29/14 8