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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A SUBAGREEMENT FOR THE CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $875,900.55
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution:
1. Approving findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 which support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process; and
2. Authorizing an agreement with Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center in the amount of $875,900.55 to implement the Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STAR) Program, a youth workforce development program.
It is recommended that the resolution authorize the City Manager to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
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Summary
City Council accepted a $1M Congressionally Directed Spending Grant in June 2024. The intent of this grant is to fund the Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STAR) Program, a new and comprehensive youth workforce development initiative designed to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized, high-risk, and hard-to-hire youth in Stockton, ages 16-24. These youth, who are struggling with gang and gun violence and are often justice-involved and require specialized interventions that go beyond standard employment programs. The STAR program's success will rely on the collaborative efforts the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) and a strong subgrantee partnership.
DISCUSSION
Background
On June 18, 2024, City Council approved a resolution to accept Congressionally Directed Funding from the United States Department of Labor. This funding was made available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and will be used for the STAR Program. The STAR Program seeks to serve 20 participants committed to a minimum of 20 weekly hours for engagement in employment readiness activities at a rate of $20 an hour for 12 months. This program will be implemented by OVP in coordination with the Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center (AAAWLC). AAAWLC will be providing the work readiness portion of the program, as well as placing the youth in positions. OVP is providing the case management support for all participants, recruiting for the program and selecting the participants, and will be handling all the administrative tasks required for the grant. The STAR Program will consist of four phases.
Phase 1 will be the onboarding and needs assessment for the 20 participants. This includes a welcome and orientation to the program, which is where the expectations of the program will be outlined. Additionally, individual needs assessments for all participants will be conducted, such as risk, self-sufficiency, and substance use assessments.
Phase 2 will focus on employment readiness, offering participants comprehensive career assessments, employment navigator facilitated workshops, and work ethics training. This will prepare participants with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully secure employment.
Phase 3 will be an ‘Earn-and-Learn’ apprenticeship. Participants will have paid opportunities for on-the-job learning experiences and skills certification programs, as well as continuing wraparound support from the OVP and the sub-grantee.
The fourth and final phase will involve on-going wraparound support as the participants transition to permanent employment opportunities, as well as program success evaluation. This grant is ready to launch immediately upon City Council approval and will conclude on or before April 30, 2026.
Present Situation
The City has identified one (1) subgrantee who is well positioned to receive this significant, one-time investment:
Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center (AAAWLC)
Since 2015, the AAAWLC has worked to build community relationships, connect families to resources, and address the barriers to families living a resilient life. AAAWLC’s mission is to sow seeds by fostering change and healing that transforms communities, enabling families to move from surviving to thriving.
The initiatives outlined in the STAR Program align seamlessly with their youth social justice programs, which aim to foster healing through a racial equity lens. AAAWLC is steadfast in their commitment to supporting partners dedicated to community improvement and making a lasting impact on the lives of system and justice-impacted youth in the City of Stockton.
Through dedicated efforts, AAAWLC is committed to partnering with OVP and supporting 20 (twenty) STAR Program clients by implementing the following initiatives:
• Employment Readiness Workshops
• On-the-Job Learning Opportunities
• Build Employment Skills and Professional Connections
• Provide Employment Opportunities
• Case Management
• Evaluation
AAAWLC proposes a total budget of $875,900.55. This amount consists of $359,900.55 for operational expenses, and $516,000.00 that will be used to directly support STAR Program participants. Of the $516,000.00 of direct support to STAR Program participants, $416,000.00 will is budgeted for stipends payments, and $100,000.00 is budgeted for tuition to enhance career development.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, the Council may approve findings which support and justify an exception to the competitive bidding process. The following findings support such an exception:
1. This specific vendor has unparalleled expertise and deep-rooted connection within the Stockton community, particularly in serving high-risk, marginalized, and justice-involved youth.
2. The STAR program requires a vendor who not only specializes in delivering tailored workforce development services but also understands the unique challenges faced by the youth population that OVP serves.
3. This vendor has an established presence as a trusted pillar in the community, This trust is crucial, as OVP clients are often hesitant to engage with external services. This unique blend makes the Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center the best choice for achieving the desired outcomes for these vulnerable youth, ensuring the success of the STAR program in breaking cycles of violence and a single-available-source contract is appropriate.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the findings (Attachment A) and adopt a resolution authorizing a contract with Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center in the amount of $875,900,55.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The City and its subgrantees will pay for project related expenses in full and then submit documentation for reimbursement through the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration Community Projects Grant. There will be no impact to General Fund, all related costs will be supported by the grant funding. No matching funds are required for this grant.