HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplications_Assistance League DEI ApplicationDiversity, Equity and Inclusion
2022-2023 FUNDING FOR HIGH -IMPACT DE&I PROjects
Please provide all requested information before submitting your application. Please be as specific as possible!
If accommodation or assistance is needed in completing this Application, or if a paper version is preferred, please
contact (805) 781-7073 or DEI@slocity.org
PART 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION
Organization Name: Assistance League® of San
Luis Obispo County
Year Established: 1991
Fiscal Agent, if different than above:
Tax ID#:77-0337378
Name of Executive Director Judy Jimenez
(or highest leadership position)
Approximate Annual Budget: $443,809
Major Sources of Funding: Thrift Store, "Warm Your
Heart ... Clothe a Child" direct mailer, grants and
donations
Mission Statement: Assistance League of San
Luis Obispo County volunteers transforming the
lives of children and adults through community
programs.
Number of paid staff (full- or part-time): 0
Number of volunteers: 98
Name of Board President or Chair: Judy Jimenez
Name of Person completing this Application:
Charlene Ables
Organization Mailing Address: 667A Marsh St,
P.O box 14260, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Phone:805-550-4023
E-mail: grants@alslocounty.org
Name of Project: Operation School Bell®
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
Est. number of people served through this project:
2,200
Total Project Cost: $352,000
AMOUNT OF CITY FUNDING REQUESTED: $5,000
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
Briefly describe your Organization's mission, primary activities, and operating structures.
Operation School Bell was founded with the belief that for students to succeed academically and
socially they need to have appropriate clothing. This allows students to focus on their course
studies and become part of the school culture with confidence in their appearance. Studies
show that inadequate clothing negatively affects students' attendance. Our chapter is dedicated
to making a difference in the lives of these underserved students in our community.
Our programs are:
Operation School Bell -- provides a complete school wardrobe and shoes depending on the
students' choices. Underwear is an option. This is especially important for the older girls who
can also select bras.
Operation Bookshelf — provides a new grade -appropriate book for each student clothed. The
students select the books most appealing to them from a vast assortment.
Operation Dental Kit — each student clothed receives a dental kit containing toothbrush,
toothpaste, dental floss and brushing instructions in English and Spanish.
Operation School Supply — each student clothed receives a tote containing grade -appropriate
school supplies e.g., paper, pens, pencils, crayons, scissors, and folders.
Our chapter is governed by a Board of Directors who are elected annually. Our operating budget
is proposed by the Budget Committee, approved by the Board of Directors and voted upon by
the Membership.
We have dozens of committees to support our philanthropic programs and our fundraising. We
are an all -volunteer organization with no paid staff.
Describe the community(ies) your Organization supports.
Please be specific in the population and geographic area.
Our chapter works with all ten school districts in our County. The cities are Arroyo Grande,
Atascadero, Avila Beach, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Nipomo, Grover Beach,
Baywood Park, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Templeton, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita,
San Miguel, Oceano, San Simeon, Creston and Shandon.
PART 2: PROJECT INFORMATION
Describe your proposed project or program.
Specify what the requested funds will be used for, the need for this project, the number of people impacted.
Include a project plan, if available.
City of San Luis Obispo DE&I Funding 2020-21
Operation School Bell provides new school -appropriate clothing for Kindergarten — 121h grade
students in need, attending school in all ten school districts in San Luis Obispo County.
California Department of Education's Free and Reduced Meals data states of the 32,000
students in our County 16,000 qualify for their program. Assistance League will clothe 2,200
disadvantaged students in the 2022-23 fiscal year. K-5th grade students receive $120, 6th —12th
grade students receive $200 in new clothing
Describe the community the project will support.
Specify the population, location of services provided, and any other identifiers your proposed project will support.
Operation School Bell supports the underserved students in our community. The most recent statistics
from the State's Free and Reduced Lunch Program report that 49% of all K - 12th grade students
attending school in San Luis Obispo County are eligible for the program.
In the City of San Luis Obispo 245 students will be served through this project.
Students in the South County are clothed at Old Navy in San Luis Obispo and students in the North
County are clothed at Kohl's in Paso Robles.
50% Female
50% Male
Our Confidential Survey completed by parents when the students are clothed reports:
73% have an annual income of less than $24,000. The San Luis Obispo County Self -Sufficiency
Standard for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) is $82,622 Because of the high cost of living in San
Luis Obispo County, 100% of the families we serve live below that Self -Sufficiency Income Standard.
76% of the families have four or more individuals in the household.
24% of the families have fewer than four individuals in the household.
82% of the families are employed
Caucasian 25%, Latino 68%, Asian/Pacific 2%, African American 2%, Native American 3%
Describe the equity gaps and community needs this project will address.
In the grant writing world, we dance all around that word "poor" and use terms like "in need,"
"disadvantaged" and "at -risk." These children are poor, their families are poor, and the prospects
for their future are poor. Education is the primary tool for children to lift themselves from poverty,
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
fulfill their potential, and become contributing members of their —OUR- community. The most
basic, positive and productive thing that can be done for these students and our community is to
Provide a most basic need — clothing, to ensure them a quality educational experience which
includes academic and social success. Clothing is the tangible resource we provide but a
focused education is our ultimate goal.
San Luis Obispo County schools have rich intra and extra -curricular programs especially at its
high schools. Students can participate in athletics, band, choir, drama, the school newspaper
and FFA. They can find their niche, make friends, become part of a group on campus and even
become a star.
Many years ago, we received a recommendation from Dr. Julian Crocker, County
Superintendent of Schools that clothing high school students should be included in Operation
School Bell. It became a priority for our chapter and was implemented in 2014-15. We strongly
believe that this is our last opportunity of affect the educational experience of these older
students.
Empowering the disadvantaged students in our community to have a more successful education
by providing new, school -appropriate clothing is one very simple fix to a very complex problem.
The welfare rolls and prisons are not filled with men and women who have their PhDs; they are
filled primarily with the poorly educated. Education is the key to a productive, successful
community and economy. The failure of these disadvantaged students in school is a failure that
affects all of us. They become the peers of our children and grandchildren and eventually
neighbors in our community.
In the table below briefly list 2-3 methods of evaluation and indicators of success or measurable outcomes.
Methods of Evaluation
Indicators of Success / Measurable Outcomes
Example: rt of BIPOC serving on public boards,
Example: 10% increase by end of 2021
committees
At the end of the fiscal year, our chapter will access
The 2,200 students allocated in our operating budget
the program database to confirm the number of
will have been clothed.
students clothed, their age, gender, grade in school
and city of residence
In January of each year, the chapter conducts its
The results of the January 2022 survey are:
Measured Outcomes Survey sent to school personnel
in all ten school districts to determine the impact of
61.5% reported students' participation in
Operation School Bell on their students.
Operation School Bell had a positive effect on
classroom behavior,
76.9% reported students' participation in
Operation School Bell had a positive effect on
student confidence,
98.1 % reported that Operation School Bell
serves a high priority need in their school.
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
In the chart below, identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project, and their roles.
Name of Partner
Activity/Service They Provide for This Project
Example: ABC Business
Example: Free Use of Space for Weekend Classes
San Luis Obispo County K —121 grade schools
School personnel determine the students who will be clothed
and distribute the referrals to the students.
Kohl's and Old Navy Department Stores
We coordinate with the stores to select shopping days for
the clothing sessions. The corporate and local stores provide
discounts. They also staff additional employees on our
shopping days.
City of San Luis Obispo DE&I Funding 2020-21
Provide the timeline for this proposed project.
• January — April 2022 Chapter Budget: The Budget Committee meets to determine all
anticipated expenses and revenue for the next fiscal year. The Board and Membership
approved a budget which included clothing 2,200 K — 12th grade students through the
Operation School Bell program.
July 2022 — May 2023 Retail Store Coordination: Program Chairs meet with the
managers of Kohl's and Old Navy to schedule shopping days for the students based on
the number of student referrals.
• August 2022 — May 2023
Operation School Bell Referrals: Chapter liaisons coordinate with all schools and
provide them with the allotted number of K — 12th grade students to be referred. The
referral process is implemented using an online scheduling tool. School personnel
complete the student referrals. The liaisons become the contact person for schools and
are available to answer any questions.
August 2022 — May 2023
Operation School Bell Clothing Appointments: Clothing appointment dates/times are
pre -determined by Assistance League and listed on the referrals. School personnel give
the students their referral forms, which they bring with them to the shopping appointment.
Appointments can be re -scheduled.
August 20202— May 2023
Clothing Sessions: Students are clothed two or more times a week. Clothing sessions
will continue through May. On the scheduled days/times, Assistance League volunteers
meet the students at the retail store and assist them with their shopping. At that time,
students are given a tote of grade -appropriate school supplies, a dental hygiene kit, and
a new grade -appropriate book of their choosing.
Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City's one-year award funding, if applicable.
Our chapter is part of a national organization. We are held to the highest standards of financial
accountability and transparency. We are required to maintain one year's operating expenses in
reserve. In the event of inadequate fundraising, we can continue with our philanthropic
programs.
PART 3: PROJECT COST / BUDGET
Using the table below, please provide a broadly- itemized budget for your project, including the source of any
matching funds.
Item Description
add more lines as needed
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
Total Cost Amount Provided Amount of Other
by City Funds
1. 1,100 K-5`h grade students' clothing @$120 $132,000 $2.500
2. 1,100 6`h — 121h grade students' clothing @$200 $220,000 $2,500
3.
4.
61
Matching Funds
/Source'
$129,500
$217,500
'During application review, you may be asked for further financial information or for proof of any matching funds
PART 4: AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY
Describe the plan for promoting this project within the City of San Luis Obispo.
Assistance League liaisons coordinate with all County schools and provide them with the
allotted number of students to be referred. The referral process is done online with a free
Google Forms service for school personnel. They are best qualified to determine the students
most in need. Students are met at the retail stores by member volunteers who assist and
supervise their purchase of school clothing.
In addition, our Thrift Store at 667A Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo has a 2417 presence in
downtown San Luis Obispo. The revenue from our Thrift Store supports our chapter and our
philanthropic programs. The Store environment with student photos on the walls, rack cards,
business cards at our register, and the presence of our members all promote Operation School
Bell.
Our chapter is a participating member of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce as well as
the Downtown Association. We have made presentations at the meetings and availed ourselves
of their joint email to promote our events.
How will you highlight the City's support of your project?
All grantors are listed on our chapter website - www.alslocounty.org, in our monthly newsletter,
Facebook, Instagram, and Annual Report. A photo op with the appropriate City personnel would
be most welcome.
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
PART 5: CERTIFICATION
By signing this application, I certify that the information contained within is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge. I agree to comply with the requirements of the City of the San Luis Obispo.
Name of Person Completing this Application: Charlene Ables
Signature:
Title:
Date:
Chair Grants and Donor Development Committee
7/13/2022
Application Checklist
Use this checklist as a tool to ensure all required components are submitted with your final application.
I have included all of the following documents, in hard copy or via the online site:
❑ Completed Grant Application
❑ List of Organization's current Board Members or leadership body
❑ Organizational Chart
❑ Copy of Document Certifying Federal Tax -Exempt status, if applicable
My Final Application includes all documents listed above, submitted by 5:00 pm on August 31st, 2022, via one of
the following methods:
❑ The online application site: https://forms.slocity.org/Forms/2022-2023-FUNDING-FOR-HIGH-
I M PACT-D E I-P ROG RAMS
❑ One (1) signed application, including all attachments, in PDF format, submitted via email to
DEI@slocity.ora
❑ One (1) signed application, including all attachments, submitted via Hard Copy, either in person or
by email to: DE&I Task Force
919 Palm St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attn: Dale Magee
Postmarks will not be accepted
City of San Luis Obispo DEW Funding 2020-21
AL
assistance league -
San Luis Obispo County
2022-23 Board of Directors
NAME POSITION
Judy Jimenez
President
Bonnie Long
President -Elect
Cheryl Quilici
VP Membership
Chris Pontius
VP Philanthropic Programs
Lynn Ogden
VP Resource Development
Nancy Winkenbach
VP Marketing and Communications
Jo Anne Painter
VP Strategic Planning
Sue Pino
Thrift Store Operations Manager
Marylyn Hoffman
Recording Secretary
Carol Dobrzensky
Corresponding Secretary
Anna Aven
Treasurer
r
�t
c
u
�v
�o
o
u'�
c
c0
m
en
f0
VI
N
N
N
O
N
r' Deponmenl of the Treasury
r IRS Internal Revenue Sonic,
P.O. Box 2508
Cincinnati OH 45201
In reply refer to: 0248162349
Aug. 07, 2009 LTR 4167C EO
95-1945908 000000 OD
00015740
BODCI TE
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
3100 W BURBANK BLVD STE 100
BURBANK CA 91505-2548
x
L'1 J
Employer Identification Number: 95-1945908
Group Exemption Number: 4176
Person to Contact: Mr. Crouch
Toll Free Telephone Number: 1-877-829-5500
Dear Taxpayer:
This is in response to your July 29, 2009, request for information
about your tax-exempt status.
Our records indicate that you were issued a determination letter in
May 1994, and that you are currently exempt under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Based on the information supplied, we recognized the subordinates
named on the list you submitted as exempt from Federal income tax
under section 501(c)(3) of the Code.
Donors may deduct contributions to you as provided in section 170 of
the Code. Bequests, legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts to you or
for your use are deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes
if they meet the applicable provisions of sections 2055, 2106 and
2522 of the Code.
If you have any questions, please call us at the telephone number
shown in the heading of this letter.
Sincerely yours,
Michele M. Sullivan, Oper. Mgr.
Accounts Management Operations I