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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCASA HSG 2024-25 ApplicationHuman Services Grant Application 2024-25 Application Questions Part 1 Basic Information 1. Organization Name * CASA of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. 2. Fiscal Agent (if different than above)* N/A 3. Project/Program Name * General SLO CASA Program Support 4. Requested Amount * $20,000 5. Name of Person Completing Application * Katrina Cathcart 6. Name of Person for Grant Communication and Contract for Grant Cycle (if different from above)* Katrina Cathcart 7. Organization Mailing Address * PO Box 1168, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 8. Phone * 8055921245 9. Email * kcathcart@slocasa.org Part 2 Organizational Information 1. Purpose/Mission Statement * CASA of San Luis Obispo County (SLO CASA) advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. CASA recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who advocate for this vulnerable population with the goal of ensuring that each and every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home. 2. Briefly describe your organization’s purpose, vision, primary activities, and operating structures * SLO CASA is a private nonprofit 501c(3) organization. Our purpose is to provide child victims of abuse and neglect with a well-trained, caring CASA volunteer who ensures a child’s social, emotional, academic, and health needs are met while they navigate the foster care system. SLO CASA recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteers and matches them with children and youth ages 0-21 who are removed from their homes due to severe abuse and/or neglect. Our vision is that every child in SLO is raised in a loving, healthy home. SLO CASA is governed by a board of directors and run by an Executive Director. The management team includes Executive Director, Development Director, Operations Director, and Program Director. A team of 6 Advocate Supervisors carry caseloads of up to 30 CASA volunteers each, providing training, support, guidance, and expertise to ensure the volunteers have the skills and knowledge needed to best support their assigned children. The advocate supervisors team is directly supervised by the Program Director. SLO CASA is currently rebuilding sources of revenue to compensate for the lost income from the cancellation of multiple annual fundraiser events during the pandemic. We’re working with local businesses and individuals to cultivate new donors and partners to sustain our work. 3. Name of Executive Director * Marina Bernheimer 4. Name of Board President or Chair * Gilbert Stork 5. Number of paid staff (full or part-time)* 15 6. Number of volunteers * 175 7. Describe the community(ies) your organization supports * SLO CASA serves children and youth ages birth to 21 who are removed from their homes by a judge due to severe abuse and/or neglect in San Luis Obispo County. In 2023, our Program Team supported 175 volunteers assigned to 254 local children in the foster care system. Approximately 50 of those children were placed in the city of San Luis Obispo and approximately 40 of our CASA volunteers last year resided within the city boundaries. 8. Approximate Annual Budget * $1.5 million 9. Major Sources of Funding * Grant funding from: State VOCA OES (Victims of Crime Act/Office of Emergency Services), California CASA Association, California Judicial Council Part 3 Project/Program Information 14. In the table below include a minimum of four (4) metrics or performance outcomes that relate to the implementation/success of the project. Examples include: # of SLO City residents served, # of referrals provided to individuals seeking social services. Methods of Evaluation Indicators of Success / Measurable Outcomes Recruitment, screening and training 50 new CASA volunteers Recruitment, screening and training Provide a CASA volunteer for a minimum of 75% of kids in need of one Increase diversity of CASA volunteers through targeted outreach and recruitment 15% increase in both male and Latinx volunteers; Bilingual banner hung in city of SLO Meet social service needs of foster youth through collaboration w community partners Update MOUs with community partners to promote role clarity and avoid duplication. 1. Please provide an executive summary of proposed project/program * SLO CASA is seeking $20,000 for the cost of roughly 20% annual rent for our office complex in the city of SLO. Total rent and utilities for the next fiscal year is approximately $100,000 for our main office and auxiliary meeting/training space for foster youth and teen gatherings. We have secured significant matching funds for the project- a grant from California CASA Association is funding $48,000 in FY 24/25 and we received an in-kind donation of $12,000 from the building owner. Rent is a critical component of our annual budget that is vital to sustaining our services, which include preventing homelessness for foster youth leaving the system. Although CASA salaries are covered for this fiscal year by grants, it is difficult to find sources to fund rent as an allowable expense. The office is a vital hub for staff and volunteers to convene together to collaborate, train new volunteers, and hold meetings and workshops to support our work. SLO Dependency Court hearings are held via Zoom, so CASA volunteers use our confidential office space and high- speed internet to attend court cases. Our offices provide comfortable and confidential space for CASA volunteers to meet with their assigned youth. 2. Total Project Cost?* $104,220.00 3. Requested Project Amount * $20,000.00 4. Please provide a detailed description of proposed project/program * SLO CASA volunteers are recruited from the local community and are required to submit a detailed application and to be fingerprinted and screened via an extensive background check prior to admittance to the mandatory training. Those applicants who are admitted to one of our CASA training classes complete 40 hours of in-person and online training. Training topics adhere to the detailed requirements of the National CASA Association and of the state of California’s Judicial Council. In this training, SLO CASA volunteers learn how to use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to working with children and families in crisis. As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting equity and inclusion, SLO CASA worked with trainers from Gala Pride and Diversity Center and Diversity Coalition SLO last year to train volunteers, staff and board on topics including: pronoun usage for non-binary youth; Implicit Bias/Systemic Racisms; Over-representation of kids of color in foster care; and anti-racism. When CASA volunteers have successfully completed all training requirements, they are sworn in as officers of the San Luis Obispo County dependency court system and assigned to a child or sibling group in foster care by their Advocate Supervisor staff that supervises a caseload of CASA volunteers. Volunteers then meet with the Child Welfare Services Social Worker and schedule a first visit with the child and his or her caregiver. The CASA volunteer provides one-on-one support for children and youth throughout the life of their child welfare case. CASA volunteers are trained to gather information and focus their advocacy in order to cover the needs of the whole child including placement, physical and mental health, education, permanency, and wellbeing. Throughout their time on a case, CASA volunteers meet and work with the youth’s caregivers, social workers, teachers, lawyers, and other stakeholders as needed to ensure that each child’s needs are met and services are coordinated without duplication. Perhaps the most important component of the CASA program is the weekly volunteer/child visit. The goal of these visits is to have fun, build trust, and gather information that will help CASA volunteers identify and advocate for outcomes that are in the youth’s best interests. Weekly outings take a variety of formats based on the interests, age, and needs of each individual child. Sometimes the outings are selected to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. For example, one CASA youth liked to go bowling every week because it reminded him of bowling tournaments with his biological family. Other times, CASA outings introduce children to new experiences, like attending their first live concert or play. Former foster youth are at serious risk of becoming homeless. A recent study by the Children’s Law Center found that up to 38% of teens become homeless in the four years after leaving foster care. One of the most daunting challenges faced by older youth is the transition out of foster care and into adulthood. This abrupt transition often leaves them vulnerable and at heightened risk of experiencing homelessness. For this reason, among the many needs addressed by CASA volunteers, securing housing is one of the most critical for older youth. Unlike their peers who have the safety net of family support, foster youth often lack a strong support system to fall back on during times of crisis. Without guidance or mentorship, they struggle to access essential services, secure employment, and pursue educational opportunities. Compounding these logistical challenges is the reality that foster youth are disproportionately affected by issues such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, and educational disparities, which exacerbate their vulnerability to homelessness. In 2012, California Assembly Bill 12 (AB12) created California’s Extended Foster Care (EFC) Program, which allows eligible youth in the child welfare and probation systems to remain in foster care until age 21. Although AB12 provides monthly funds for foster youth, they are required to have housing in order to get the check. However, if they lose their housing, they lose access to the AB12 funds, which can become a vicious cycle. Under AB12, social workers provide information but no longer act as a conduit to the services the youth might need. Having mentors to help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate adulthood is crucial. This is where a CASA volunteer can provide critical support to prevent homelessness. The following story illustrates the vital role CASA volunteers play in preventing homelessness for youth aging out of foster care. When Mark (not his real name) came into the AB12 program, he had been kicked out of his girlfriend's mother's trailer. He moved to his stepmom's property that had a couple of trailers parked on it but was not allowed to sleep inside of the trailers there. Because of prior aggression and combative behavior he had shown as a minor in the child welfare system, it appeared Mark had been written off by most of the services that might be able to help him. Mark's CASA volunteer Margaret worked hard with him to help him develop job skills, garner respect from the judge (Mark started appearing at his own AB12 hearings for the first time under Margaret's coaching) and succeed in an interview for the Transitional Housing Program, which he had been denied twice before. Margaret advocated for Mark to the department, to the judge, and to the Transitional Housing program staff. She made dozens of phone calls, and even found herself answering questions about complex trauma for these service providers. In the meantime, Margaret got Mark a tent through SLO CASA, and helped him find ways to get access to showers. As a result of Margaret’s work with Mark, he was able to get a job and pass an interview to get into the Transitional housing program. Margaret was instrumental in advocating for Mark to get the opportunity to interview, despite being denied the opportunity twice before. Without Margaret’s support, Mark would have become another homeless former foster youth. CASA volunteers need places to have sensitive and confidential conversations with their assigned youth and the many stakeholders involved in their lives in order to help them navigate foster care. The volunteers are not allowed to bring their CASA child to their own private homes due to safety and confidentiality laws. The SLO CASA office has comfortable, confidential, kid-friendly spaces that CASAs like Margaret use as a location for weekly visits and meetings. Funds from City of SLO will help close the gap in our projected rent for next year in collaboration with in-kind funds from the property owner and a grant from the California CASA Association. 5. Describe the community/population the project/program will support.* SLO CASA serves children and youth ages birth to 21 in foster care in San Luis Obispo County.v 6. The HRC has identified homeless prevention including affordable and alternative housing, supportive services, and transitional housing as the main funding priority. Does your grant request meet this funding priority?* Yes No 7. Which other priority of the non-ranked HRC funding priorities does your request support? Please check the appropriate boxes:* Hunger and malnutrition prevention Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need Services for seniors and/or people with disabilities in need Supportive and developmental services for children and youth in need Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities 8. Provide timeline for project * July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 9. Identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project/program and their roles * SLO CASA is a highly collaborative program. We work closely with all the stakeholders in a foster youth’s life to provide comprehensive support to the child. CASA receives both public funding and private funding, and we advocate for and coordinate care for each child through partnerships with public and private agencies. For example, our staff and volunteers regularly meet and collaborate with social workers and department heads at the Department of Social Services, several foster care agencies such as Family Care Network and SENECA, community agencies such as the Center for Strengthening Families, the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO), Martha’s Place for Children, Drug and Alcohol Services, County Behavioral Health, public or private medical/dental/mental health providers in the community, the County Probation office, the County Office of Education, and administrators and special education professionals at the 11 school districts in the county. We currently have signed MOUs with each of these partners delineating roles and responsibilities for each agency. If a child is struggling academically, a CASA will facilitate a meeting with their teachers to create a plan for supportive services. If they are in need of medical care or therapy, the CASA volunteer facilitates referrals to appropriate partners. 10. Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding * SLO CASA has been serving the community for 30 years as a well-established and fiscally responsible agency. We will continue to seek public and private grant funds to sustain our programs. Additionally, we hold annual fundraising events that engage new and existing donors each year. The California CASA Association lobbies on behalf of all California CASA programs and distributes funds to programs through the Judicial Council annually. We work with dozens of local corporations who support our work through donations, events and sponsorships. 11. Describe the plan for promoting this project, program, or service within the City of San Luis Obispo * SLO CASA enjoys broad visibility within the city of San Luis Obispo. Each year, we purchase space to hang large bilingual banners over Higuera Street recruiting new volunteers. We also collaborate with a variety of downtown businesses, who hold fundraiser events on our behalf. We run PSA’s on KSBY TV, widely viewed within the city limits. Our staff host tables at events like the Farmers Market to conduct outreach for new volunteers. The SLO CASA Executive Director publishes a monthly newsletter that goes to 1,500 community members and our website promotes grants and programs. Our staff regularly participates in interviews with local media including print, radio, and TV to promote our work, conduct outreach, and thank our donors. 12. Est. Number of people served through this project/program * 350 13. Est. Number of SLO City Residents served through this project/program * 88 Attachments Copy of Organization’s most recent complete fiscal year financial statement (for the previous year because it is the middle of the current fiscal year) including a statement of financial position/balance sheet, statement of revenue & expenses/income statement, profit & loss. Financial Statement * 2022 Final audit & Tax Return.zip 4.92MB 1-page Organization Chart * Organizational Chart FEB 2024.pdf 229.87KB Document Certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status * 501 (c ) 3 IRS letter.pdf 666.85KB 1-page detailed budget for the program including how the total requested amount of grant would be spent.   Budget * Budget_CityofSLOHSGgrant_2024.pdf 139.21KB 1-page DEI statement that includes: Applicants’ understanding and application of DEI Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging in our community apart from grant Explain how this project will advance DEI in the City of SLO DEI Statement * SLOCityDEI.pdf 168.53KB *Management Team member Development Director* Katrina Viola Cathcart Program Director* Nicole Perotti Fundraiser Event Coordinator Rhonda Sims Program Associate Sonja Orton Operations Director* Daniella Barion Advocate Supervisor Cindy Nguyen Advocate Supervisor Rayne Rice Advocate Supervisor Julia Thompson CASA of San Luis Obispo County Organizational Chart 2024 Board of Directors Senior Advocate Supervisor Pat Miljanich Advocate Supervisor Fonda Winslow Bookkeeper Elin Dolowich Training Manager Laura Ochoa Executive Director* Marina Bernheimer Administrative/ Development Assistant Michele Chavez- Advocate Supervisor Esteban M. Galvan Educational Advocate Sarah Perry u INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DISTRICT DIRECTOR P.O.BOX 2508 CINCINNATI,OH 45201 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Date:NOV 0 5 1997 Employer Identification Number: 77-0316227 DLN: 17053186738007 Contact Person: ANNA YORK Contact Telephone Number: (513)684-3957 Our Letter Dated: January 1994 Addendum Applies: No COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF SAN LUIS OPISBO COUNTYINC 550 FOOTHILL BLVD SAN LUIS OPISBO,CA 93405 Dear Applicant: This modifies our letter of the above date in which we stated that you would be treated as an organization that is not a priv,ate foundation until the expiration of your advance ruling period. Your exempt status under section 501(a)of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3)is still in effect.Based on the information you submitted,we have determined that you are not a private foundation within the meaning of section 509(a)of the Code because you are an organization of the type described in section 509 (a)(l)and 170 (b)(1 )(A)(vi)• Grantors and contributors may rely on this determination unless the Internal Revenue Service publishes notice to the contrary.However,if you lose your section 509(a)(1)status,a grantor or contributor may not rely on this determination if he or she was in part responsible for,or was aware of, the act or failure to act,or the substantial or material Change on the part of the organization that resulted in your loss of such status,or if he or she aoquf r ed knowledge that the Internal Revenue Service had given notice that you would no longer be classified as a section 509(a)(1)organization. If we have indicated in the heading of this letter that an addendum applies,the addendum enclosed is an integral part of this letter. Because this letter could help resolve any questions about your private foundation status,please keep it in your permanent records: If you have any questions,please contact the person whose name and telephone number are shown above. /Sincerely yours, District .' x This supersedes our lelteJ of July 1997. Letter 1050 (DO/CG) City of San Luis Obispo Human Services Grant 2024-2025 Applica�on CASA of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. Project Name: General SLO CASA Program Support Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget HSG Other funding Total Annual Rent + U�li�es for SLO CASA Office Complex $20,000 $60,000 $104,220 • $8,685 rent plus u�li�es per month x 12 months SLO CASA DEI Statement Over the last 18 months, SLO CASA has embarked on a journey toward cultivating a workplace that is more inclusive and welcoming for all staff, volunteers and clients. Principles of diversity, equity and inclusion have been incorporated into the policies and practices of the organization while we acknowledge the need for ongoing training to increase our understanding and application of DEI in our workplace. The following statement was adopted in 2023 and added to SLO CASA’s agency webpage: “CASA of San Luis Obispo (SLO CASA) is committed to improving the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of all aspects of our organization in order to best serve the diverse community of foster children in San Luis Obispo County. We are committed to providing services that reflect best practices and are inclusive of language, gender and ethnicity of all community members. We are also committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that is welcoming to all.” Our primary DEI focus at this time is threefold: 1) to better serve the Latinx community, 2) to ensure that all foster youth, including BIPOC and LGBTQ feel welcome and included at CASA, and 3) to increase the number of male CASA volunteers to best serve boys in foster care who commonly lack positive male role models. With the generous support of funders including National CASA Association, Federal VOCA, and the City of SLO, we completed the following DEI projects in the last year: • Translation of all written materials to provide outreach and education in both English and Spanish language. • DEI training for our Board of Directors from an external consultant covering the following topics: o Foundations of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion o Building Self-Awareness and Understanding Privilege o Creating an Inclusive and Anti-Racist Culture o Preventing Microaggressions • Conducted focus groups with male and Latinx volunteers to identify barriers and strategies for increasing the number of CASA volunteers reflecting each of these demographics. • Targeted recruitment events focused on increasing the numbers of male and Spanish- speaking CASA volunteers. • Focused recruitment of bilingual/Latinx staff and board members. • Diversifying social media presence to include posts in both English and Spanish We’re thrilled to report that we significantly increased the number of bilingual (8% increase) and male (20% increase) volunteers in our last CASA volunteer training cohort. In order to continue our DEI work, we have secured grant funding to sustain DEI training for volunteers and staff into the next fiscal year. We believe that the entire community benefits when SLO CASA is responsive to the language and cultural needs of youth in foster care. Our commitment to DEI remains strong as a foundational value of SLO CASA.