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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior Nutrition Program HSG 2024-25 ApplicationHuman Services Grant Application 2024-25 Application Questions Part 1 Basic Information 1. Organization Name * Senior Nutrition Program dba Meals That Connect 2. Fiscal Agent (if different than above)* none 3. Project/Program Name * Meals for Seniors in San Luis Obispo 4. Requested Amount * $15,000 5. Name of Person Completing Application * Juliane McAdam 6. Name of Person for Grant Communication and Contract for Grant Cycle (if different from above)* Laura Edwards 7. Organization Mailing Address * 2180 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 8. Phone * 805-541-3312 9. Email * laura@mealsthatconnect.org Part 2 Organizational Information 1. Purpose/Mission Statement * We will enhance health, restore dignity, support independence, and reduce isolation for every San Luis Obispo County resident in need who is at least 60 years of age by providing meaningful connections and free noon-time meals delivered to community dining sites or at home. 2. Briefly describe your organization’s purpose, vision, primary activities, and operating structures * The main purpose of the Senior Nutrition Program is to provide daily meals to anyone 60 years of age or older who requests our service. We provide congregate dining at each of our 9 dining sites, and we deliver meals to the homebound, who account for 80% of the meals we serve. We also do quarterly health assessments for our home-delivery clients, and our volunteers make daily home visits. Our monthly menus and newsletter provides nutritional and other health information. Our vision is that we can continue to serve the growing population of seniors in our county. All of the food is prepared by our kitchen staff in a central kitchen and delivered to the dining sites in refrigerated trucks. We also have a small office staff, and each dining site has a site manager. Our program is overseen by an executive director and a volunteer board of directors. We rely on around 450 volunteers. 3. Name of Executive Director * Laura Edwards 4. Name of Board President or Chair * Chris Fasse 5. Number of paid staff (full or part-time)* 40 6. Number of volunteers * 450 7. Describe the community(ies) your organization supports * Our organization supports the senior community in San Luis Obispo, a community that is growing. San Luis Obispo County has a higher percentage of seniors than either the state or national averages. The 80% of our clients who receive home-delivered meals represent an older, more vulnerable population for whom food insecurity is a consideration. Many of our clients are financially vulnerable, and our free meal service helps them age in place, without becoming a burden on taxpayers. 8. Approximate Annual Budget * $2 million 9. Major Sources of Funding * Area Agency on Aging, SLO County Community Foundation, the County of San Luis Obispo, CenCal Health, the City of San Luis Obispo, fundraising, client donations 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 Track number of meals served from our SLO site Provide 40,000 nutritious meals to seniors Client satisfaction survey Annual survey meets our goals for client satisfaction Quarterly health assessments for homebound clients 100% of homebound clients receive quarterly health assessments during the year Track number of City of SLO Senior residents Served 450 City of SLO Seniors served 1. Please provide an executive summary of proposed project/program * Since 2021 demand for our services has increased. The number of people served has increased 19% and the number of meals served has increased 30%. Since 2020 food costs have increased 40% and transportation costs 75%. The recent report SLO Health Counts from the County Department of Health shows that 25% of SLO County residents are age 60 and over; the California state average is 18%. Senior Nutrition Program is striving to meet these growing needs to feed our senior population, especially those who are at or below the poverty level. We are requesting $15,000 from the City of San Luis Obispo to help us meet these needs within the City. This money will be used to help us cover food costs, kitchen staff labor, supplies, rent, transportation cost for our San Luis Obispo dining site at the United Church of Christ Congregational. 2. Total Project Cost?* $110,000.00 3. Requested Project Amount * $15,000.00 4. Please provide a detailed description of proposed project/program * Meals That Connect - Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County (MTC) is dedicated to supporting the senior population (aged 60+) in San Luis Obispo County. Operating every weekday, the program annually ensures that over 1,600 seniors in SLO County receive nutritious, noontime meals free of charge. The Congregate Meals Program fosters a sense of community providing 9 dining sites throughout the county, one of them in the city of San Luis Obispo, where seniors can gather, share stories, and build friendships. For those seniors who are unable to leave their homes due to physical disabilities, lack of transportation, and other health reasons, over 450 volunteer drivers play a crucial role in delivering meals, offering companionship, and conducting safety checks during their frequent visits. This personalized approach not only addresses nutritional needs but also contributes to the overall well-being of the elderly recipients. A total of 80% of clients participate in the Home Delivered Meal Program. Clients receive nutritional education, quarterly health assessments, home visit assessments, and daily check-ins M-F. All staff and volunteers are mandated to report and partner with Adult Protective Services if abuse/neglect is suspected. Addressing the Needs of Seniors The statistics from SLO dining sites paint a picture of the individuals served by MTC and reveal the realities of seniors served: 30% of clients are aged 85 and above, 59% are women, and 72% identify as disabled. Additionally, 27% are low-income, 50% live alone, and 19% are veterans. These figures underscore the vital importance of MTC's services in addressing not only nutritional needs but also social isolation and economic challenges faced by many seniors in the community. “Meals That Connect could also be called People That Connect because it's so much more than just providing good nutrition; it provides a vital connection to our shared humanity.” - Pete, SLO Volunteer. Pete has come across some interesting folks on his delivery routes over the years: a retired 3rd grade teacher who likes to dance, a retired artist who worked on the original Star Wars movie, and a woman in her 90s from Latvia who as a teenager escaped Russian troops during World War II. Joe's Story: A Testimony to Community Care Joe’s personal story is an example of why Meals That Connect should be called People that Connect. Joe is a 90-year-old retired medical doctor residing in SLO. Despite his remarkable career, his current focus is on caring for his beloved wife, battling Alzheimer's. Amidst the challenges, Joe found solace and support through Meals That Connect, thanks to a thoughtful introduction from his dedicated neighbor, a volunteer with the nonprofit. Several times a week, Joe visits our dining site, not just for the nutritious meals but for the invaluable connections he's formed. In the company of newfound friends, he finds respite from the isolating confines of caregiving. The congregate dining program isn't just about sustenance for Joe; it's a lifeline, nourishing not only his body but his spirit too. In this shared space, Joe's story is a testament to the transformative power of community care and compassion. Intergenerational Program Launch In 2024 MTC is implementing an intergenerational program, aiming to cultivate meaningful connections between seniors and younger individuals within our community. Through our four annual intergenerational events, which include choir performances, music performances, and arts & crafts sessions, we will create opportunities for interaction and engagement at our dining sites. Last year, a class of elementary students decorated 600 bags distributed to our clients on Thanksgiving, highlighting the impact of such collaborations. We will enhance the service work by Cal Poly volunteers to assist at dining sites and in our home delivery program, facilitating an exchange of experiences and skills between seniors and students. Moreover, our targeted summer campaign will encourage parents to participate in meal deliveries with their children, promoting family involvement and strengthening intergenerational connections. Through these initiatives, we aim to enrich the lives of both seniors and younger participants while promoting a sense of community and belonging for all involved. Call to Action MTC is seeking a grant of $15,000 from the City of San Luis Obispo to support the continued implementation of MTC's programs in the City of SLO. This funding will enable us to provide 40,000 nutritious meals to seniors, conduct client satisfaction surveys, ensure quarterly health assessments for homebound clients, and serve 450 seniors within the city limits. By tracking the number of meals served, conducting client satisfaction surveys, and ensuring health assessments for all homebound clients, we will measure the effectiveness of our programs and ensure that we are meeting the needs of our community. Your partnership will ensure we continue this vital work of feeding seniors and providing community and safety. 5. Describe the community/population the project/program will support.* This program will support the senior population of the city of San Luis Obispo. The program will foster a sense of community for seniors who come to our congregate dining site in SLO. For the 80% of our clients who are unable to leave their homes due to physical disabilities, lack of transportation, and other health reasons, our volunteers will deliver meals and provide daily safety checks. As described elsewhere in this grant application, the population this program supports includes some of the most vulnerable seniors in our community. 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 * The timeline for this project is our fiscal year, July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. 9. Identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project/program and their roles * The United Church of Christ Congregational in San Luis Obispo provides us the use of their kitchen and dining room, which serve as our dining site in the city of SLO. CenCal Health provides significant financial support. Cal Poly University sends us volunteers to work at the SLO dining site at the UCC Church. 10. Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding * Senior Nutrition Program has been providing this program to residents of San Luis Obispo County since 1991. This is not a new project but rather continuation of an ongoing program. The City’s one-year award funding, while very helpful, is not our only source of support. As mentioned in another section, we receive funding from other agencies, both governmental and private. In addition, we are increasing our fundraising efforts and aggressively applying for new grant funding. 11. Describe the plan for promoting this project, program, or service within the City of San Luis Obispo * As previously mentioned, our program has been around for over 30 years, and we are well known to health agencies and hospitals. We have a representative on the County’s Adult Services Policy Council, which meets monthly to share information and collaborate. Any of the agencies on the council, which includes nonprofit agencies, private organizations, public agencies, and county departments, know about us and our program. Hospitals and health agencies refer clients to us. We also do some print marketing, and we have a newly designed website. Additionally, we will be promoting this project through some of our fundraising events. In the spring, we will be holding a three-day pickle ball tournament and pickling event; on one of those days the tournament will be held at French Park in SLO. This event will raise funds for the program, but it will also raise awareness of how our program serves seniors. 12. Est. Number of people served through this project/program * 450 13. Est. Number of SLO City Residents served through this project/program * 450 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 * P & L 22-23.pdf 35.8KB 1-page Organization Chart * MTC Org Chart_2023.24.pdf 66.69KB Document Certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status * IRS letter of determination.pdf 157.27KB 1-page detailed budget for the program including how the total requested amount of grant would be spent.   Budget * MTC Site budget.pdf 81.3KB 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 * Meals That Connect DEI Statement.pdf 66.39KB Senior Nutrition Program Organizational Chart Executive Director Client Data Administrator Kitchen Director Site Assistant(s) Jesse Lutz - Google Drive System Administrator Cooks, Food Prep Drivers Volunteers Volunteers Board of Directors Site Managers Nutrition ServicesDirector Accounting Dishwasher Grant Writer Event Staff & Contractors Office Admin. Staff & Volunteers Deputy Director Engagement Coordinator, future position MTC SLO Dining Site Project Budget Item Projected Expense Specific Use Food Costs $9,000 Cost of food purchases Kitchen Staff Labor $3000 Cost of Kitchen Staff Labor Supplies $500 Food Containers Transportation Costs $1000 Delivery Truck fuel and maintenance Rent $1000 Facility rent for dining site Insurance $500 Liability &General Liability Insurance cost Total Cost $15,000 Jul '22 - Jun 23 Ordinary Income/Expense Income CONTRIBUTIONS - MATCH BUSINESS DONATIONS 8,906.14 FUNDRAISER INCOME APPEAL LETTER 91,573.67 FUNDRAISER INCOME - Other 7,957.98 Total FUNDRAISER INCOME 99,531.65 GRANT MONIES 431,747.17 INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS MEAL SALES 66,455.00 MEMORIALS 1,735.00 INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS - Other 56,424.46 Total INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS 124,614.46 Total CONTRIBUTIONS - MATCH 664,799.42 IN-KIND SERVICES INCOME 349,968.25 NSIP GRANT 122,588.00 OTHER INCOME INTEREST INCOME 23.55 Total OTHER INCOME 23.55 SENIOR DONATIONS 112,473.93 TITLE III-AAA 1,268,356.00 Total Income 2,518,209.15 Cost of Goods Sold FOOD COSTS 470,929.46 FOOD SERVICE SUPPLIES 94,989.13 OUTSIDE SERVICE - LINEN EXP 3,289.43 VEHICLE OPERATIONS 19,361.54 VEHICLE REPAIRS 2,734.33 WAGES 1,018,084.35 Total COGS 1,609,388.24 Gross Profit 908,820.91 Expense ACCOUNTING/AUDITING 2,163.00 ADVERTISING & PROMOTION 3,268.48 CONSULTANTS 470.00 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 603.87 EQUIPMENT-NON EXPENDABLE 114,054.05 EQUIPMENT EXPENSE EXPENDABLE 5,293.72 NON - EXPENDABLE 66,817.19 EQUIPMENT EXPENSE - Other 77,044.15 Total EQUIPMENT EXPENSE 149,155.06 FUNDRAISER EXPENSE 14,944.66 IN-KIND EXPENSE 349,968.25 INSURANCE - HEALTH 2,525.58 INSURANCE - LIABILITY Directors' Liability 5,948.00 INSURANCE - LIABILITY - Other 11,933.79 Total INSURANCE - LIABILITY 17,881.79 7:00 AM SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM 02/28/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023 Page 1 Jul '22 - Jun 23 INSURANCE - WORKERS COMP 16,095.13 NOT ALLOWABLE EXPENSE BANK CHARGES 24.00 INTEREST EXPENSE -1,387.87 NOT ALLOWABLE EXPENSE - Other 20,166.22 Total NOT ALLOWABLE EXPENSE 18,802.35 OFFICE & POSTAGE 25,820.66 PAYPAL DISCOUNT 614.85 PRINTING 2,492.53 RENT 78,964.78 REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE - BLDG 4,636.55 REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE - EQUIP 8,762.56 TAX & LICENSE 516.00 TAXES - PAYROLL 82,921.74 TELEPHONE 13,061.38 TRAVEL-STAFF 14,372.20 UTILITIES 9,138.26 VOLUNTEER SERVICES 5,618.94 Total Expense 936,852.67 Net Ordinary Income -28,031.76 Net Income -28,031.76 7:00 AM SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM 02/28/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2022 through June 2023 Page 2 Meals That Connect DEI Statement At Meals That Connect -Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo,we are committed to cultivating a culture of Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion (DEI)in all aspects of our work,including the provision of nutritious meals,nutrition education,and community connection to seniors aged 60+in San Luis Obispo. Diversity:We recognize and celebrate the rich diversity of our community,including but not limited to differences in race,ethnicity,culture,religion,age,gender identity,sexual orientation,socio-economic status,physical and mental abilities,and perspectives.We believe that embracing diversity enriches our organization and strengthens our ability to serve seniors effectively. Equity:Our commitment to equity guides our efforts to ensure fair and inclusive access to our services for all seniors,regardless of their background or circumstances.We strive to identify and address barriers to access and participation,working actively to promote fairness,justice,and equal opportunities for all individuals. Inclusion:We seek to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every senior feels valued, respected,and empowered.We actively listen to diverse voices,perspectives,and experiences, recognizing that inclusivity fosters creativity,innovation,and collaboration. Our Actions: Accessible Services: ●Ensure all 9 dining sites throughout the county are wheelchair accessible and equipped with facilities that accommodate seniors with mobility challenges. ●Expand home-delivered meal services to reach seniors who are homebound due to mobility issues or other barriers. Language Accessibility: ●Continue to translate program materials,including flyers and informational resources, into languages spoken by the diverse communities in San Luis Obispo. Collaborative Partnerships: ●Actively seek out and establish partnerships with community organizations representing diverse populations,including racial and ethnic minorities,LGBTQ+communities,and people with disabilities. Client-Centered Approach: ●Conduct regular surveys and to gather feedback from seniors about their experiences with our programs and services. Data Collection and Analysis: ●Collect demographic data from program participants to ensure equitable access and representation across all demographics. ●Analyze data regularly to identify disparities and gaps in service delivery and adjust strategies accordingly. Through our commitment to Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion,we aspire to create a more just and equitable society where all seniors in San Luis Obispo can thrive with dignity,respect,and compassion.