HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2019, Item 4 - RamboJune 5, 2019
0
A
ue
° Dear Human Relations Commission Members,
0
w
O
F
Ui
I am writing today to seek your support for a late application from Stand Strong for the 19-
20 Grants-in-Aid program. It has just come to my attention that Stand Strong has
W unfortunately missed the deadline for this program.
As you know, Stand Strong (formerly the Women's Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo
�-- County) is a past recipient of funds from the Grants-in-Aid program. We have relied on
these funds to support the work we do with homeless survivors of domestic violence:
people who have fled, usually with their children, from violence at home into our
emergency safe house or who are working with our transitional housing program to find
Long-term, stable housing. These funds are crucial for helping these vulnerable people get
back on their feet and return to self-sufficiency.
At the time of this year's applications, we were unfortunately facing a significant staffing
challenge, the degree of which we did not fully appreciate at the time. Our Grants and Data
Coordinator had suffered two major health crises that necessitated a four-month medical
Leave. She returned from that Leave with a great willingness and desire to continue to serve
in her role, but it became apparent over time that the demands of keeping track of
application and reporting deadlines for approximately 40 grants, among her other duties,
was more than she was able to successfully manage any longer.
The ultimate responsibility for this mistake, however, rests with me, the Executive Director.
As the leader of the organization, it is my responsibility to ensure all deadlines are met. It did
not come to my attention until today that we had missed this deadline, and I take full
responsibility for it.
This funding is vital to our ability to serve some of our community's most vulnerable: those
who are fleeing violence at home and seeking safety, shelter, and self-sufficiency for
themselves and their children. I would welcome the opportunity to submit an application
immediately if it would be considered by this Commission.
We respectfully and humbly seek your consideration of this request, and hope you will not
hesitate to contact us should you require any additional information.
Thank you again for all of your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Rambo,h.D.
Executive Director
Formerly the Women's Shelter Program of San suis Obispo County