EPACENTER
2023 TOT SMALL GRANT PROPOSAL
CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO
Organizational Mission
EPACENTER’s mission is to increase opportunities for youth to discover and amplify their talents, realize their potential, and impact the world through creative expression. Offering free, year-round arts education classes for youth ages 6-18, paid job training in high-wage creative fields for young adults ages 18-25, and socio-emotional wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional and nutritional health, EPACENTER envisions a future where all young people in EPA can become innovators.
Organizational History
EPACENTER owes its existence to the youth of East Palo Alto (EPA).
From 2010-2017, with funding from the John and Marcia Goldman Foundation (JMGF) and with the guidance of researchers at the Gardner Center for Youth and their Communities at Stanford, EPA youth used a community-research process to document the lack of comprehensive creative development programs in EPA. Students established the need for the arts ed in EPA as well as a dedicated space for this purpose. They chose the types of programs that were most preferred by the community and EPACENTER launched these free arts education programs in 2018. Youth also selected a site for the EPACENTER building and worked with the facility’s architect on the building’s design. JMGF then purchased an empty parcel of land and paid for the construction of the building.
The new, LEED Platinum-certified, 25,000-square-foot youth development facility opened in early 2022. The building includes visual, dance and recording studios, a maker space, digital media labs, music practice rooms, a black box theater and an outdoor amphitheater.
In response to the pandemic, the next generation of youth who served on the organization’s youth advisory council noted how their lives had been affected by the public health crisis and said that health disparities, racial injustice, and economic turmoil were affecting them more than ever. They asked EPACENTER to remain focused on creativity while addressing their economic challenges and mental health. Consequently, the organization added internships in high-wage creative fields and wellness programs to its offerings.
Since youth in the community—over 150—had been deeply engaged in shaping so many aspects of EPACENTER as an organization, the natural progression was to add youth to EPACENTER’s Board of Directors. In September 2022, EPACENTER named two former Youth Action Committee members to its Board. Lastly, EPACENTER students and parents serve on the organization’s two advisory committees.
Project Proposal
EPACENTER respectfully requests $16,000 in support from the City of East Palo Alto for the EPACENTER 2023 Summer Arts Enrichment (SAE) Program. The 2023 SAE Program will provide free classes in the arts to up to 80 EPA youth, ranging in age from 6-10. Classes will take at EPACENTER in East Palo Alto every weekday for six weeks for four hours per day, providing a total of 120 hours of instruction to youth in East Palo Alto. Each participant will enroll in 4 one hour-long classes per day in visual art, dance, music, design, film, or photography, taught by professional artists who will be assisted in class by counselors. Students will be able to choose from the following list of classes:
• Animation: Animation, Illustration, Cartooning, Stop Motion Animation, or 2-D Animation • Dance: Hip Hop, Ballet, African Dance, or Lyrical dance • Visual Arts: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture Arts & Crafts, or Jewelry-Making • Music: Piano, Drumming, Violin, Choir, Guitar, Ukulele, or Music Production • Digital Media: Photography or Digital Drawing
The curriculum for each artistic discipline will align with California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Pre-kindergarten Through Grade Five, in dance, music, theater, digital media, and visual arts. The curricula will provide beginning level instruction and advances with each class, resulting in the cumulative acquisition and application of skills and knowledge for each age group. Classes will be responsive to the developmental needs of different learners and allow for different proficiency levels. Every student will participate, with a goal of helping each student achieve their highest level of accomplishment. Class content will be culturally-relevant and culturally responsive, with teaching and instructional practices that include a variety of cultures and ethnicities, and are free from bias in the portrayal of ethnic groups, gender, age, cultures, religion, and people with disabilities. Classes will often be taught in English and Spanish, which benefits English Language Learners. Classroom assistants will assist teachers in the classroom to provide extra support for students with disabilities.
The program will serve East Palo Alto youth, ages 5-10, who either qualify for free/reduced lunch at school, live in a household that qualifies for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWorks during the current academic year in which the child is registered, or live in a low-income household as defined by 2022 San Mateo County Income Limits. Documentation of an applicant's ability to meet these eligibility criteria will be required.
To recruit participants for the program, staff will visit local schools and community organizations, distribute mailings, post on social media, send out flyers via the City of East Palo Alto newsletter, and meet one-on-one with families, with all written communications being distributed in multiple languages and one-on-one meetings taking place in the language of each attending family. Parent tours will also be conducted of the 25000 sq. foot EPACENTER facility.
The goal of the SAE program is to broaden EPA youth’s 21st Century Learning Skills and high-wage career prospects. Indicators of success for the achievement of this goal include the % increase in youth participants’ 21st Century Learning Skills: 1.) % increase in creativity; 2.) % increase in ability to persevere through obstacles; 3.) % increase in ability to collaborate with others; 4.) % increase in ability to work effectively with others as part of a team to achieve a group goal. Pre- and postprogram self-assessment surveys will be distributed to students to determine the program’s impact on these areas.
Fresh Approach
Connecting vulnerable and low-income residents with healthy food options in East Palo Alto.
Project Service Category: Seniors - providing affordable access to healthy, culturally appropriate food and nutrition education for seniors and families; Leadership Development - offering paid internship opportunities at the East Palo Alto (EPA) Community Farmers’ Market; After School/Academic Support - ensuring EPA’s youth has nutritious food to promote academic achievement and internship opportunties.
Mission: Fresh Approach’s mission is to connect communities with healthy food from California farmers and expand knowledge about food and nutrition. This project supports the mission by connecting low-income EPA households with locally grown, culturally appropriate food, enhancing health outcomes for entire families. It also creates resource-sharing and educational opportunities to learn about nutrition.
Youth Academic Achievement: Studies indicate that nutritional deficiencies can impact cognitive outcomes in school-aged children, and healthier meals can improve academic outcomes (Anderson et al., 2018; Sorhaindo & Feinstein, 2006). Nutrition incentive interventions can positively impact health and local economic growth (Nugent et al. 2021), which can in open up opportunities for reinvestment in education and after-school programs. Fresh Approach manages the EPA Community Farmers’ Market, and 80% of low-income shoppers at the market have school-age children (~2.4 children/household). In 2022, Fresh Approach distributed over $50,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching incentives to low-income families to spend on fresh fruit and vegetables. By doubling their purchasing power, we are ensuring that fresh, healthy food is not just reaching the 1,000+ unique shoppers, but their children as well.
Supportive Community Environment: In the wake of the socioeconomic impacts of both the pandemic and inflation, the EPA Community Farmers’ Market offers a space that reinforces healthy behaviors and community connections within the city by reducing barriers for families and seniors to access high quality food and nutrition education. Our community partners in EPA include The Primary School, Nuestra Casa, Mannakin Theater & Dance, Boys and Girls Club, College Track, the Ravenswood Family Health Center, and the EPACENTER, and we look forward to exploring new partnerships in the coming year. In addition to supporting low-income families and seniors with incentives, Fresh Approach will host cooking demonstrations as part of a multi-language campaign to enhance awareness of culturally appropriate, local produce, creating space in which knowledge can be shared across generations.
Work Plan & Timeline:
Goal 1: Alleviate food insecurity; increase purchasing power for healthy, culturally-relevant food; and provide opportunities to better career outcomes. ● 1.1: Operate the EPA Community Farmers’ Market on a weekly basis (April 2023 - November 2023).
● 1.2: Offer Fresh Approach’s program at the EPA Community Farmers’ Market by distributing $55,000 in healthy food incentives to low-income families (April 2023 - November 2023).
● 1.3: Partner with CollegeTrack to host two first-generation college students with eight-week paid internships for summer 2023, to provide support to the farmers’ market operations (June 2023 - August 2023).
Goal 2: Increase awareness of and access to nutrition education, community connections and resources for low-income and underserved community members
● 2.1: Host monthly cooking demonstrations at the market as part of a multi-language marketing campaign to reach and enhance awareness of culturally appropriate fruit and vegetables (May 2023 - November 2023). ● 2.2: Expand awareness around the market and other benefit programs to families with younger children by targeting promotion to local schools (e.g., via Peachjar), the WIC center, and other local organizations serving EPA families (July 2023 - November 2023).
● 2.3: Promote community participation by securing regular tabling schedules for local organizations during the Summer 2023.
Evaluation Plan
● Collect insights and feedback through detailed transaction and purchasing data, in-depth shopper surveys, meetings with community partner organizations, and Fresh Approach’s Community Advisory Board.
Clients served: Through matching incentives program and increased education around healthy food and food access benefits, we will serve 7,500 individuals; 5-10 volunteers, and 2 First Gen college students to support project activities.
Organizational history and qualifications providing direct services: Our work in EPA is centered around: 1) Managing the EPA Community Farmers’ Market since 2018 - following the merger with an EPA-based nonprofit, Collective Roots; 2) Partnering with the Ravenswood Family Health Center to offer nutrition education and “prescription vouchers” to spend on fruit and vegetables since 2017; 3) operating the Collective Roots Community Garden, with free garden and compost resources since 2018.
Lead staff and qualifications: Isabel Medina, South Bay Food Access Program Manager — Isabel has managed the EPA Farmers Market since 2018, coordinated with farmers and vendors to sell at the market, and organized market promotion with community partners. Mary Anna Cazarez-Sterling, Community Engagement Program Specialist — Mary Anna started her work in the food access with Fresh Approach in 2022 as a Community Ambassador for the San Jose and Sunnyvale area, switching from Silicon Valley tech jobs to nonprofits for social justice. She helps distribute resources to shoppers at the EPA market, and holds a lead role in community outreach and engagement with our Community Advisory Board.
In order to run Camp Hope Horizon with the greatest impact, we look forward to collaborating with the city and its partners. A few of the metrics that will be used to gauge the success of our program include:
• Pre-program start survey
• Post-program end survey
• Pre & post academic evaluation
• Staff Debrief: Paid staff will debrief at the end of camp and assess the metrics and numbers to test them against pre-defined outcomes. Depending on the results, a plan will be devised for next year to improve program content and methodology.
Project management: We are happy to work with city staff as needed to have a kick-off meeting where we identify milestones, refine the scope of work, confirm our timeline, clarify specific roles and responsibilities and identify project resources. We are happy to join in City Council meetings as requested and other meetings with the city throughout the project to reflect on project milestones. We have ensured that internal protocols will be met according to our program plans, employee and volunteer trainings, metrics and documentation, reports and safety measures. Staff will help create a safe & caring environment for students.
Hope Horizon EPA academic program managers will oversee staff, students and implementation of camp. All staff undergo screening, interviews and a background check process. Staff also will go through a week of training to prepare them for their job at camp.
The training includes but not limited to the following: Camp Hope Horizon program overview, classroom leader management, internship roles and responsibilities & general roles and responsibilities, Hope Horizon policy and procedures, developmental characteristics for students in elementary & middle school, keys to positive discipline and adaptive strategies for STEAM based learning and lesson planning and how to do so effectively.
Community Outreach and Engagement Strategy:
By applying for this grant, we agree to the City’s expectations including recruitment to reach a favorable participation rate. We are happy to work with the City to identify outreach and community involvement. We have a long history of relationships throughout the city, including on the Westside where we hosted a City of EPA Parks Activation grant program last summer. This depth of experience will help us engage students and families in our programs. We will leverage those existing relationships. Also, because we have been running this program for many years, we should not have any trouble recruiting students.
Firm & Personnel Experience: Camp Hope Horizon staff are listed below. Names are linked to the biography section of our website. And, for our 4 full-time staff members, resumes are attached as an addendum:
• Camp Director: Waniya Bryant.
• Camp Program Managers: Rosie Valencia and Mona Tuitavake • Camp Support: Natessa Martinez, Director of programs
• Camp Classroom Leaders: 7 to 10 to be hired from the local community • Camp Interns: 5 to 8 to be hired from the local community • Camp Volunteers: we have a wide pool of volunteers from which to draw, from the community, students, churches, etc.
COVID-19 Protocol:
The following reflects Hope Horizon EPA’s current Covid-19 Protocols which are continually evolving:
Masking is now recommended but is not required for students and staff.
Our mitigation strategies such as hand washing/ sanitizing, cleaning protocols and high-quality air filtration will continue. Sick individuals who test positive or are symptomatic should mask and be isolated. If anyone is sick or has flu-like symptoms, we ask that they stay home. The current guidelines from the CDC recommend that sick individuals do not return until 5 days have passed since symptoms began. This policy will adjust as the climate evolves. Hope Horizon EPA may reinstate mandatory indoor masking when/if CDC data for community transmission level moves back to “High.” We have included our continually evolving full protocols as an addendum.
Remote Programming Plan:
In the case of remote programming due to mandated SIP or quarantine requirements for an ill student, supplies for each activity/lesson will be distributed to the home of the student. Bilingual instructions will be given with the activity/lesson supplies. Opportunity for parent or guardian engagement will be detailed for activities/lesson plans. Snacks and non-perishable food may also be added to the kit. Staff are accessible to students via email or phone, for added support.
Work Plan and Schedule:
Staff Schedule
TRAINING WEEK JUNE 12TH - JUNE 16TH
SUMMER PROGRAM
JUNE 20TH - JULY 28TH
SHOWCASE – JULY 28TH
DEBRIEF WEEK AUGUST 1ST - AUGUST 4TH
Daily Camp Schedule:
8:00A STAFF ARRIVE AND PREP
8:30A STUDENTS DROP OFF / BREAKFAST
9:00A CAMP START
9:15A SESSION 1
10:15A BREAK A
10:45A SESSION 2
12:00P LUNCH 1
12:15P LUNCH 2
1:00P SESSION 3
2:15P SESSION 4
3:15P STUDENT PICK UP
3:30P STAFF CLEAN AND PREP
4:00P STAFF OFF/PREP FOR NEXT DAY
Camp Hope Horizon Components - Activities & Enrichment
ACADEMICS: EXTRACURRICULARS: FIELD TRIPS DATES:
READING / ELA / WRITING SWIMMING / SPORTS 6/23/23
SCIENCE GARDENING 6/30/23
TECHNOLOGY / DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY / FILM 7/7/23
VISUAL / DIGITAL ART DANCE / THEATRE / MUSIC 7/14/23
MATH / FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COOKING / YOUTH VOICE IN LEADERSHIP 7/21/23 Academic Method: Project Based Learning
Project based learning is a specific teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personal meaningful projects.
SCIENCE, TECH & DESIGN, ENGINEERING, & MATH (STEM)
Camp Hope Horizon STEAM sessions aim to combine modern and engaging contexts relevant to students.
Students engage in the STEAM curriculum which will challenge students to use STEAM innovative thinking to build literacy, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to solve real world problems and create new designs that benefit them holistically.
READING / ELA / WRITING
Summer reading & writing is a fundamental skill students will develop. Reading helps improve focus, memory, and communication skills. Students able to learn new things while reading. Students will read and write. This will help students with mitigating summer reading / language loss. Students will also become better writers.
VISUAL / DIGITAL ART
Staff lead the students in the exploration of their own identities as artists and collaborators by focusing on group generated behavioral agreements. Students begin by learning basic skills and terms, then scaffold upon these skills to create more complex pieces of art to create a final piece of art for the showcase.
THEATER (READERS THEATER)
Reader's theater is a strategy for developing reading fluency. It involves children in oral reading through reading parts in scripts. In using this strategy, students do not need to memorize their part; they need only to reread it several times, thus developing their fluency skills. The best reader's theater scripts include lots of dialogue and staff will use the Reading A-Z curriculum to implement it.
SWIMMING
Camp Hope Horizon hopes to partner with the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA for swimming lessons -- a vital life skill for all students. The objective is that students who learn to swim teaches them that training hard, working on techniques and stamina in the water are the keys to becoming a great swimmer.
This session will provide a sense of achievement and a general better quality of life.
YOUTH VOICE IN LEADERSHIP
Camp Hope Horizon aims to be a hands-on experience for the students to work together as a team to learn and grow as community leaders. Together students will play off each other's strengths and weaknesses to develop strategies for implementing what matters most to them and their community. Holistically providing personalized opportunities for staff to serve the whole student. Students will learn to develop different leadership and life skills that will help them find new ways of thinking and problem solving. Students will also recognize the impact of their actions and teach them to take responsibility while developing deep affirmations. They will also learn to build confidence both in spoken skills and for group collaboration.
GARDENING
Gardening sessions will show students a broad range of sustainability topics, teach students the science of how organic food is grown and encourage them to make healthier choices through trying different fruits and vegetables. Students will also have opportunities for physical activity and learning life skills such as teamwork, patience, leadership and cooperation.
SPORTS
An introduction to sports in Camp Hope Horizon is a great way for students to stay active and engaged.
Students will learn the fundamentals of common sports like soccer and basketball. That means they will understand and apply proper technique, form, strategies, skills, and understanding of rules. At the same time, they will be practicing skills such as sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, communication, and more.
COOKING
At Camp Hope Horizon students will be introduced to the science behind cooking. Cooking with children promotes a lifetime skill where we can further push healthy lifestyle habits. This course is unique in which students will be able to discover new food groups, make predictions, experiment, work with the five senses while becoming confident in the kitchen.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
At Camp Hope Horizon students will get an introduction into financial management and the importance of earning and saving money. Providing students with a thorough understanding of financial literacy is vital to ensure a proper financial management in adulthood. This course will cover topics such as earning and saving money, credit and debit cards, loans, investments and much more.
PHOTOGRAPHY / FILM / THEATRE
Students will explore photographic visualization and composition as consequences of fundamental techniques of digital still photography. Class discussions and demonstrations, examination of masterworks, and field and digital editing. Students will learn the history of photography, the mechanics of camera work, how to use and gain an understanding of camera settings, modes, focusing, & metering. The mechanics of auto, program auto, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, photo composition. Students will engage in a photography project that captures their environment. As the final project students will demonstrate how to use photography to engage with their community.
Students will also be introduced to acting and video making. Students will participate in theatrical games and activities to help develop and foster a strong sense of community. Through collaboration, readings, discussions, community activities, personal writing sessions, and games, the classroom leaders will create a safe space where students will be able to write their story and create a short film. They will participate in acting, directing, and filming activities that will prepare them to an introduction to filmmaking.
DANCE / MUSIC
Students will be introduced to hip-hop dance and many of its substyles. Students will learn choreography that progressively gets more intricate as they get further into the class. They will work in groups and individually to practice and perform their dances. Collectively we will make this class a safe place for self-expression and exploration through movement. Through movies or clips students will learn about the professional dance world and what it is like to be a working dancer. The students will also learn a portion of history of hip-hop dance culture.
Academics Curriculum:
Our curriculum will focus on STEAM activities & California State Common Core Standards (Common Core) using the Project Based Learning (PBL) teaching method. Throughout the summer students will build literacy, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with weekly science, technology, engineering & design, art and math (STEAM) related projects and activities. Students will also develop career awareness and set goals for the future. At Camp Hope Horizon, using STEAM curriculum, students will be introduced to valuable skill- sets that have real world application. CHH recognizes the importance of STEAM in everyday life.
Goals and Outcomes:
Summer academics has three key goals:
1. Support students in forming positive and supportive relationships with peers and adults.
2. Build student's capacity to access and navigate opportunities for growth and involvement in Camp Hope Horizon.
3. Increase students' ability to succeed holistically.
By mitigating summer academic loss, we will provide students an opportunity to catch up on their studies, and further prepare students for appropriate grade transitions. Staff will use the hands-on project-based curriculum to achieve this.
OUTCOMES:
• 100% of students will participate in enriching activities. • 100% of students will gain exposure to STEAM related topics and experiences. • 85% of students will be able to articulate what they learned at camp. • 75% of students will gain leadership skills.
• 75% of students will gain various interpersonal skills. • 50% of students will enroll in school year programs at Hope Horizon EPA.
Insurance:
Yes, we certify that we have and can provide proof of coverage when requested.
City of East Palo Alto - TOT Grant Application
Project Name: Live In Peace SWAG
Program
Service Categories: After School/Academic Support
and Crisis Intervention
Proposed Number of Clients: 80 Project Timeline: Program runs year-round but follows school schedule for data tracking purposes
Live In Peace seeks to advance the power and beauty we know in our community by empowering our youth and young adults to reclaim the vision for their future. Our intuitive nature and systemic understanding combine to create powerful, effective programs with long-term impact through a highly relational model connecting young people to their talents, educational pathways, jobs, and a bright future.
Our programs focus on youth and young adults that are not served by other programs and partners in East Palo Alto and the Belle Haven community of Menlo Park, most of which are from the Sequoia Union High School district. Our programs successfully move students who are the least likely to graduate through high school to their next steps: junior college, trade school, or straight to a 4-year college, all while supporting their social and emotional well-being. We look at their success holistically to ensure they are academically successful as well as thriving in their personal lives.
The SWAG High School Program (Students With A Goal) focuses on the most academically disengaged students in grades 9-12 and provides tutoring, one-on-one mentoring, case management (life coaching), and more to see students back on track to graduate and thrive both personally, emotionally, and academically. This program has been designed as a comprehensive program to ensure that young people who are credit deficient, in or on their way towards juvenile hall, or on the verge of dropping out, have a culturally relevant, academically rigorous, and pro-social support environment to get back on track. The SWAG program includes:
- Recognition that young people in East Palo Alto innately want to live into their dreams, graduate high school, and follow pathways that bring meaningful living wage jobs.
- Core values of youth development and violence prevention - Case management and Life Coaching by staff trained in best practices of youth development and relevant skills connected to systems such as schools and juvenile hall
- Utilizes best practices throughout all program activities - Academic resources that will facilitate credit recovery; including teachers, tutors, and software provided by Sequoia School District
- Utilizes the Alive & Free Initiative, now recognized by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as one of the nation’s 15 most promising models - Multi-agency collaboration including: San Mateo County, Cities of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park, Ravenswood and Sequoia School Districts, and partner non-profits.
This program also highlights and focuses on many of the top strategies to support youth and young adults in East Palo Alto from the Community Collaboration for Children’s Success. It provides mental/behavioral health support for students, strengthens connections between school staff, students, and parents/caregivers, it expands and provides safe, affordable places and programs for youth and families, it creates culturally responsive opportunities and support to help with healing from trauma, and increases culturally appropriate, and trauma-informed resources available to undocumented youth as well as re-entry care and services.
Our SWAG youth demonstrate statistically significant outcomes: 191 students graduated high school; considerable increases in the average graduation credits earned, from 49 to 61, especially in academics, as opposed to electives, from 28 to 37; & a 100% graduation rate. Currently, 100% of remaining students are on track to graduate & will transition to our College Initiative or GAP Programs. And we continue with the following program goals:
- 90% of participants graduate from high school (including fifth year seniors) - Reduced truancy/chronic absenteeism by 50% or increased attendance - 100% of students will create a post-secondary Life Plan - 75% program completion rate for all youth
- Within one year of graduating, 75% of students will be pursuing college, trade school, or a living wage job
Live In Peace has been embedded in the East Palo Alto community for over 20 years and the foundation of our work is simple: we’re family. Our organization operates in the same spirit of the village that birthed the city of East Palo Alto and success in our programs is owed most significantly to this family spirit that guides and shapes our work. We are a family who loves this city and will do whatever we can to support the preservation of its people and cultures. The success of our programs is a testament to the staff and leadership of our organization. All Live In Peace staff were either born and raised in East Palo Alto or have been long-time residents of the city. We love our community deeply and have long-standing relationships with generations of youth and families. Our role as community members and extended family give our team unique insights into the needs of young people, access to their families, and the ability to create effective, trusted programs.
EPA Transient Occupancy Tax Small Grant 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mannakin Theater & Dance requests a grant in the sum of $16,000 as General Operating Support for en Avant School of Dance, Mannakin’s dedicated dance outreach program in East Palo Alto. These activities are in the categories of Youth Services and STEAM opportunities—the “A” is for Art! The Mission of en Avant School of Dance is to bring the long-term benefits of high-quality ballet training, studio community and regular performing opportunities to underserved youth and families of East Palo Alto by overcoming the persistent obstacles of cost and proximity. en Avant School serves youth and families of East Palo Alto out of its Bay Road location. Tuition is charged at roughly 35% of the market rate demanded at similar facilities in Palo Alto and Menlo Park. This low tuition rate is made possible by grants like TOT.
A grant from the Transient Occupancy Tax Program will be used to directly subsidize the tuition of families in East Palo Alto and make possible the growth of ballet in EPA through en Avant School.
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Mission— The mission of Mannakin Theater & Dance is to expand the world of the performing arts by inviting new individuals and demographics to rich experiences in the theater seats, inside the learning studio and underneath the stage lights. We believe that by opening the tent of the premier performing arts to the broadest swath of people and cultures possible that new audiences are created, fresh voices are heard and all people are lifted to ever greater heights of human creativity and achievement. The production credo of MTD focuses on works that spontaneously gather a racially and ethnically diverse audience by engaging creators and artists from a wide range of communities, including Latin, Chinese, Indian and African American.
Core Activities—Mannakin Theater & Dance maintains two full-time leases. The headquarters of the company are located in San Francisco at the MTD operated iMPACt Center for Art & Dance. The second venue, en Avant School of Dance, is a 1,200 square foot building in East Palo Alto. en Avant School of Dance is the original MTD outreach program in EPA. It was started in 2018 with the Youth Club at St. Francis of Assisi. Now operating on its own, out of 1841 Bay Road, over 400 youth and hundreds of family members have participated in the ongoing activities of the school. In December 2022, MTD produced the first Nutcracker to be seen in East Palo Alto at East Side College Prep School in EPA.
The Nutshell! is an annual Nutcracker festival. It premiered in 2017 and has been seen every year since, including a global film production in the pandemic year of 2020. It features audience participation and guest performers from traditions like flamenco, Chinese and Indian classical, folklorico, jazz and tap. Students of en Avant School in EPA have participated in The Nutshell! every year since 2018.
Folk Dances is MTD’s summertime offering. Each August, a new fairy tale/legend is treated to a fresh rendition by Mannakin’s professional dancers, adult summer workshop attendees and students of en Avant School of Dance. The 2021 production was The Pied Piper. In 2022, The Emperor’s New Clothes was performed, and in 2023 the production will be Sun Wukong: The Monkey King, a Chinese folk tale from the Tang Dynasty.
NARRATIVE
Residents of low-income communities, like East Palo Alto, face two obstacles to participation in the world of ballet: cost and proximity. A quality ballet education can easily cost $600 per month—making raw expense the most obvious barrier to entry. Secondly, ballet studios locate their facilities near their upper-class clientele, making them inconvenient to underserved neighborhoods. Therefore, even a family that can manage the expense is often barred by factors of travel time, work schedules and traffic congestion. Because P.O. Box 881822, S.F., CA 94188 (415) 519-7171 [email protected] quality ballet training is available almost exclusively in privately operated dance studios, growing up in an underserved community like East Palo Alto means growing up outside the influence of ballet.
In April of 2018, MTD set out to test a solution to the above problems by initiating an eight-week pilot program in cooperation with the Catholic Charities Youth Club in East Palo Alto, and en Avant School of Dance was born. Mannakin Theater & Dance has since forged relationships with The City of East Palo Alto, Creative Montessori of EPA, Hope Horizons, Seventh-day Adventist EPA and RISE after school. More than 400 youth have taken part in en Avant School programming.
Classes are held four days per week at en Avant School. Three days follow a focus on ballet, and once a week on Mexican Folklorico dance. Current enrollment stands at 85 youth, some of whom take class as often as three times per week. Recent growth patterns predict that this will nearly double within a year; bringing en Avant School to parity with many mid-sized ballet studios at 160 ongoing students. Our enrollment and participation is closely tracked using the online platform, Dance Studio Pro. We can provide up to date information on all the families we serve through these records.
Our families closely reflect the race and language make-up of East Palo Alto, with 65% of our youth being of Latin heritage, 10% African American, 10% Pacific Islander and 5% from a variety of other backgrounds.
Many of our families speak Spanish at home, and some of our younger students encounter English for the first time in ballet class, giving them a head start in school.
Two factors elevate en Avant School to the level of a bona fide private dance studio: MTD teachers and multiple annual performance opportunities. Our teachers are not volunteers—they are highly qualified, dedicated teaching artists, sought after by other studios and compensated at a competitive rate. Regular performance opportunities are just as impactful. Youth participate in The Nutshell! each December and Folk Dances each summer. Ongoing performance traditions provide a series of milestones for dancers and their families.
FUNDING
MTD incurs costs of $170 per month for each student who participates in en Avant School. With ten months of programming per year, the annual cost per student is $1,700. A portion of this amount is covered by the family in the form of tuition and registration fees, leaving Mannakin Theater & Dance with the need to raise roughly $120 per month, or $1,200 per year for each young dancer. TOT funds will be a critically necessary contribution to the base operational costs of en Avant School, and benefit EPA youth throughout the year.
Funding to support en Avant School has come from private donations, government entities and corporate foundations including: The Atkinson Foundation, The Billy Graham Memorial Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation Donor’s Circle for the Arts, San Mateo County Arts Commission, Woodland Park Communities Foundation, Dermody Properties Foundation, The City of East Palo Alto, Palo Alto Community Foundation, Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund and the San Mateo Community Foundation.
RELEVANCE TO THE COMMUNITY
Ballet studios provide much more than an empty room in which to dance. They deeply enrich the families and communities that enjoy access to them. Ballet studios can serve as primary threads in the fabric of family life and provide the sole means of participation in one of the most revered forms of art, the world over. Our families in East Palo Alto provide evidence of the community created by en Avant School, when they visit with each other in the waiting room of our facility and offer rides to each other when one family has difficulty in getting their child to class. They see each other in the performance halls and cheer for one another’s children from adjacent seats.
Thank you for considering a grant to Mannakin Theater & Dance in support of en Avant School of Dance, the ballet school that has chosen East Palo Alto as home.
405 El Camino Real Box #507, Menlo Park, CA 94025 ⬝ (650) 630-4515 Onyxx Village Connection (OVC) believes that everyone deserves a healthy, hot, delicious meal! As a mother, Jennifer intentionally raised a caring, selfless, and compassionate individual. In stressing the value of helping others, Jennifer encouraged Jules to dedicate himself to community service. Initially, they shared our leftovers with a few homeless individuals near their home and started a tradition of baking cookies during holidays as gifts for family, friends, and the homeless. They wanted to expand their community service efforts, so they requested extra snacks from the Boys and Girls Club, bagged them, and offered them to the homeless.
Jennifer and Jules collected leftovers from Jules’s school cafeteria to deliver to people in need and kept goodie bags in their vehicles to give to individuals when they asked for food. In the Summer of 2015, Jules attended StreetCode Academy, where he developed his first app and the courage to speak in front of an audience. Jennifer volunteered to support StreetCode’s efforts to provide light snacks for students and prepared goodie bags of homemade treats for field trips and the student showcase. Noting Jennifer's involvement, Olatunde Sobomehin, the StreetCode Director, asked her to lead the food ministry. Rather than spending the allotted $50 budget on store-bought and pre-packed snacks, Jennifer suggested that they serve hot meals. Olatunde was reluctant, because of the limited budget, but she assured him that it would work. With the help of the Ecumenical Hunger Program, churches, and food banks, she was able to collect enough food to cook and feed 100-plus students twice a week. Jules and Jennifer decided to start Onyxx Village Connection to feed the hungry, eliminate food waste, and connect the community to resources that could improve the quality of their lives. While food is an important part of service, Onyxx Village Connection is on a mission to connect communities to food, resources, and compassion; helping the whole person by nurturing their mind, body, and soul. OVC clients are the homeless, seniors, children, the unemployed, and the working poor.
Our project service category is crisis intervention. The economic disruption during COVID-19 has increased the need for food and meals for families. Insufficient food and lack of stable housing are major issues for families in East Palo Alto and surrounding cities. Many of them live in vehicles, garages, tents, and rooms where they often have limited to no access to many basic needs. There is a crisis of homelessness and hungry families even more than before, people in our community have money challenges and have to decide between food and rent. OVC is requesting general support to meet this increased demand for food delivery, water, and distribution of basic necessities as well as supply our volunteers with the needed safety gear such as hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, and masks.
OVC wants to identify and connect with the most challenged members of our community, including the homeless and disconnected. OVC also will work to connect each recipient with community-based information and resources including free education opportunities (such as StreetCode Academy) and COVID testing opportunities.
Our goals are to:
1. Provide 12,000 healthy meals in a way that allows people to maintain their dignity.
2. Distributing necessities such as socks, toiletries, warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and tents to homeless citizens
3. Providing citizens with water for things such as drinking, brushing their teeth, and bathing if they choose.
Our proposed outcomes are:
1. Distributing meals to homeless and low-income children, youth, families, and seniors who can't afford a good meal.
2. Providing citizens with socks, toiletries, warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and tents
3. Citizens will receive bottles of water for drinking, brushing their teeth, and bathing if they choose.
4. Providing citizens with resources for housing, healthcare, and education and encouraging them to use them
This project will run from June 1, 2023, through August 1, 2023. Onyxx Village Connection is a mobile outreach organization on a mission to restore the dignity of underserved individuals and families by providing food, resources, and compassion. We are requesting a grant of $16,000 for our Healthy Meals with Dignity program to provide healthy meals, water, and basic necessities. We will compensate employees to oversee food preparation, and distribution of meals and necessities to increase our capacity and service.
Across the spectrum of people who are struggling to make ends meet, the common thread is food insecurity. From seniors on limited incomes whose cupboards are bare at the end of the month to children who attend school knowing that their subsidized lunch will be their only meal of the day—the number of individuals who go to bed hungry at night is staggering. The results of this one deficit are overwhelming: caloric deficit makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks and affects the ability to make good decisions. Academic performance suffers and the quality of work one can manage is notably poorer than what one is capable of when meals are regular and generous. The shame and stigma of not being able to provide for oneself and one's family is already a heavy burden, and it can over time erode an individual’s sense of self-worth and dignity to a dangerous low. Providing meals, water, basic necessities, love, and connection are small gestures that make big changes in the lives of those who receive them. By offering material and emotional support to those in need, we are able to help individuals find their way back to dignity, self-determination, and the stability they seek.
Funding will be disbursed as follows; $2400 for personnel, $3600 for van fuel and maintenance, and $10,000 for meals, water, and basic necessities. 5 CHECK LIST
1. Application (pp. 7-8)
• Narrative (2 pages max)
• Describe your organization briefly.
• Work Plan: For this project.
• Attachments (Submit as Word Documents – Use online forms) • Budget
• Logic Model
• Measure C/TOT Compliance Policies
a. Conflict of Interest (COI) Certification – (Use online form) b. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Where a partnering, collaborative, and or subcontracting relationship is proposed, the submission must include an MOU between the partnering organizations, which
documents the relationship and delineates tasks and or
compensation for each party.
• IRS documents
a. 501(c)(3) Determination Letter: Or Copy of fiscal agent’s 501(c)(3) determination letter
b. Form 990 or 990 Exemption: Last 2 years
• Financials
• Annual Budget: 2 years
• Financial Statements:
• Current YTD
• Previous Year
• Matching Funds: Commitment letter if applicable
• Other
• Organizational Chart:
• The chart should include the primary applicants’ Board of Directors, the entire project team (all partners), and
illustrate the relationship between the partners.
• Board Members List: Including titles and addresses.
• Executive Director Name: Or equivalent employee.
X
X
X
X
X
6 CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO –TOT
SMALL GRANT APPLICATION
COVERSHEET
PLEASE READ AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS ON THIS APPLICATION FORM.
Organizational Information
Legal Name Organization:
Address of Organization:
Website:
Collaborating Organization:
Website:
*Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary.
Contact Information
Grant Administrator
Email
Phone Fax
Grant Request
Amount Requested: (Not to exceed $16,000) $ ______________ Total Project Budget: (For this project) $ ______________ Matching funds/in-kind donations? (Yes/No) Circle one. If yes, amount?
$ ______________
What is your organization’s total annual operating budget? $ ______________ Please list the names of matching funding or in-kind donation sources:
Have you received TOT funding previously? Yes No Year(s)? ___________ Is that grant still active? Yes No
If not, have you submitted your Closeout forms? Yes No
Please indicate your service category: Summer Camp Leadership Development After School/Academic Support Career/Employment/Entrepreneurship Crisis Intervention Sports & Recreation Re-Entry/Diversion STEAM PROGRAM at Cooley Landing Seniors
Retraining the Village
2399 Menalto Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
www.retrainingthevillage.org
N/A
N/A
Halley Crumb
[email protected]
650-461-0433 N/A
16,000
19,170
3,170
DOJ Second Chance
X
X
X
X
1,924,439
2019
7 Target Demographic
Please check the appropriate box(es) indicating the target category and age group(s) (if appropriate) that will be served with the funds requested:
Check Target Category (categories):
Children Youth Families Seniors
Check Age Group(s):
under 5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-18, 18 – 24, 25 – 64, 65 & up
Clients Served:
List the number of East Palo Alto Clients you intend to serve during this program: ________ List the total number of Clients you intend to serve during this program: ________ Summer Program Timeline
What are your dates of service for this program? START: __________ END: ____________ What days/nights will you run your program? (Ex: M-F) __________ Hours? ____________ Acknowledgement
I have read the minimum compliance standards for the City of East Palo Alto TOT Grants Program and can demonstrate that my program meets all minimum standards.
I agree to fully participate in the City of East Palo Alto’s spirit of partnership (see Section 1, Item F. Contractual Requirements and additional requirements as a funded organization.
I certify that my agency is eligible to apply based on the criteria listed in the Request for Applications and agree to submit any follow up documentation needed to verify eligibility (including but not limited to a 501(c)(3) tax letter). The signatory declares that: 1. they are authorized to sign on behalf of all entities in the partnership (if applicable); 2. the application accurately outlines the extent, objectives, and methods of the project; and 3. the grant funds, if awarded, will be used solely for the purposes outlined in this application. ________________________________ ______________________ Signature of Authorized Representative Date Signed
________________________________ ______________________ Printed Name Title
X X
X X X X X X X
X
X
X
Halley Crumb Chief Executive Officer
Saturdays
June July
afternoon
500
500
02 / 24 / 2023
Doc ID: bb5505175a7debc831fce35b0b38ba07c1207505
Proposal Narrative
Organization Description: Retraining the Village’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness. Taking its name from the African saying “it takes a village to raise a child,” Retraining the Village believes that it takes a village to change a person, one at a time. Retraining the Village takes a strengths-based approach to services, recognizing the capabilities of the individuals we serve and providing them with the supports and resources they need to regain hope and achieve goals for permanent housing and stability. Since our founding in 2012, we have primarily focused our services on individuals who are homeless, Veterans, individuals with SUD challenges, dually diagnosed individuals, and the re-entry population. Retraining the Village currently provides services in San Mateo County and Madera County through three transitional housing programs providing 40 beds for individuals who are homeless (including two programs providing 20 beds in East Palo Alto), alongside outreach, employment services, life skills education, behavioral health services, and substance abuse treatment services. Retraining the Village operates our transitional housing programs out of single-family homes, providing a safe, comfortable, home-like setting in which individuals can address their barriers to stable housing and access necessary services to prepare to move into permanent housing. Since we were founded in 2012, Retraining the Village has provided case management, transitional housing, and linkages to supportive services to more than 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. 65% of those served by Retraining the Village have exited the program to permanent housing.
Project Service Category: Re-Entry/Diversion
Work Plan/Project Description: Retraining the Village is proposing 2 “Food, Family, Fun” community engagement events that will bring together formerly incarcerated individuals and their families/children for an opportunity for family fun, relationship-building, and community building.
These events will provide opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to build positive relationships with their children through fun activities, including food, bounce houses, and performances by local talent (singers, dancers, etc.). Re-Entry Case Managers (leveraged) will be available at the events to connect attendees to additional supports as needed. The impact of engaged parents is clear: children of involved fathers have higher IQs by age 3, earn higher grades throughout school, and demonstrate higher levels of economic achievement and psychological well-being as adults. In fact, research found that parental involvement at age 7 independently predicted educational attainment by age 20. Parental involvement has also been linked to improved emotional health, with paternal warmth and close relationships with fathers resulting in reduced behavioral problems in school. The proposed Food, Family, Fun events will provide a low-pressure, fun opportunity for formerly incarcerated fathers to grow their relationships with their children. Additionally, the events will provide a fun opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate our East Palo Alto community. The events will be held at Jake Farrell Park and at The Landing.
Project Goals and Objectives: The overarching goal of the events will be to support formerly incarcerated fathers in building strong relationships with their children, while providing a fun, familyfriendly event for the community. This will be measured through pre-post-event surveys of incarcerated fathers, which will ask fathers to rate the extent to which they felt the event helped them get to know their child better, build trust, and deepen their relationship. Retraining the Village projects that 80% of fathers will report improvements in at least one of these metrics (knowledge of their child, trust between father/child, depth of relationship) following the events.
Number of Clients to Be Served: Retraining the Village expects the two events will be attended by 500 community members (250/each), including 200 formerly incarcerated fathers and their 300 children.
Project Partners: Retraining the Village will invite local law enforcement to attend the event, and will also invite our partners that serve the re-entry population to attend/invite their participants. These partners include: Real Fathers and California Reentry Project.
Project Timeline: The events will be held on two Saturdays in June and July 2023.
How Project Helps Retraining the Village Fulfill Its Broader Mission: Retraining the Village’s mission is to prevent and end homelessness. One of the priority populations Retraining the Village serves is the re-entry (formerly incarcerated) population. Being present in their children’s lives is a strong motivator for formerly incarcerated individuals to avoid recidivism and make progress towards their re-entry plans (including securing employment, securing stable housing). Many of the men Retraining the Village serves are driven to secure permanent housing, employment, and address the other challenges that led to their incarceration so that they can have a more involved role in their child’s lives. In this way, the Food, Family, Fun events provide an incentive for formerly incarcerated individuals who are at-risk of homelessness to continue to work their case plan, and provide a positive reminder of the good things in their lives that they are working so hard for.
How Activities Will Increase a Young Person’s Academic Achievement or Positively Develop Their Social Skills: As noted above, research has found that parental involvement at age 7 independently predicted educational attainment by age 20. Thus, providing opportunities for formerly incarcerated fathers to be involved with their children can contribute to a young person’s academic achievement.
Further, the opportunity to engage with other young people at the Food, Family, Fun event will provide youth an opportunity to positively develop their social skills.
How Services Will Offer a Supportive Community Environment for Families: The Food, Family, Fun events are specifically designed to provide a supportive community environment for families – particularly families with a formerly incarcerated parent – to enjoy a relaxing, fun day together.
Organization History and Qualifications: Retraining the Village has been providing transitional housing and support services for formerly incarcerated individuals since 2012. We have built relationships with CDCR and San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department, and have experience working with their discharge staff to serve individuals preparing to exit and in need of housing. Most recently, we were awarded a contract from the US Department of Justice through the Second Chance program to provide re-entry case management and supportive services for the re-entry population.
Staff Qualifications: The Food, Family, Fun event will be organized by CEO Halley Crumb. Ms.
Crumb founded Retraining the Village in 2012. Since then, she has opened transitional housing programs with 40 beds for individuals who are homeless, with a focus on serving individuals with SUD challenges and the re-entry population. Ms. Crumb sits on the Board of Directors of the San Mateo CoC. She has been supervising all Retraining the Village staff and volunteers since 2012.
Project Budget: See attached.
How Budget Supports Objectives: The proposed budget focuses on direct costs associated with hosting two family fun events for formerly incarcerated fathers and their families, including bounce house rental, food purchase, and prizes for games, all of which will allow formerly incarcerated fathers and their children to engage in fun activities while strengthening their relationship.
Logic Model: See attached.
Revenue
Source Amount TOT Funds Leveraged Funds
East Palo Alto TOT $16,000 $16,000 $0
DOJ Second Chance Re-Entry Case Management $3,170 $0 $3,170 Total Revenue $16,000 $16,000 $3,170
Expenses
Personnel Amount TOT Funds Leveraged Funds
Executive Director - 50 hours $2,000 $2,000 $0
Re-Entry Case Managers - 2 @ 32 hours/each $1,600 $0 $1,600 Subtotal Personnel $3,600 $2,000 $1,600
Fringe Benefits @ 20% $720 $400 $320
Total Personnel $4,320 $2,400 $1,920
Operating Amount TOT Funds Leveraged Funds
Bounce House Rental (2 @ $250/each x 2 events) $1,000 $1,000 $0 Food for Families (Meal) ($5/person x 250/event x 2 events) $2,500 $2,500 $0 Liability Insurance $350 $350 $0
Prizes for Games $500 $500 $0
Table/Chair Rental ($500/event) $1,000 $1,000 $0
Printing (Marketing Fliers) $250 $250 $0
Musician/Entertainment Fee ($1,000/event x 2 events) $2,000 $2,000 $0 Participant T-Shirts ($12/each x 250/event x 2 events) $6,000 $6,000 $0 Participant Supports (clothing, work supplies) @ $50/person x 25 re-entry adults $1,250 $0 $1,250 Subtotal Operating $14,850 $13,600 $1,250
TOTAL BUDGET $19,170 $16,000 $3,170
Food, Family, Fun Re-Entry Family Engagement Events
Program: Retraining the Village Food, Family Fun Events Situation: Individuals exiting correctional facilities into East Palo Alto face an uphill battle, with significant barriers related to high housing costs, employment challenges, addressing mental health and/or SUD challenges, and building a strong, pro-social community to support successful reintegration. For parents, re-entry also comes with the challenge of rebuilding their relationship with their children. The impact of engaged parents is clear: children of involved fathers have higher IQs by age 3, earn higher grades throughout school, and demonstrate higher levels of economic achievement and psychological well-being as adults. In fact, research found that parental involvement at age 7 independently predicted educational attainment by age 20. Parental involvement has also been linked to improved emotional health, with paternal warmth and close relationships with fathers resulting in increased self-efficacy and reduced behavioral problems in school. Retraining the Village provides transitional housing, case management, mentoring, and linkages to supportive services to help formerly incarcerated parents reintegrate with their families and secure/maintain permanent housing. The Food, Family, Fun Events will support family reintegration and strengthened parent/child bonds.
Budget: $19,170 ($16,000 TOT, $3,170 Leveraged) Timeline: 2 Saturdays in Summer 2023 INPUTS ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS Short-Term
Outcomes
• Executive Director
time
• Re-Entry Case
Managers
(Leveraged, DOJ
Second Chance)
• Support from
elected officials,
NGOs, &
residents
• Bounce house
rental
• Food and food
service supplies
• Parks
• Outreach and
marketing
• Outreach and
marketing to
inform
community
about events
• Event planning
• Bounce house
• Community meal
• Live
music/entertainm
ent
• Linkages to reentry supports
• Pre and post
survey of
attendees
• # of events held
• # of community-based
partners informed
about the events
• # of formerly
incarcerated parents
and children who
attend the events
• # of meals served
• # of parents informed
of other services
available to them
Long-Term
Outcomes
• Formerly
incarcerated parents
will positively
engage with their
children at the
Food, Family, Fun
Events
• 80% of fathers will
report
improvements in
knowledge of their
child, trust between
father/child, and/or
depth of
relationship
following the
events.
• Formerly
incarcerated
parents develop
strong parental
relationships with
their children
• As a result of
positive parental
involvement,
children will earn
better grades, and
demonstrate higher
levels of economic
achievement and
psychological
well-being as
adults.
February 20, 2023
Friday Night Vibez Program
Conception: Fall of 2020
Frequency: Quarterly for the last 2 years
Purpose: Safe Haven for Youth and Young Adults
Proposed Enhancement: Program Expansion
Friday Night Vibez materialized in response to youth in the EPA community seeking a place to freely express themselves through music, dance, spoken word, and other art forms. The evening is comprised of food, fun, and fellowship. Friday Night Vibez is a haven where youth gather and fellowship with their peers and showcase their talents in a non-intimidating atmosphere. The initial Friday Night Vibez event occurred in 2020 and has happened quarterly since then.
Individuals participate in person and virtually. To date, attendees have come from near and far, domestically, and internationally, and some participants have come from as far away as Israel. All youth can benefit from positive interactions with adults and peers.
The goal of Friday Night Vibez is to serve as a conduit for sharing creativity. Creative expression improves mood, boosts self-esteem, enhances cognitive function, improves social life, and alleviates stress and anxiety.
To date, attendance for the quarterly event has been approximately 60 participants, and its projected trajectory is upward. Program enhancements include expanding the program to incorporate workshops to help our youth further develop their skillset. Securing industry professionals to guide youth in their respective areas of art.
Mentoring programs are a prominent strategy for preventing adverse outcomes and promoting resilience among at-risk youth and young adults. The overarching goal of the Friday Night Vibez program is to provide our youth with a safe, positive alternative environment to express themselves on a Friday evening.
Step It Up Dance 1950 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA, 94303, #47-1908887 To: City of East Palo Alto
Attention: Mr. Maurice Baker
Acting Community Services Manager
2415 University Ave
East Palo Alto, CA, 94303
February 23, 2023
Re: Transient Occupancy Tax Grant Proposal 2023
Dear Mr. Baker,
Greetings! My name is Juakila “Ms. Kiki” McConnell and I am the proud owner of Step It Up Dance Academy, a community-based dance program in East Palo Alto specializing in a wide variety of dance genres. I recently learned of the Transient Occupancy Tax Grant and am certain my dance company can use this money to make a difference in our community.
Having been born and raised in East Palo Alto, I know firsthand the barriers to resources, extracurricular activities, proper health/fitness routines and other struggles our community faces. I am passionate about giving back to my community through my passion for dance and fitness.
I founded Step It Up Dance in 2007 in an effort to provide a fun, creative, and accessible outlet for kids. More importantly, my program ensures that every child builds confidence, learns discipline, and establishes healthy habits, all while having fun.
In our dance classes students learn a wide variety of dance styles, including Hip-Hop, West African, Afro-Haitian, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Funk, and Lyrical Movement. They also learn the origin of each dance, its meaning, symbolism and how that dance is integrated into today’s culture. At the end of the season, the kids put on a grand performance for friends, family and community members to enjoy.
Step It Up Dance emphasizes healthy lifestyles, encouraging students to have a healthy mind and body – and to ultimately have the confidence to refrain from making risky choices. We strive to not only teach students about dance, but also to build a community and family around dance. We would like to expand our unique dance program to East Palo Alto during the summer using funding from the TOT grant. My goal is to touch the lives of all children in the city of East Palo Alto.
I have enclosed my proposal for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Juakila McConnell
Juakila “Ms. Kiki” McConnell
Step It Up Dance 1950 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA, 94303, #47-1908887
MISSION STATEMENT
To teach children healthy habits, instill confidence, and build community through DANCE.
NARRATIVE
Step It Up Dance provides a FUN outlet for children to express their creativity, build confidence, and learn discipline through dance and musical theatre. Students learn a wide variety of dance styles including, Praise Dance, Hip-Hop, Latin, West African, Afro Haitian, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Funk, Lyrical Movement and more. They will also learn the origin of each dance, its meaning, and symbolism on how that dance is integrated into today’s culture and community. Step It Up Dance emphasizes healthy lifestyles, encouraging students to have a healthy mind and body – and to ultimately have the confidence to refrain from making risky choices. We strive to not only teach students about dance, but also to build a community and family around dance. Our promise is to love and nurture all children with meaningful dance and play. We currently host 3 weekly classes at the EPA Arts Center and hope to expand our class offerings with the TOT grant.
WORK PLAN
We intend to use TOT funding to implement a program over the summer from July – September. The TOT funding will allow us to expand our class offerings. We currently offer 3 classes on Tuesday evenings as follows:
TUESDAYS IN PERSON AT EPA ARTS CENTER
Little Jammer’s (ages 3-6): 3:45 – 4:45PM
Hop It Up (ages 7-14): 4:45 – 5:45 PM
SIUD Company (ages 10-16): 5:45 – 7:00PM
We anticipate offering additional classes on Fridays and Saturdays at the Girls Club for the duration of 10-12 weeks. This will allow us to serve a minimum of 50 families (approximately 100 children) who have varying scheduling needs.
Marketing Plan
Our multi-pronged marketing strategy will consist of mass email marketing, social media campaigns (Facebook and Instagram), posting flyers at local schools and community centers, student referrals, pop-up events/ meet-and-greets, enrollment night, mini-showcases, and word-of-mouth.
Contingency Plan
Step It Up Dance is committed to providing a safe program. We strictly adhere to extensive cleaning and safety protocols. Step It Up Dance is prepared and equipped to switch our programming to virtual classes should local or state health guidelines require it. We have experience dealing with emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelter in Place and Step It Up Dance 1950 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto, CA, 94303, #47-1908887 Social Distancing protocols. We can provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to our staff and students and will adjust to either outdoor / open-air or virtual classes as needed.
Human Trafficking
Step It up Dance is committed to the security and safety of all participants. We understand that our community may consist of vulnerable populations that may be at higher risk for human trafficking. Our staff is committed to completing the Human Trafficking and/or Sexual Abuse and Molestation training that will be conducted or contracted by the City. We will adhere to and abide by all recommended best practices, strategies and protocols to prevent Human Trafficking from happening.
Insurance
Step It Up Dance is committed to maintaining all required levels of insurance prior to entering into contract with the City of East Palo Alto and throughout the duration of our program. We will provide an insurance certificate upon request, including our commercial general liability insurance policy, abuse and molestation liability policy and/or any other required policies.
Target population
We aim to serve underserved children and families of East Palo Alto. Our staff is a reflection of the community we serve and is trained on the best Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. We all share a love for dance, children, community and social justice and are committed to accomplishing our Mission Statement.
Evidence Based Strategy
Evidence shows that dance boosts cardiovascular health, builds core strength, promotes flexibility, helps with weight loss and bone health, is good for mental health and stress. Dance has also been found to have a positive effect on children’s cognitive development, spirituality, intelligence, spontaneity, and more. Please see the Harvard Medical School’s publication on Dancing and the Brain, which reveals the positive neurological effects of dance: Dancing and the Brain | Harvard Medical School
Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA
Full STEAM Ahead Summer Program
The Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA’s (EPAY) Full STEAM Ahead (FSA) program is a tuition-free, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) based, hands-on, summer learning program for teens from the East Palo Alto community. This program has a sports and recreation element that hopes to create a fun and holistic approach to learning.
Project service category: STEAM PROGRAM and Sports and Recreation Goals and Objectives: FSA Goals: 1) Develop Positive Youth Development skills through an interactive learning environment; 2) Provide hands-on, project-based learning in a team environment; 3) Develop cultural awareness and cultural tolerance amongst youth participants; 4) Expose youth to a variety of STEAM experiences; 5) Through volunteer instructors, presenters, and guest speakers, expose youth to career avenues and role models in the technology field; 6) Combine both education and recreation by utilizing field trips and the YMCA facility amenities, like the gymnasium and pool, to create a more holistic experience 7) Develop a sense of their community and how to give back to their community.
FSA Objectives: 1) 100% of the students will be exposed to skills, careers, and role models that increase their likelihood of making better decisions and choosing college/tech career path: Guest speakers in the tech/science field will present to the youth; Field trips will provide “real life” examples of STEAM in action. 2) Students will learn how to be safe around water and the fundamentals of good physical health. 3)In an end of session survey, 80% of the teens will indicate that they learned a new technology skill: Teens will be exposed to a variety of skills, such as coding, videography, video editing, and robotics. 4) 100% of participants will engage in community service: Youth will explore and collectively decide on a community service project 5) 100% of teens will contribute to the Proyecto Final: As team/teams, youth will develop a project, to be presented at the end of session celebration/parent presentation, demonstrating skills learned in FSA.
How many clients you intend to serve: Our target goal is 40 enrolled youth.
Project partners: Pre-COVID FSA utilized several partners to deliver the program. Partners provided curriculum, guest speakers, and hands-on presentations. A sample of past partners: MC Sports, Los Altos Botball League, SamTrans, TopCONN, and San Mateo Credit Union.
Project timeline: March 2023 - Planning for summer program: booking field trips/guest presenters; revise and update curriculum; April 2023 - student recruitment; continued program planning; May 2023 - student recruitment; parent orientation; June 2023-August 2023 - program in operation; August 2023 - student surveys/exit interviews; Proyecto Final/parent presentation.
How this project helps your organization fulfill its broader organizational mission: The Mission of the EPAY is to strengthen its community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. The EPAY serves youth and families from the East Palo Alto and Belle Haven neighborhoods. FSA is a holistic program, incorporating STEAM elements that help youth develop confidence, learn life skills, and realize the importance of a balanced lifestyle and exercise/wellness in life – and of course have fun and develop friendships. All these elements make FSA a YMCA mission driven program.
Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA
Full STEAM Ahead Summer Program
How proposed program activities will increase a young person’s academic achievement or help positively develop their social skills. FSA utilizes both the Evidence Based Positive Youth Development strategies as well as the Evidence Informed Developmental Assets model to provide youth with opportunities to grow and thrive in a positive and encouraging environment.
Both of these strategies not only help youth develop resiliency, a positive self-identity, and a positive outlook on life, but have been shown to help protect youth from risky behaviors, helping them develop into healthy young adults.
Supportive community environment for families and/or seniors of East Palo Alto: The EPAY is a place where youth thrive through an inclusive, connected community. One goal of FSA is to create cultural awareness and cultural tolerance amongst participants; YMCA programs appreciate diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and cultures. Families are involved through parent orientations and are invited to the Proyecto Final.
Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA: The EPAY has a long history serving the community of East Palo Alto. Starting in the late 1990s through the early 2000s, the Y provided youth programming (aquatics, basketball, in school fitness) to the community through outreach sites. Realizing the community could benefit from a full facility YMCA, in collaboration with the City of East Palo Alto, a facility was built and opened in 2007. As an agency entering our third decade of service in the community, the Y continues to provide programs and services that meet the needs of East Palo Alto residents. The Y annually serves 3,200 members as well as over 5,000 community members through programs and events.
Lead Staff: Jose Sanchez, Healthy Livings Director, is responsible for FSA and oversees the Youth and Family, Health and Wellness, Teens, and Aquatics departments. As a YMCA professional, he is experienced in program development and implementation for youth, families, adults, and seniors.
Project Budget: $73,000
Projected Revenues
City of East Palo Alto TOT (subject grant) $16,000
Foundation/Corporation Grants $43,000
Individuals $14,000
TOTAL $73,000
Projected Expenses
Personnel (Program Director =.10 FTE/$5,600; Program Coordinator =.30 FTE/$11,700; Program staff = 2 staff/$15,400) $10,500 Supplies/Equipment/Food $25,000
Field Trips/Transportation $26,300
YMCA Teen Memberships (30 teens) $11,200
Administrative (14.5%)
TOTAL $73,000
This budget supports the objectives/activities by providing youth with positive adult role models, field trips to local tech, science, and recreation venues, and use of equipment (laptops, tablets, cameras, software, etc.) that they do not have access to at home. The equipment line reflects the increase to fully accommodate 40 students; last year we had equipment for 20 students, not anticipating the overwhelming response for the program.
REQUEST FOR
APPLICATIONS
2023 TOT Small Grants
(FY 2023-24)
Submission Deadline
TOT Small Grant
Applications are due:
Friday, February 24,
2023 @ 5:00pm
www.cityofepa.org
1. Introduction
The purpose of the City of East Palo Alto Small Grants Program-Transient Occupancy Tax Fund (TOT) is to provide grants to support non-profit organizations that provide enrichment programs and services to children, youth and families, including seniors.
About TOT
At the general municipal election held on
November 5, 2002, voters in East Palo Alto
modified the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
ordinance to provide a dedicated revenue
stream for children, youth and family services,
including senior citizens (CYFS). The TOT
revenue is collected through a hotel tax which
is submitted to the City on a monthly basis. Of
the total monthly amount collected, 10% is
set aside for CYFS.
“Children are one third of our population and
all of our future.” ~Select Panel for the
Promotion of Child Health, 1981
For 2023-24, the City Council has released $150,000 for Summer Youth Program Grants, each of which may not exceed $16,000, to be used by Community Based and Non-Profit Organizations.
Historically TOT funds have been directed into summer programs for youth. The TOT Grants Program is driven by increasing evidence that summer-based programming, both academic and extracurricular, increases academic achievement, and promotes growth in social skills for children and youth.
2. Timeline and Important Elements
Estimated Funding Timeline
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Released January 9, 2023 Mandatory Pre-Submission Applicant Orientation January 26, 2023 Question Submission Ends February 2, 2023
Applications Due
(Late Applications will not be accepted.)
February 24, 2023
@ 5:00pm
Applicant Review Process March 6 – April 7
(Dates subject to
change).
Award Announcement Early to late May
2023 (Dates subject
to
change).
1 Mandatory Pre-Submission Applicant Orientation
Interested applicants MUST have attended ONE of TWO Orientations. Orientations were held remotely via Zoom in East Palo Alto Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 10:00am to 12:00 pm and from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
The purpose of the Pre-Submission Applicant Orientation:
• Describe the City of East Palo Alto Grants Program and program requirements • Respond to questions from potential applicants
• Review the application process
Questions and Inquiries
To ensure all applicants have access to the same information, grant staff will only answer application questions submitted via email by Thursday, February 2, 2023. All questions will be responded to in writing and posted to the City webpage by February 9, 2023. Submit questions to Maurice Baker at: [email protected].
3. Grant Details
Funding Available: The City Council has authorized up to $150,000 for fiscal year 2023-24 which normally represents approximately ten percent (10%) of the annual fund and is contingent on the quality and number of proposals received and funding available. Individual grants may not exceed $16,000 and funding priority may be given to grantees or partners which exhibit matching funds or in-kind donations.
The City is specifically interested in programs that advance the following initiatives:
◼ Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready to Learn ◼ Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade
◼ Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances
The City also has a strong interest in STEAM programs. There may be opportunities for community-based organizations to utilize the Cooley Landing Education Center to host environmental education programs at the facility.
Eligible Applicants: Non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations serving:
• Children/Youth
• Family Services
• Seniors
Applicants are required to submit proof of non-profit status. Current or past grant recipients may apply for grant funding.
2 TOT grants are competitive and must demonstrate an increase in both quality and access to programs for East Palo Alto children, youth and families, including seniors, and have to be publicly funded/supported summer programs that promote measurable improvement in academic and/or extracurricular capacity and/or promote a supportive community environment for families and/or seniors.
4. Contractual Requirements and Reporting:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review these documents before applying for grant funding. All grantees will be required to list:
• Service category area;
• Track the number of clients served (Example: Sign-in/Out sheets or digital versions); • Demographics (Example: race, age, language);
• Total hours provided;
• Program impacts; and
• All grantees, regardless of the type of grant, will be required to conduct a client satisfaction survey during the grant term and submit that feedback with the Closeout paperwork.
• Closeout reports are due 30 days after the close of your grant. Any funds not expended by the end of your grant are required to be returned to the City of East Palo Alto along with your Closeout Report.
In addition, recommended applicants must provide the following as a condition of grant award:
• Memorandum of Understanding (If you are partnering with another organization – not required for Small Grants): Partnering organizations are required to define their partnership by written agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In addition to expressing a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action, roles and responsibilities; the MOU must identify a lead organization to represent the collaborative and receive payments on its behalf. The Lead Organization may be required to provide all requested legal documents including insurance to cover the work of the group. Lead organizations are required to submit proof of current non-profit status.
• Provide Proof of Insurance: Organizations seeking to do business with the City will be required, BEFORE the execution of a grant agreement, to provide evidence of insurance and maintain coverage throughout the life of the grant. Costs for required insurance may be included in the proposed program budget. Should a grant be awarded, grantees will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance, which includes CURRENT: Workers Compensation, General Liability, Sexual Misconduct – if working with youth, and Automobile, in statutory amounts not less 3 than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00). On a SEPARATE Endorsement Page, the City of East Palo Alto and its officers, agents, council members, and employees must be named as additionally insured.
5. Review, Evaluation, Selection Process, and Ranking:
Eligibility Review: City staff will review applications to ensure they meet minimum eligibility requirements and submittal standards. Only applications that are complete, meet eligibility requirements, and submittal standards will be forwarded for further considerations. Applicants not meeting these standards will be notified.
After a preliminary review by City staff, eligible proposals are presented to a Community Grants Review Panel (CGRP) for further review and ranking. The CGRP will present their rankings and recommendations for funding to the City Council. The City Council, which has final approval authority, then selects the slate of projects to be funded and informs the staff of its decision.
The Grants Coordinator is responsible for administering the grants for the approved projects.
Application Format and Submission: Applications must be no longer than ten (10) pages plus attachments. Applications will not be available online. All submissions are due by 5:00 pm. on Friday, February 24, 2023.
Electronic submissions are required. Allow plenty of time for the system to upload documents.
Submit applications:
• Via email to [email protected] or;
• Via Dropbox to [email protected]
Attachments should be in PDF format. All documents should be titled with the attachment designation followed by the applicant name. For example: Attachment A: ABC Organization:
Application. Attachment B: ABC Organization: Narrative. If the file size is too large, break up the documents and send them in smaller groupings.
The award of a contract, and any allowed renewal or extension thereof, is subject to allotments made by the East Palo Alto City Council and subject to the availability of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Funds. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EAST PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL MAY PARTIALLY FUND ANY CONTRACT RESULTING FROM THIS SOLICITATION. ANY FUNDS NOT
EXPENDED BY THE END OF YOUR GRANT IS REQUIRED TO BE RETURNED TO THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO ALONG WITH YOUR CLOSEOUT REPORT.
Instructions: Submissions should be presented in the following order: KEEPTHIS FORM. 4 CHECK LIST
1.Application (pp. 7-8)
• Narrative (2 pages max)
• Describe your organization briefly.
• Work Plan: For this project.
• Attachments (Submit asWord Documents – Use online forms) • Budget
• Logic Model
• Measure C/TOT Compliance Policies
a. Conflict of Interest (COI) Certification – (Use online form) b. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
• Where a partnering, collaborative, and or subcontracting relationship is proposed, the submission must include an MOU between the partnering organizations, which
documents the relationship and delineates tasks and or
compensation for each party.
• IRS documents
a. 501(c)(3) Determination Letter: Or Copy of fiscal agent’s 501(c)(3) determination letter
b. Form 990 or 990 Exemption: Last 2 years
• Financials
• Annual Budget: 2 years
• Financial Statements:
• CurrentYTD
• PreviousYear
• Matching Funds: Commitment letter if applicable
• Other
• Organizational Chart:
• The chart should include the primary applicants’ Board of Directors, the entire project team (all partners), and
illustrate the relationship between the partners.
• Board Members List: Including titles and addresses.
• Executive Director Name: Or equivalent employee.
5 CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO –TOT
SMALL GRANT APPLICATION
COVER SHEET
PLEASE READ AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS ON THIS APPLICATION FORM.
Organizational Information
Legal Name Organization: East Palo Alto Greyhounds Youth Athletic Association
Address of Organization: 1858 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Website: www.epahoundz.com
Collaborating Organization: Barbershop Boyz
Website: N/A
*Attach additional sheet(s) if necessary.
Contact Information
Grant Administrator Eric Stuart
Emai
l
[email protected]
(510) 812-6703
Grant Request
Amount Requested: (Not to exceed $16,000) $16,000
Total Project Budget: (For this project) $50,000
Matching funds/in-kind donations? (Yes/No) Circle one. If yes, amount?
$15,000
What is your organization’s total annual operating budget? $75,000 Please list the names of matching funding or in-kind donation sources: N/A Have you received TOT funding previously? Yes No Year(s)? __2017 Is that grant still active? Yes No
If not, have you submitted your Closeout forms? Yes No
Please indicate your service category: “Sports & Recreation Target Demographic
Please check the appropriate box(es) indicating the target category and age group(s) (if appropriate) that will be served with the funds requested:
Check Target Category (categories): Children & Youth
Check Age Group(s): Ages 5-18
Clients Served:
List the number of East Palo Alto Clients you intend to serve during this program: 200 List the total number of Clients you intend to serve during this program: 250 Summer Program Timeline
What are your dates of service for this program? START: 01/24/2023 END: 12/02/2023 What days/nights will you run your program? M-W-F-Sa Hours? 16hrs. Per week Acknowledgement
I have read the minimum compliance standards for the City of East Palo Alto TOT Grants Program and can demonstrate that my program meets all minimum standards.
I agree to fully participate in the City of East Palo Alto’s spirit of partnership (see Section 1, Item F. Contractual Requirements and additional requirements as a funded organization.
I certify that my agency is eligible to apply based on the criteria listed in the Request for Applications and agree to submit any follow up documentation needed to verify eligibility (including but not limited to a 501(c)(3) tax letter).The signatory declares that: 1. they are authorized to sign on behalf of all entities in the partnership (if applicable); 2. the application accurately outlines the extent, objectives, and methods of the project; and 3. the grant funds, if awarded, will be used solely for the purposes outlined in this application. ________________________________
Signature of Authorized Representative Date Signed
Eric Stuart Founder/Director
Printed Name Title
7 NARRATIVE: Not to exceed 2 pages (Please use 12 PT Font with 1 inch margins on 8/12 x 11 inch paper).
Please describe:
• Your project service category;
• goals and objectives – work plan;
• How many clients you intend to serve;
• project partners (if any);
• Project timeline;
• How this project helps your organization fulfill its broader organizational mission; (Please include your organization’s mission statement);
• How proposed program activities will increase a young person’s academic achievement or help positively develop their social skills. Evidence based strategies will be viewed favorably; • Discuss how the services you will provide will offer a supportive community environment for families and/or seniors of East Palo Alto;
• Your organizational history and qualifications providing direct services to the target population; • Lead staff, their qualifications; and
• The project’s proposed budget and how it supports the overall objectives and activities. Include planned efforts to leverage funds and list potential funders. Budget should be reasonable, realistic, and consistent with your work plan. Projects that utilize matching funds will be given priority.
LOGIC MODEL: Not to exceed 3 pages (highlighting one (1) objective per sheet of legal size paper).
Using the Logic Model template, discuss up to three (3) measurable indicators/objectives focused on direct service programming and impact. The limited number makes the process simpler; more importantly, it makes everyone think hard about priorities.
The logic model draws a picture of your program or intervention; provides a graphic representation of the “theory of action” highlighting what is invested, what is done, and results. It will serve as the core of planning, evaluation, and setting mutual expectations for the grant.
In your responses, keep the following concepts in mind:
• Outputs: Outputs are the activities or deliverables that are to be accomplished as a result of a grant.
Outputs are generally described as deliverables or milestones in a work plan or timeline. Outputs include things like number of workshops held, number of youth tutored, health management plan completed, etc.
• Outcomes: Outcomes are the measurable impacts or results of the work of the grant. While outputs are accomplished during the life of the grant, outcomes generally occur after the completion of the grant. It is useful to categorize outcomes as short and long-term. Outcomes include things like the numbers of youth served that are now in college, or the measure by which their grade point average has improved.
BUDGET: In an Excel spreadsheet, develop a project budget that outlines the funding request. Detail: TOT funds requested; note any matching funds; and list the organization’s annual budget allocation to that activity. Examples of budget items include, but are not limited to, personnel, personnel benefits, sub contractors/collaborative partners, supp/lies and materials, and equipment. Staff and personnel costs may not exceed fifteen (15%) of the total budget.
8