Date: 03/03/2022 9 RECEIVED
MAR 4 2022
Attention: Merced City Council
MERCED CITY COUNCIL
City of Merced & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95340
RE: City of Merced Request for Proposals for Community Funding Dear City Council Members,
On behalf of Merced Lao Family Community Inc., (MLFC), I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the City of Merced Request for Proposal for Community Funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.
MLFC is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, community-based organization, established in 1981, for the purpose of assisting Southeast Asians to acculturate and assimilate into the mainstream Western society. For over forty years, MLFC has proudly served the Southeast Asian community in Merced County. MLFC's mission is to encourage self-respect and self- sufficiency for all Merced County community members; to maintain pride in cultural histories, to offer positive support and hope for the future and to empower the people in Merced County; to meet their needs and address their issues. The organization's primary focus is to determine and service the needs of the local Southeast Asian community, to lead the populace into becoming well-informed, productive, and contributing members of the community at large. Our scope of work consists of (1) efficient and effective mental health services through engagement and education, as well as ongoing practices on improvement with patient care in clinical and non-clinical settings and environments; (2) providing general and social services to the Southeast Asian community, including but not limited to:
immigration assistance, police community aid, Medical, translation and interpretation services and housing assistance. Our organization is the only Mutual Assistance Association in Merced County serving the Southeast Asian community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented immense challenges for all communities, particularly low-income and vulnerable communities like the Southeast Asian community in Merced County. The challenges that the Southeast Asian community of Merced County faced in obtaining essential social and healthcare services prior to the COVID-19 pandemic is further exacerbated during this time. The fact that many service providers have switched to providing services virtually further creates inequities in accessing these critical services as many low-income, vulnerable Southeast Asian community members have language barriers, are unable to navigate services online, and often do not have access to smart phones, computers, or internet service to apply for and participate in these virtual services.
MLFC is requesting an amount of $138,950 to develop and implement the COVID-19 Mitigation Program aimed at reducing barriers to critical social and health virtual services for low-income, technologically challenged Southeast Asian individuals during the COVID-19 public health crisis. MLFC has experienced an influx of requests from Southeast Asian 1 families and individuals for assistance with applying for housing, food, and healthcare services now that applications for these service providers are done online. Through the proposed program, MLFC aims to ensure that the vulnerable Southeast Asian community members in Merced County are provided with the necessary resources and tools to meet their most basic needs during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
With more than forty years of experience serving the Southeast Asian community of Merced County, MLFC remains one of the highly trusted sources of service and information for the Southeast Asian community. Throughout the years, MLFC has provided countless projects, programs and services to promote the well-being of our community; physically, mentally and spiritually. Such projects, programs and services include but are not limited to:
Mental Health Prevention & Early Intervention Employment Placement Services Mental Health for Hmong Women Translation/Interpretation Services Wellness & Recovery Center Social Services
Mental Health Peer Support Teen/Youth Advisory Council & Support Mental Health Education & Case Child Abuse Prevention-Home Visitor Management Programs
Community Outreach & Awareness Early Childhood Education Information & Referral Services Family Preservation & Family Support Within the past five years, MLFC has developed and implemented fourteen (14) programs and projects that serve the general community of Merced County (see page 11 for a list of past and current programs). MLFC's contact information is below.
Organization: Merced Lao Family Community, Inc.
Address: 1748 Miles Court, Suite B, Merced, CA 95348
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: (209) 384-7384
Fax: (209) 384-1911
Contact: Paul Thao, Executive Director
Authorized Representative: Paul Thao, Executive Director If you require additional information of clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for presenting Merced Lao Family Community, Inc. with the opportunity to apply for the City of Merced Request for Proposals for Community Funding opportunity.
Sincerely,
Executive Director
2 1. INDIVIDUAL STAFF REQUIREMENT
While MLFC has a long-running history of successfully implementing programs like this, we need additional staff to successfully develop and implement a program of this scale. To ensure the successful implementation of the proposed COVID-19 Mitigation Program, MLFC will utilize one (1) 100% FTE Case Manager, one (1) 100% FTE Outreach Specialist and one (1) 10% FTE Program Director to oversee and manage the program. The Case Manager and Outreach Specialist will work collaboratively with the Program Director to ensure the scope of work is achieved in a timely and efficient manner. The Program Director will oversee the overall program, while the Case Manager and Outreach Specialist will manage day-to-day operations of the program. The proposed program will utilize space at the MLFC office to conduct day-to-day operations.
Program Director: Paul Thao
Under the authority of the Board of Directors and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Program Director will assume the tasks and responsibilities of directing overall operations, budget and capital assets of the organization. This position will direct the overall programming of the organization, promoting the organization and its programs in media and the general public, managing the image of the organization in a senior public relations role. This position will be responsible in developing and maintaining professional liaison with all levels of program and funding entities. In collaboration with staff members of MLFC, the Program Director will plan the overall programming direction and activities of the program. This position is responsible for the achievement of goals and objectives of the organization. The Program Director will work with other staff to ensure the successful delivery of all scopes of work. Paul has over twenty (20) years of successful administration with the organization and has a proven track record of successfully directing similar programs.
Case Manager: TBD
Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Case Manager will carry out the day-to- day operations of the program. This position will require an individual who is experienced in working with the Southeast Asian community in Merced County and be bi-lingual in English and Hmong, Mien and/or Laotian. This individual shall be culturally competent in understanding the Southeast Asian community and be able to engage the target population using culturally appropriate approaches. This individual must possess strong communication skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office, be technologically savvy to utilize remote telecommunication portals and programs, understand COVID-19 regulations, and be knowledgeable about the application process for social services in Merced County. The Case Manager must be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others. Additionally, this individual shall be experienced in understanding the requirements and application process of various county and city agencies and organizations. This individual shall be familiar with remote and online services utilized by various Merced County and Merced City agencies and organization. Emphasis will be placed on individuals with experienced regarding the online application process of the Merced Housing Authority, Human Service Agency (HSA), Social Security, Social Security and other remote and online governmental sites and services.
Outreach Specialist: TBD
Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Outreach Specialist will carry out the day-to-day operations of the program. This position will require an individual who is experienced in working with the Southeast Asian community in Merced County and be bi- lingual in English and Hmong, Mien and/or Laotian. This individual shall be culturally competent in understanding the Southeast Asian community and be able to engage the target population using culturally appropriate approaches. This individual must possess strong communication skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office, be technologically savvy to utilize remote telecommunication portals and programs, understand COVID-19 regulations, and be knowledgeable about the application process for social services in Merced County.
The Outreach Counselor must be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.
2. PROPOSED PROJECT AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
As a culturally responsive and inclusive organization, MLFC continues to be the leader in servicing the unique needs of the Southeast Asian community of Merced. MLFC remains committed to ensuring that our community continues to recover from the ongoing effects of COVID-19. To ensure the Southeast Asian community is provided with the necessary resources and information to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, MLFC is proposing the COVID-19 Mitigation Program. This program aims to reduce barriers to critical social and health virtual services for low-income, technologically challenged Southeast Asian individuals during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Many service providers have shifted to providing services virtually, which present new challenges for vulnerable Southeast Asian community members who have language barriers, are unable to navigate services online, and often do not have access to smart phones, computers, or internet service to apply for and participate in these virtual services. MLFC has experienced an influx of requests from Southeast Asian families and individuals for assistance with applying for housing, food, and healthcare services now that applications for these service providers are done online.
Through the proposed program, MLFC aims to ensure that the vulnerable Southeast Asian community members in Merced County are provided with the necessary resources and tools to meet their most basic needs during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The program goals include 1) educating Southeast Asian community members about policy changes and application processes for public assistance programs 2) increasing access to critical social and healthcare services for vulnerable, low-income Southeast Asian individuals in Merced County and 3) mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities.
The core activities of this program include the following:
A. Community Meetings
MLFC will convene community meetings to ensure the Southeast Asian community is provided with up-to-date information regarding process changes for public assistance programs from local, state and federals government agencies. This includes changes in the application process from the Merced Housing Authority, Human Services Agency, and Social Security Administration. Through this effort, MLFC will work collaboratively 4 with the Southeast Asian community, community leaders and local agency representatives to ensure our community is provided with up-to-date information regarding application process changes. MLFC aims to improve the quality of information to ensure our community remains in good standing with their government assistance programs. MLFC will coordinate and facilitate quarterly meetings to provide updates regarding changes in policies and application processes to the Southeast Asian community of Merced. Emphasis will be placed in the recruitment of clan leaders, community leaders and community advocates. The purpose is to utilize the collaborative efforts of individuals who actively engage the Southeast Asian community of Merced to maximize outreach and education efforts regarding policy and application changes and requirements for public assistance programs.
B. Translation Services
The Outreach Specialist and Case Manager will provide in-person and remote translation services while helping individuals navigate the online application process for critical social and healthcare services. Translation services will also be offered during community meetings.
C. Community Outreach
The Outreach Specialist will perform outreach for specific public information and education programs across all local agencies; disseminate information to the public; and work with various councils, committees, and staff to build ensure adequate resources for the Southeast Asian community. The Outreach Specialist will promote consistent awareness of local government changes through booth and tabling efforts. The Outreach Specialist will support the organization's goal by working collaboratively with agency committees through focus groups and meetings, working with citizen groups and councils as needed regarding their ideas and concerns for the community. In addition, the Outreach Specialist will develop questionnaires, flyers, social media content, presentations, staff report and/or other supporting documents to be used in meetings and to gather public input.
D. Housing Application Assistance
Many older adults and elders within the Southeast Asian community lack the technological know-how and English proficiency to properly utilize and navigate remote and online services for various application process as required by many government agencies, prominently the Merced Housing Authority. With the shift to remote and online application, many within the Southeast Asian community are unaware that all applications must be submitted online. As such, MLFC has experienced an influx of individuals and families who's housing voucher were denied or delayed. Housing remains one of the most important basic necessities, and MLFC aims to ensure that those within our community who are fortunate enough to qualify for housing assistance remains in good standing to maintain their status with the Merced Housing Authority.
E. General Services
The Case Manager and Outreach Specialist will provide a variety of services that has historically been sought from within the Southeast Asian community of Merced. This includes employment services, affordable housing, public safety, health services, farm 5 safety and education, utility assistance, food programs, Welfare services, senior citizen services and immigration services. To mitigate inequitable access to these services, the Case Manager and Outreach Specialist will provide direct assistance in engaging families and individuals to ensure they are provided with all the necessary resources and tools to utilize these assists. The Case Manager will assist in the qualification and application process to mitigate the barriers and challenges of English proficiency.
Additionally, the Case Manager will provide direct, in-person assistance and act as a liaison between individuals and/or families requesting services. The Case Manager and Outreach Specialist will connect individuals and/or families to local assets and actively engage in the application process.
F. Case Management Services
Case Management Files (CMF) will be maintained for all registered clients, with appropriate and confidential case notes on services provided. CMF files will be utilized to assist individuals to ensure they remain in compliant with government agency standing.
Upon successful registration of client, MLFC will collect the following types of monitoring information to ensure thorough completion of application(s) and follow ups.
The proposed project will be conducted from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
Program Goals:
1. Educate Southeast Asian community in Merced County about policy changes and application processes for public assistance programs during the COVID-19 PHE
2. Increase access to critical social and healthcare services for vulnerable, low-income Southeast Asian individuals in Merced County
3. Mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities in Merced County Objective Activities Staff Leads Timeline Deliverables
1. Employ 1a. Recruit for two Program July 1, 2022 - Staff resumes Outreach full-time employees Director July 30, 2023
Specialist and
Case Manager 1b. Train and
to manage the onboard employees
program
2. Conduct 2a. Research Outreach August 1, 2022 Summary of research on recent policy and Specialist - June 30, 2023 research changes in administrative findings and
policies and changes for public Case resources
application assistance services Manager
processes for
public 2b. Engage with Program
assistance local government Director
programs entities regarding
policy and
administrative
changes for public
assistance
programs
6 2c. Compile and
maintain resources
3. Host quarterly 3a. Schedule and Program September 1, Confirmed community host quarterly Director 2022 - June 30, schedule of meetings with meetings for up to Outreach 2023 community Southeast Asian 30 community Specialist meetings,
community members meeting
members, Case agendas,
community 3b. Set up office Manager attendance lists,
leaders, and space for in-person and materials
local agency meetings and set from each
representatives up audio-visual meeting
to provide equipment to allow
updates for virtual
regarding participation
changes in
policies and 3c. Produce and
application disseminate
processes for communication to
public market the
assistance meetings to target
programs audience
3d. Develop
agendas and
meeting materials
3e. Secure
appropriate guest
speakers for
meetings
3f. Provide 3 staff
during the meeting
for facilitation and
administrative
support
3g. Maintain
attendance records
3h. Create,
distribute, collect,
and analyze
meeting evaluations
4. Provide 4a. Attend meetings Outreach September 1, Documentation translation to translate for non- Specialist 2022 - June 30, of number of services for English speaking 2023 times translation
limited English attendees Case services were
speakers during Manager provided
one-on-one 4b. Conduct one-
consultations on-one
and community consultations in the
meetings client's preferred
language
5. Engage with 5a. Reach out to Outreach September 1, Documentation local agencies local government Specialist 2022 - June 30, of meetings and and community agencies to obtain 2023 outreach
groups in the most up-to-date activities
disseminating information on
accurate policies and
information programmatic
about accessing changes as it
social and health relates to public
services to the assistance
public programs
5b. Compile
meeting notes and
resources
5c. Disseminate
information to target
audience in
culturally and
linguistically
appropriate manner
6. Provide one- 6a. Conduct intake Case September 1, Case files for on-one with clients to Manager 2022 - June 30, each
consultation on determine their 2023 consultation and
Merced Housing specific needs for log of
Authority's essential housing consultations
online services
application
process for 6b. Assist clients in
housing navigating the
assistance complex application
process and
applying for
housing and/ol
maintaining their
housing voucher
using online
applications
7. Provide one- 7a. Conduct intake Outreach September 1, Case files for on-one with clients to Specialist 2022 - June 30, each
consultation to determine their 2023 consultation and
vulnerable specific needs for Case log of
individuals on Manager consultations
8 critical services essential social and
such as healthcare services
employment
assistance, 7b. Assist clients in
housing, public navigating the
safety, complex application
healthcare, food, process for public
etc. assistance
programs and
applying for
services using
online applications
8. Maintain case 7a. Create and Case September 1, Case files for management maintain case files Manager 2022 - June 30, each files for all for clients 2023 consultation and
registered log of
clients consultations
2. PROGRAM BUDGET
MLFC is requesting an amount of $138,950 to develop and implement the COVID-19 Mitigation Program aimed at reducing barriers to critical social and health virtual services for low-income, technologically challenged Southeast Asian individuals during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
3. REFERENCES
Organization: Merced County Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Address: 301 E 13 St., Merced, CA 95341
Contact Person: Sharon Jones, MHSA Coordinator
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: (209) 381-6800, Ext. 3611
Amount of Contract: $347,339 per year
Date & Type of Service: 07/01/2007 - Present
Southeast Asian Community Advocacy Program (SEACAP)
Organization: The Fresno Center (TFC)
Address: 4879 E Kings Canyon Rd, Fresno, CA 93727
Contact Person: Dr. Ghia Xiong, Director of The Living Well Center E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: (559) 255-8395
Amount of Contract: $45,000 per year
Date & Type of Service: 02/01/2017 - Present
California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP)
Organization: Asian Business Institute & Resource Center Address: 7035 N Fruit Ave, Fresno, CA 93711
Contact Person: Blong Xiong, Executive Director
E-mail: [email protected]
9 Telephone: (559) 402-0067
Amount of Contract: $5,000
Date & Type of Service: 01/0142021 - 11/30/2021
USDA California Technical Assistance Collaborative
10 COMPOSITE BUDGET
Name of Agency: Merced Lao Family Community, Inc. Date: March 1, 2022 City of Merced Request for Proposals for community funding Budget Modify Total Budget
Personnel Services
Salaries and Wages $83,760.00 $83,760.00
Fringe Benefits $21,778.00 $21,778.00
TOTAL PERSONNEL $105,538.00 $105,538.00
Operations
Space/Rent $6,048.00 $6,048.00
Utilities $900.00 $900.00
Communication $420.00 $420.00
Travel/Transportation $900.00 $900.00
Equipment-Car-Maintenance $250.00 $250.00
2 Computers $3,000.00 $3,000.00
Office Supplies $900.00 $900.00
Printing/translation $840.00 $840.00
Other- Property- Insurance $1,800.00 $1,800.00
PPE-$1,500.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00
Stripen for four worksho education COVID-19
Comminity leaders eah $25.00/ a leader for 25 leaders $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Refresment for education trainings for four workshop
$350/one X 4= $1,400.00 $1,400.00
Booth display for event in the community $900.00 $900.00 Both dispay materials for the Merced Hmon NY $1,500.00 $1,500.00 Sub-Total Operating Expenes $22,858.00 $22,858.00
Indirect Costs 10% $10,554.00 $10,554.00
Subtotal Operational Costs $138,950.00 $138,950.00
Total Expenditures: $138,950.00 $138,950.00
12 PERSONNEL BUDGET
NAME OF AGENCY: Merced Lao Family Community, Inc. DATE: March 1, 2022 City of Merced Request for Proposals for community funding 1 2 3 4 5 6
Annual Salary Number of Number of Percentage of Total Funds Hourly Rate Rate of Budgeted Months Time to
Positions Budgeted Components Requested
Position
JOB TITLE
Program Coordinator $ 72,000.00 1 12 15% $10,800.00
Outreach Counselor $35,520.00 1 12 100% $35,520.00
Case Manager $37,440.00 1 12 100 $37,440.00
Benefits Details
FICA - 6.2% $5,193.12
SUI & SDI- 7.0% $5,863.20
Work. Comp. - 2% $1,675.20
Other (Health, etc.) - 5.8% $4,858.08 Total Salaries $83,760.00 Life/Pension Plan - 5% $4,188.00 Total Benefits $21.777.60 Total Benefits - 26% $21,777.60 Grand Total $105,537.60 13 COMPONENT BUDGET NARRATIVE
DATE: March 1,2022
SERVICE COMPONENT: City of Merced Request for Proposals for community funding Space: $504.00/ Month X12 Month= $ 6,048.00
Utilities: $50.00/ Month X 12 Months= $ 900.00
Communication: $35.00/month X12 months= $ 420.00
Travel: Local mileage 150 mile/month. X 12 months. X $.50 per mile = $ 900.00 Equipment-car-Maintenance: $ 250.00/Year= $ 250.00
Computers $1500.00/1 computer for 2 computers= $3,000.00 Office Supplies:
Desktop supplies such as pens, papers, staplers etc. $50/month. X 12 months. = $ 900.00 Printing and translation: $70.00/Month X 12 months= $ 840.00 Property insurance= $150.00/month X 12 months= $1,800.00 PPE= $1,500.00 /Year= $1,500.00
Stipend for the education workshop for the COVID-19 for Community leaders. $25.00/one leaders for 25 community leaders for 4 workshops = $ 2,500.00
Refreshment for community leader education meeting $350.00/1 meeting X 4 meetings = $1,400.00 Both display during the community events= $75.00/month X 12 months = $ 900.0 Merced Hmong New Year Both display materials $500.00/day for three days= $1,500.00 Sub-Total Operating Expense= $ 22,858.00
Indirect Costs: Administrative Costs/Over Head Costs at approximately 10% of Personnel = $ 10,554.00 14