CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
April 4, 2022
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: James Makshanoff, City Manager
Submitted By: Benita DeFrank, Neighborhood Services Director SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE SUBMITTAL OF A TRI-CITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COMMUNITY WELLBEING GRANT APPLICATION RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff to submit a Community Wellbeing Grant application through Tri-City Mental Health Services.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Authorization will allow staff to apply for the Community Wellbeing Grant administered by Tri-City Mental Health Services.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact with this action. If funding is awarded as a result of this grant application, acceptance of the award will be brought back for City Council approval to accept and appropriate funds.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On July 20, 2020, City Council authorized the acceptance of $2,000 in grant funds awarded by Tri-City Mental Health Services to operate the third annual Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest; and authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate contracts for acceptance of the award.
On July 17, 2019, City Council authorized the acceptance of $7,500 in grant funds awarded by Tri-City Mental Health Services to operate the first annual Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest; and authorized the City Manager to execute the appropriate contracts for acceptance of the award.
On July 16, 2018, City Council authorized the acceptance of $8,000 in grant funds awarded by Tri-City Mental Health Services to operate the first annual Heroes of Pomona Speech Contest; and authorized the City Manager to execute the appropriate contracts for acceptance of the award.
DISCUSSION: Tri-City Mental Health Center (“Tri-City”) is a comprehensive mental health provider serving the communities of Pomona, Claremont, and La Verne. On February 1, 2022, Tri-City announced a funding opportunity through its Community Wellbeing Grant (“Program”). The intent of the Program is to support communities to build their own capacity and strengthen the wellbeing of their members and the community as a whole. The Program is for communities who work, serve, and support 0-25 year olds in the cities of Pomona, La Verne, and Claremont.
Competitive applications must involve (1) a community supporting each other and working together toward a common goal (2) identifying stresses and challenges that the community faces and working to resolve them and (3) elements of emotional and mental health, reduced stress, and improved relationships between members of the community. The maximum grant request is $10,000 and projects may be funded for a maximum of three years. For three subsequent years, Tri-City funded the City’s Heroes of Pomona Speech Program. Staff is committed to continuing diverse and inclusive programming to meet the needs and interests of Pomona’s youth.
Staff evaluated the Program guidelines and designed a Tolerance Series and Human Library project to improve wellbeing through building capacity, encouraging acceptance, valuing differences, and inspiring action. The project will engage youth in personal reflection, examine common beliefs and biases, raise awareness of the experiences of others, and explore ways in creating an inclusive and cohesive community.
On February 3, 2022, staff presented the Youth Commission with an overview of the grant criteria, guidelines, and the proposed project. The Youth Commission voted 4-0 in supporting City staff to submit a Program application for the Tolerance Series and Human Library project.
Approval on this action will allow staff to submit a grant application for Program grant funds.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the June 21, 2021 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal C: Obtain additional grant funding and other revenues to help achieve City goals and Priority 4: Safe and Clean Community – Goal M Improve safety and cleanliness at parks and public spaces.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Monica Belloso
Technical Specialist II
Authorize Submittal of Tri-City Mental Health Services Community Wellbeing Grant Application