City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: AUGUST 20, 2024 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 1
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH REBECCA ACEVEDO, DBA A SQUARED CONSULTING, LLC, TO PROVIDE WRAP AROUND SERVICES FOR THE PROJECT BRIDGE PROGRAM FOR AN INCREASED CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $88,500 NOT TO EXCEED $442,500 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025 ISSUE:
Approve the second amendment to the agreement with Rebecca Acevedo, dba A Squared Consulting, LLC, to provide wrap around services for the Project BRIDGE Program, for the increased amount of $88,500, not to exceed $442,500 through December 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the second amendment to agreement with Rebecca Acevedo, dba A Squared Consulting, LLC, to provide wrap around services for the Project BRIDGE Program, for the increased amount of $88,500 not to exceed $442,500, through December 31, 2025; and, Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
Project BRIDGE is a comprehensive outreach program designed to provide at-risk youth, ages 12-22, with positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and victim abuse, homelessness, mentorship, and education services. Project BRIDGE has been serving at-risk youth since 1995 and works with various non-profit organizations to support these services.
On November 9, 2021, City Council approved the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Expenditure Plan for the first allocation of grant funds. The Youth Opportunity Center’s Project BRIDGE Program was allocated $1,050,000. Those additional funds allowed Project BRIDGE to expand services, increase the number of caseloads, and provide additional staff to support the services mentioned above. These efforts were in collaboration with non-profit service providers such as Rebecca Acevedo dba A Squared Consulting, LLC. ARPA funds allocated to the Project BRIDGE program will be exhausted by the end of 2026.
DISCUSSION:
A Squared Consulting, LLC, offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored for youth aged 12-22 who have juvenile offenses and are either on probation or considered at risk. Their approach is holistic, encompassing educational placement, counseling, mentoring, job readiness, and employment opportunities, facilitated through partnerships with community organizations.
The Neighborhood Youth Opportunity College Program hosted by A Squared Consulting, LLC has supported over 300 participants since its inception in September 2022. This program provides an array of support services, including educational assistance, drug and victim abuse services, anger management, and coordination of court-ordered community service initiatives. The additional funding will enable the program to support three new cohorts from August 2024 through May 2025.
Per Purchasing Resolution No. 24101 Section 702 (s), Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required in any of the following circumstances: “When approved by the Manager and the Procurement is for the hiring of special instructors/performers, including but not limited to classes offered by the Library, Museum or Parks, Recreation and Community Services departments.” The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommendation to approve the agreement is in compliance with Purchasing Resolution No. 24101 Section 702 (s).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The agreement with Rebecca Acevedo dba A Squared Consulting, LLC, aligns with Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture, and Recreation, which aims to provide diverse community experiences and personal enrichment opportunities for people of all ages.
The agreement with Rebecca Acevedo dba a Squared Consulting, LLC, contributes to Strategic Goal 1.5 “Support programs and amenities to further develop literacy, health, and education of children, youth and senior throughout the community;” Action 1.5.3 “Expand the Youth Opportunity Center’s Project BRIDGE program to reduce rates of dropout, drug and victim abuse, homelessness, and similar.” This action aligns with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – Riverside is transparent and makes programming decisions based on sound policy, inclusive community engagement, involvement of City Boards and Commissions, and timely and reliable information. Activities and programs offered through the Youth Opportunity Center’s Program BRIDGE serve the public interest, benefit the City’s diverse populations, and result in greater public good.
Equity – Recreation activities support the City’s racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, identity, geographic, and other attributes of diversity and is committed to advancing the fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, and equitable distribution of services to ensure every member of the community has equal access to share the benefits of community progress.
Fiscal Responsibility – This item ensures fiscal responsibility of ARPA funds by utilizing funds as intended and approved by City Council.
Innovation – Riverside is committed to responding to the community’s changing needs and preparing for the future through developing ARPA funded projects/programs that build on collaborative partnerships.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is committed to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future and ensuring the City’s capacity to persevere, adapt and grow during good and difficult times alike.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is $88,500. This agreement will be funded through ARPA in the amount of $442,500, the additional $88,500 funds are available in the Grants & Restricted Programs Fund, Parks & Recreation, Recreation Services account number 8811700-421040.
Prepared by: Noemi Lopez, Deputy Director
Approved by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney Attachment: Second Amendment to Agreement
R. Acevedo-Project BRIDGE ● Page 2