CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
September 8, 2025
TO: City Council
FROM: Department of Environmental Services
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE UPDATE AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2024 -25 COMMUNITY PROJECTS GRANT
PERFORMANCE REPORTS FOR THE FOURTH AND FINAL QUARTER
ACTIVITIES AND APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET
REQUEST TO REAPPROPRIATE RETURNED UNEXPEN DED
PROGRAM FUNDS TO THE FY 2025-26 COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANT FUNDS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Community Projects Grant (CPG) performance reports (Attachments A through H, pages 4-12) for the activities during the fourth and final quarter of FY 2024 -25 and approve a Supplemental Budget Request to allocate returned unexpended program funds of $1,347 to the CPG FY 2025- 26 funds.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
On May 9, 2011, the City Council approved the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Waste Management regarding the expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. The executed MOU provides annual funding of $150,000 for community projects and programs to be used at the discretion of the City Council. For FY 2024 -25, the City Council awarded the funding to thirteen non- profit organizations on June 3, 2024. The awards have an expenditure period that began on July 1, 2024, and concluded on June 30, 2025. Recipients were required to submit quarterly performance reports (reports) identifying progress on the approved scopes of work and maintain the records for ten years. Additionally, pursuant to the City Council's direction on November 20, 2017, and the executed contracts for the grant award, any unexpended funds at the conclusion of the expenditure period shall be returned to the City for allocation during the next award cycle.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
Five of the thirteen organizations completed their projects, expended all funds, and submitted their final reports in the first three quarters. Staff has reviewed the final reports covering activities completed from April 2025 to June 2025 from the remaining eight grant recipients. All organizations’ reports are responsive in detailing the accomplishments of their respective scopes of work.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (3)
After learning of the organization’s mission, the contractor completing the project for Sarah’s House provided a discounted rate from the original quote, resulting in $1,300 of unexpended funds at the conclusion of the expenditure period. Similarly, due to less than anticipated time needed from program staff for the Cancer Support Group Program, the Cancer Support Community also had unexpended funds in the amount of $47 at the conclusion of the expenditure period.
As a result, staff recommends the approval of a Supplemental Budget Request to increase expenditures in the FY 2025- 26 budget, allowing for the unexpended funds to be added to the program's FY 2025-26 funds. Funds can then be allocated to a FY 25-26 applicant or to another community need by the City Council prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Recipient Award
Amount
Expenditures To Date Unspent
Balance
Completion
Status Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Adventist Health Simi Valley
Hospital Foundation $10,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,000 $0 Completed Big Brothers Big Sisters $10,000 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $0 Completed Body Brain Train $10,000 $2,495 $2,695 $3,135 $1,675 $0 Completed Cancer Support Community $10,000 $212 $3,683 $2,339 $3,719 $47 Completed Free Clinic of Simi Valley $15,000 $15,000 - - - $0 Completed Many Mansions $10,000 $5,361 $4,639 - - $0 Completed
PathPoint $10,000 $2,602 $3,768 $0 $3,630 $0 Completed Sarah’s House $20,000 $0 $0 $18,700 $0 $1,300 Completed Shepherd of the Valley $14,300 $6,113 $3,541 $3,067 $1,579 $0 Completed Simi Valley Cultural Arts
Center Foundation $10,000 $10,000 - - - $0 Completed
Simi Valley Girls Softball $10,000 $0 $10,000 - - $0 Completed Southeast Ventura County
YMCA $10,700 $2,973 $2,973 $2,973 $1,781 $0 Completed The Arc of Ventura County $10,000 $0 $9,955 $45 - $0 Completed
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Community Projects Grant performance reports;
2. Approve a Supplemental Budget Request to allocate returned unexpended funds in the amount of $1,347 to the Community Projects Grant FY 2025-26 budget;
3. Request additional information associated with the Community Projects Grant performance reports for the activities during the fourth quarter of FY 2024-25;
4. Provide staff with alternate direction.
Staff recommends Alternative Nos. 1 and 2.
2 SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to receive and file the Community Projects Grant performance reports for the fourth and final quarter of FY 2024- 25 and approve a Supplemental Budget Request to allocate returned unexpended funds for $1,347 to the FY 2025-26 budget.
SUMMARY
The City Council awarded Community Projects Grant funds totaling $150,000 to thirteen non-profit organizations for the FY 2024-25 award cycle. The organizations are required to submit quarterly performance reports through the end of the expenditure period or completion of the project, whichever occurs first. All organizations’ reports for the period of April 2025 to June 2025 have been reviewed by staff and found to be responsive in detailing the accomplishments of their respective scopes of work. It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Community Projects Grant performance reports for the activities during the fourth and final quarter of FY 2024- 25 and approve a Supplemental Budget Request to allocate returned unexpended program funds of $1,347 to the Community Projects Grant FY 2025-26 budget.
____________________________________
Stratis Perros,
Environmental Services Director
Prepared by: Cynthia McCullough, Senior Management Analyst
INDEX Page
Attachment A – Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital Foundation Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report……… ............................................... 4 Attachment B – Big Brothers Big Sisters
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report…………………………………………...5 Attachment C – Body Brain Train
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report .......................................................... 7 Attachment D – Cancer Support Community
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report .......................................................... 8 Attachment E – PathPoint
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report .......................................................... 9 Attachment F – Sarah’s House
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report ........................................................ 10 Attachment G – Shepherd of the Valley
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report ........................................................ 11 Attachment H – Southeast Ventura County YMCA
Community Projects Grant Fourth Quarter Report ........................................................ 12
3 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$10,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total $10,000
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]:559-906-8665Contact Person: Leticia Espinoza Organization Name: Adventist Health Simi Valley Foundation - Nancy Reagan Breast Center Address: 2975 N. Sycamore Drive Estimated Completion Date: June 2025 $10,000 $0 $0 $0 $10,000
In the fourth quarter, the Adventist Health Simi Valley Foundation Board formally approved the allocation of $10,000 from the Community Project Grant. On April 30, the funds were transferred to the hospital to help offset costs related to architectural services, professional renderings, and permitting for the renovation and expansion of the Nancy Reagan Breast Cancer Center.
This support has been instrumental in our renovation and ensuring timely progress toward this vital community health resource.
Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Architecture Designs, Renderings and Construction Plan
#
ATTACHMENT A
4 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 484-2282Contact Person: Kelly Dooley Organization Name: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Address: 2435 Ventura Blvd. Suite A Camarillo, CA Completed Date: June 2025 $10,000 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Program Overview and Match Updates:Program Highlights & Activities for Q4:
Simi Youth Room Enrichment:Youth continued to receive one-to-one mentoring support and participated in structured enrichment activities including art workshops, life skills discussions, and wellness-focused sessions.
Staff and volunteers facilitated safe spaces for youth to express challenges and develop coping tools, peer interaction, and community-building.
New Program Launch – Bigs in Blue: We launched our new “Bigs in Blue” group mentoring initiative this quarter in partnership with the Simi Valley Police Department. Six off-duty police officers have committed to weekly structured mentoring sessions with youth in a group setting. Sessions focus on building trust, leadership, and positive identity while bridging relationships between law enforcement and local youth. Initial feedback from both officers and participating youth has been overwhelmingly positive, with plans to continue and expand the program next quarter.
Summer Program & Elementary Recruitment: We launched increased recruitment efforts for elementary-aged students to participate in our expanded summer programming. The Simi Youth Room now runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing consistent, supervised engagement for youth throughout the summer along with transportation. Weekly field trips have included visits to the zoo and local museums, while Friday Beach Days and movie nights have become participant favorites. Youth from the Simi program have also engaged with other BBBS site programs, encouraging social connection, teamwork, and fun across communities.
Youth Leadership Council Launch: This quarter, we introduced our Youth Leadership Council, giving youth a formal platform to provide input on program decisions and activities. Council members attend select agency meetings to offer youth voice in program planning, ensuring that activities and enrichment offerings reflect their interests and needs. Early feedback has shown a strong sense of ownership and increased confidence among participating youth.
ATTACHMENT B
5 Brief Explanation Continued
Amount
$300
$800
$800
$200
$200
$200
Total $2,500
Program - Activities - Weekly Engagement & Observational Updates - May Program - Activities - Weekly Engagement & Observational Updates - June Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Marketing - Recruitment - Simi Youth Room - Simi-specific recruitment materials Program - Case Management - Enrollment/Assessment (interviews) of 15 Elem students Program - Case Management - Enrollment/Training/Assessment (interviews) of 15 HS students Program - Activities - Weekly Engagement & Observational Updates - April Community Engagement: We hosted two community days at the Simi Youth Room where youth showcased art projects and participated in family-friendly games, food, and resource sharing. Simi Valley Police officers also joined to interact informally with youth and families, helping further build trust and connection.
Program Successes: Youth engagement in the Simi Youth Room increased by 60% compared to the previous quarter. The launch of Bigs in Blue has opened new pathways for meaningful youth-adult connections and enhanced youth perception of local law enforcement. Our expanded summer programming has boosted elementary student participation and provided full-day engagement for working families. Youth expressed excitement and joy over summer field trips, collaborative peer activities, and new friendships across sites.
The Youth Leadership Council has empowered students to take an active role in shaping their experience and has elevated the youth voice within the agency.
Challenges: Recruitment of new volunteer mentors remains a challenge, particularly for youth with higher needs.
Next Steps:
1. Expand Bigs in Blue to include additional officers for cohort in Fall 2025.
2. Continue targeted recruitment efforts for mentors through school partnerships, community events, and faith- based outreach.
3. Maintain full-day summer programming through August and assess youth/family feedback for future planning.
4. Support the continued development of the Youth Leadership Council with leadership training and opportunities for service learning.
5. Plan a Youth Leadership Summit in partnership with the city to celebrate achievements and further youth empowerment in Q1 FY25.
6 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$1,250
$375
$50
$0
$0
$0
Total $1,675
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: 805-864-3039Nikki Lian Organization Name: Body Brain Train
Address: 2955 Cochran Street Unit A-1 Completed Date: June 2025 $10,000 $2,495 $2,695 $3,135 $1,675
For April through June of 2025, we have completed the following: 25 classes outside our facility (at the Senior Center, United Methodist, and Lemon Park) at a $50 per hour rate.
One trainer did 15 in-house classes at our gym at $25 per hour.
Two other trainers did 41 in-house classes at our gym at $30 per hour.
We served approximately 300 seniors this quarter. We used other funds from our punchathon to complete our project as detailed in the line item(s) below.
Description
25 classes at $50 per hour
15 classes at $25 per hour
41 classes at $30 per hour ($1,180 supplemented by our punchathon to cover full cost)
ATTACHMENT C
7 Remaining
$47
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$142
$960
$135
$676
Support group facilitator - 13 sessions $1,404
Facilitator mileage $212
Executive Director time - (2 hours) $124
$66
Total $3,719
Fourth Quarter grant cycle - The support group meets weekly and is a group of both men and women dealing with some unique challenges.Most of the group are in active cancer treatment, and the others are post- treatment.
Our group faciliator and our Program Director meet weekly to discuss the group dynamics, their needs and any issues that may need to be addressed. These weekly meetings also serve as a supportive session for our facilitator, which is a key part of our model. We have continued to promote the group with our healthcare partners in Simi Valley and through our weekly newsletter. *Due to less than anticipated time needed from staff for this program, there is a surplus of $47 which will be returned to the City of Simi Valley.
Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Room fee - Rancho Simi Recs and Park District - weekly fee/13 weeks Program coordinator time (6 hours)
Program and Clinical Director time (20 hours)
Development coordinator time (6 hours)
Outreach coordinator - (3 hours)
$10,000 $212 $3,683 $2,339 $3,719
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address:[email protected]: (805) 379-4777Contact Person:Monica Murrietta Organization Name: Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara Address: 4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. #107, WLV 91362 Compled Date: June 2025 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
ATTACHMENT D
8 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$1,609
$801
$568
$536
$97
$19
Total $3,630
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected] Phone: (805) 863-3353Contact Person: Rebecca Bogdanovic Organization Name: PathPoint
Address: 1463 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065 Completed Date: June 2025 $10,000 $2,602 $3,768 $0 $3,630
Kitchen microwave
Resettable combo locks
In this final grant quarter, PathPoint’s focus has been on selecting accessible program furniture (mainly seating) for our day services. Staff had the opportunity to rethink the program space and the mobility needs of the people we serve. The team procured a variety of seating (i.e., more traditional desk chairs, alongside other seating options such as couches/ stuffed, oversized chairs), which has improved focus, concentration, and comfort for the people we serve.
Additionally, the team procured a new microwave and resettable combination locks. The former will be a huge improvement to our cooking classes and our individuals’ ability to enjoy a warm lunch, and the latter allows our team to lock up sensitive items that need to be stored away (i.e., files, medication, etc.). These improvements have continued to make a difference in the lives of 29 people in our day services. Altogether, the improvements provided by this grant have supported the people we serve to develop vital life skills such as cooking, cleaning, typing, organization, and technological literacy. We are incredibly appreciative of the City of Simi’s Community Grants Program! We have also attached several pictures of the improvements.
Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Program chairs (3)
Stacking chairs (2)
Oversized chair
Loveseat
ATTACHMENT E
9 Remaining
$1,300
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Total $0
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 581-1910Contact Person: Laura Malinowski Organization Name: Sarah's House
Address: 2003 Royal Avenue Estimated Completion Date: May 2025 $20,000 $0 $0 $18,700 $0
The additional wood repair on the eaves was completed, bringing our project to full completion. After learning of our organization's mission, the contractor discounted the rate of the project, leaving a remaining balance of $1.300. We are in the process of working with City staff to returned the unexpended funds. Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
ATTACHMENT F
10 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$870
$206
$502
Total $1,579
For the 3rd quarter, we had a significant increase in families using our service.
We served 3,093 families, feeding 9,849 people.
In March, another food pantry in Simi had to close its doors. Due to the economy at this time, we anticipate our numbers to climb even higher. Additionally, millions of dollars have been cut nationwide for the USDA program. This means our food pantry will no longer receive important protein sources like meat, milk, eggs, and cheese.
Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Food (produce)
Supplies (trash bags, storage bags, gloves, etc)
Trash
$14,300 $6,113 $3,541 $3,067 $1,579
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 587-7711Contact Person: Traci Connett Organization Name: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Address: 4191 Cochran St Completed Date: June 2025
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
ATTACHMENT G
11 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$831
$950
Total $1,781
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2024
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2025
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2025
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2025 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2024-25
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: 909-896-4918Contact Person: Dani Hutchison Organization Name: Southeast Ventura County YMCA
Address: 3200 Cochran St. Completed Date: June 2025
$10,700 $2,973 $2,973 $2,973 $1,781
Thanks to the funding provided by the City of Simi Valley, we were able to offer the Safety Around Water Program to 78 children between the ages of 5 and 13 during 4th Quarter.
Breakdown of 2024-25 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Swim Lesson Instructors
Lifeguards
ATTACHMENT H
12