City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
F
ebruary 23, 2026
To: Cit
y Council
Fr
om: Department of Environmental Services
Stratis Perros, Environmental Services Director
Subj
ect: Receive and file update on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Projects Grant performance reports for the second quarter activities
Sta
ff Recommendation
I
t is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Community Projects Grant performance reports for the activities during the second quarter of FY 2025 -26 (Attachments A through H).
Ba
ckground
O
n May 9, 2011, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Waste Management related to the expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. The MOU provides $150,000 in annual funding for community projects and programs at the City Council's discretion.
F
or FY 2025-26, the City Council awarded a combined total of $150,000 to ten non-profit organizations. The awards have an expenditure period that began on July 1, 2025, and concludes on June 30, 2026. Recipients are 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 City Council direction on November 20, 2017, any unexpended funds at the conclusion of the expenditure period shall be returned to the City for allocation during the next award cycle.
Di
scussion
S
taff reviewed the reports covering activities from October 2025 to December 2025 from eight grant recipients. Sarah’s House expended all funds and completed their projects, and the remaining seven organizations’ reports are responsive in detailing the accomplishments of their respective scopes of work to date. The Free Clinic of Simi Valley and the Samaritan Center – Simi Valley, completed their projects and submitted final reports last quarter.
Agenda Item No.
Consent (2)
Recipient Award
Amount
Q1
Expenditures
Q2
Expenditures
Unspent
Balance
Estimated
Completion
Date
Body Brain Train $18,277 $5,777 $3,304 $9,196
Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark
& Simi Valley $16,419 $3,505 $6,853 $6,061
Cancer Support Community $15,000 $7,623 $2,437 $4,940
Free Clinic of Simi Valley $13,950 $13,950 – $0 Completed GiGi's Playhouse - Simi Valley $15,000 $0 $2,216 $12,784 Many Mansions $12,300 $417 $2,350 $9,533
Sarah's House $17,000 $2,000 $15,000 $0 Completed
Shepherd of the Valley
Lutheran Church $15,000 $4,213 $4,194 $6,593
Simi Valley Library Foundation $15,000 $0 $3,182 $11,818 The Samaritan Center - Simi
Valley $12,054 $12,054 – $0 Completed
Financial Impact
There are no additional financial impacts.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Thriving Community City Council’s Pillar of Excellence.
Suggested Motion
I move to receive and file the Community Projects Grant performance reports for the activities during the second quarter of FY 2025-26.
Summary
On May 9, 2011, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Waste Management related to the expansion of the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. The MOU provides $150,000 in annual funding for community projects and programs at the City Council's discretion. It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Community Projects Grant performance reports for the activities during the second quarter of FY 2025-26.
Prepared by: Cynthia McCullough, Deputy Environmental Services Director
Attachments
Attachment A – Body Brain Train
Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment B – Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark & Simi Valley Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment C – Cancer Support Community
2 Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment D – GiGi’s Playhouse – Simi Valley
Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment E – Many Mansions
Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment F – Sarah’s House
Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment G – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
Attachment H – Simi Valley Library Foundation
Community Projects Grant Second Quarter Report
3 Remaining
$9,196
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$99
$150
$1,050
$1,680
$325
Total $3,304
Payroll for 4 classes per week in house, $30 per trainer at 56 hours Payroll for extra trainer for one of our in house classes for $25/hour at 13 hours Hours off-site were fewer this quarter, as we go dark at the senior center in December.
We had to add an additional trainer to our Tuesday class because it's getting too big, so that's why you will see 5 hours for in-house classes per week instead of 4 hours.
We have an ongoing subscription with Sound Healing Academy and Jungshin Fitness that is part of the certification program to update new info and workouts every month.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
On going certification subscription for Jungshin Trainers ($33 per month) On going certification subscription for Soundbath Certification ($50 per month) Payroll 21 Classes Outside of the gym (Senior Center and Park) $50 per class $18,277 $5,777 $3,304
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: 805-864-3039Contact Person: Nikki Lian Organization Name: Body Brain Train
Address: 2955 Cochran Street Unit A-1 Simi Valley, 93065 Estimated Completion Date: May 2026 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Attachment A
4 Remaining
$6,061
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$5,625
$840
$288
$100
Total $6,853
Recognition/Incentives
Staff implemented a comprehensive STEM and Workforce Development framework designed to strengthen academic proficiency, critical thinking, and career readiness. Eighty-six Club members participated in math enrichment four days a week, utilizing strategic, standards-aligned math games to improve math proficiency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Members engaged in a variety of hands-on STEM projects that connected scientific concepts to real-world applications.
Science activities focused on environmental awareness and adaptation, including lessons on how animals survive in winter conditions through guided discussion, observation, and interactive projects. Additional hands-on science experiments introduced basic chemical reactions, allowing youth to practice hypothesis testing, observation, and teamwork while building confidence in scientific exploration.
Engineering activities emphasized collaboration and design thinking.
Workforce development was a central focus for our older members.
Twenty-four members participated in weekly career exploration and readiness sessions covering pathways such as higher education and skilled trades. Through goal-setting activities, members identified personal interests, strengths, and potential career goals. To connect learning to real-world application, they participated in local business site visits, including a mechanical shop, blacksmith, and grocery operation, gaining first hand exposure to workplace environments, industry expectations, and career skills.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Staffing
Curriculum/Program Supplies
Travel/Field Trips
$16,419 $3,505 $6,853
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 527-4437Contact Person: Scott Mosher Organization Name: Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark & Simi Valley Address: 2850 Lemon Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93063 Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Attachment B
5 Remaining
$4,940
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$1,188
$525
$594
Facilitator mileage $130
Total $2,437
The support group funded by this grant is serving 8-12 residents on a weekly basis. This group was started in February 2025 and has continued.
Our weekly "All Cancers" Support Group is fac ilitated b y our licensed clinician. This quarter's grant expenses w
ere used for our group facilitator's salary for this Simi Valley group only, the space rental, facilitator mileage, and some supportive staff time.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Weekly facilitator
Supportive staff
Space rental - Rancho Simi Rec & Park District
$15,000 $7,623 $2,437
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email: [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 Estimated Completion Date: June 2026 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Attachment C
6 Remaining
$12,784
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$1,811
$80
$325
Total $2,216
During the most recent quarter of the grant period, GiGi’s Playhouse Simi Valley completed the full infrastructure and program build-out required to launch GiGi’s Kitchen for children, teens, and adults beginning January 19, 2026. Grant funds were used to purchase essential kitchen tools, utensils, and safety equipment, including adaptive cutting guides and sufficient sets of materials so that every participant can safely engage in hands-on food preparation. In addition, key volunteers were recruited, Livescanned, and trained to ensure compliance with safety requirements and readiness to support participants. All recipes and lesson plans for the full program session were prepared in advance, and age-appropriate educational materials, workbooks, and facilitator guides were created covering kitchen safety, cleanliness, food handling, and basic nutrition. By the end of the quarter, all three program tracks—Kids, Teens, and Adults—were fully resourced, staffed, and scheduled, positioning GiGi’s Kitchen to launch as a sustainable, well-structured program that delivers safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate culinary instruction for individuals with Down syndrome, with fresh groceries to be purchased weekly to support ongoing classes beginning January 19.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Kitchen Equipment (Tongs, Whisks, Slicing Guides, Knife Safety Equipment, Hair Nets, etc,) Program Guides and Materials (Recipes, Worksheets, Instructional Sheets) Volunteer Live Scanning & Background Checks
$15,000 $0 $2,216
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 426-4444Contact Person: Frankie Cohen Organization Name: GiGi's Playhouse - Simi Valley
Address: 1263 Simi Town Center Way H3 Simi Valley, CA 93063 Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Attachment D
7 Remaining
$9,533
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$2,350
Total $2,350
During this reporting period, four additional HVAC units were installed—two at Casa De Paz and two at La Rahada. Combined with last term’s progress, a total of five HVAC units have been installed since July 2025, benefiting eight individuals.
These upgrades enhance comfort and promote wellness, significantly improving residents’ quality of life.
One resident shared that the new system has eliminated the loud noise that previously disrupted her sleep, allowing her to feel better, rested, and more energized throughout the day. With early implementation milestones completed, the project will transition into an accelerated installation phase for the remainder of the grant term. The current work plan supports installing multiple units per month, ensuring the project remains on track to meet both deliverable and expenditure deadlines.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
4 HVAC units
$12,300 $417 $2,350
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 732-3064Contact Person: Natalie Helton Organization Name: Many Mansions
Address: 1259 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA Estimated Completion Date: June 2026 1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Attachment E
8 9
10 11
12 Remaining
$0
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$15,000
Total $15,000
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
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: P.O. Box 941768 Estimated Completion Date: 11/15/25 $17,000 $2,000 $15,000
We have completed the painting and repair project on the home. All grant monies have been expended.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
All paint and repair (eaves, stucco and wood) has been completed Attachment F
13 Remaining
$6,593
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$100
$341
$514
$3,079
$161
Total $4,194
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
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. Simi Valley, CA 93063 Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 $15,000 $4,213 $4,194
Food
Vacuum cleaner
This quarter brought some challenges.
In November, SNAP benefits were delayed. The first 2 weeks of November brought more families than ever.
Over 50 brand new families in Simi Valley registered with us during those 2 weeks. We were also challenged when we were unable to bring in enough meat options during October and November; as such, we purchased meat. Something we have rarely had to do in the past.
In December, we had our 3rd annual Christmas party for kids who come to the pantry aged 3 to 11.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
Fuel
Supplies (trash bags, storage bags, gloves, etc)
Trash
Attachment G
14 Remaining
$11,818
Brief Explanation of Project Status (including # served to date) Amount
$3,182
Total $3,182
1st Quarter
Due October 10, 2025
2nd Quarter
Due January 10, 2026
3rd Quarter
Due April 10, 2026
4th Quarter
Due July 10, 2026 Final Report
Select ( √ ) the applicable reporting quarter for this report.
Community Projects Grant
FY 2025-26
Total Award 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Project Funds Expended
Email Address: [email protected]: (805) 207-9206Contact Person: Cindy Slack Organization Name: Simi Valley Library Foundation
Address: 2969 Tapo Canyon Rd. Simi Valley, CA 93063 Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 $15,000 $0 $3,182
During the reporting period, preparation for improvements to the Teen Lounge continued with the removal of the existing, outdated furniture. New carpeting for the Teen Lounge was purchased and is scheduled to be installed on January 12, 2026. Delivery of the selected carpet took longer than anticipated due to a manufacturer's backorder. Upon completion of the carpet installation, all remaining grant funds will be used to purchase the furniture and equipment outlined in the first quarter report to update the Teen Lounge.
Furniture ordering was deferred until after the carpet installation due to limited on-site storage space.
As of the end of the second quarter of the grant period, approximately 980 teen and adult patrons have used the Teen Lounge for meetings and as a study space. By the end of summer, we anticipate a significant increase in usage of the space for our 5,213 teen library card holders.
Breakdown of 2025-26 Community Projects Grant Expenditures for the Current Quarter Description
New carpet and installation
Attachment H
15