LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Member Jennifer Brahier
SUBJECT:
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DISCRETIONARY FUNDING ALLOCATION - CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JENNIFER BRAHIER - DISTRICT 1
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council approve funding of $2,000 to Manna Food Bank, $2,635 to Hope Above Fear, $1,000 to Harmonic Learning Advantage Outreach and $1,000 to Everett Animal Welfare Group from the City Council Discretionary Funds for District 1.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
In accordance with the Section 3.28-3.33 of the Policies of the City Council, prior to any distribution of grant or sponsorship funds from the City Council Discretionary Funds, approval by City Council is required.
The Manna Food Bank is a local grassroots organization fighting hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. They provide groceries directly to individuals and families in need, free of charge. The majority of their funding comes from individuals, faith-based organizations, corporations and businesses. Manna is nonsectarian, community focused and volunteer support. They believe every person has a right to live free of hunger and to be treated with respect and dignity. Funding will be used towards their mission.
Hope Above Fear, Inc. was established as a non-profit corporation on January 1, 2023 to bring awareness to the lack of drug addiction services offered to adolescents. Their mission is to assist with obtaining inpatient rehabilitation for adolescents ages 13 - 17 and empower teens to rewrite their stories by replacing Fear with Hope. Funding will be used to assist with their mission dealing with the opioid issue.
Harmonic Learning Advantage Outreach, Inc. came into existence in response to the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on students and families in Escambia County and its surrounding areas. The need for discounted and free quality tutoring services to help students cope with pandemic-related learning loss was strongly felt by the community, which was already familiar with Harmonic Learning Education and Training, LLC, a committed education provider in the City. Harmonic Learning Advantage Outreach was established to address the increasing demand and provide additional services to families in need, who require more support beyond what the school currently offers. Its aim is to ensure that no more families are turned away when seeking assistance. Funding will be used to sponsor income qualified students’ tuition for summer learning opportunities.
The Everett Animal Welfare Group is an all-volunteer organization that works to reduce the number of animals put down in Escambia and Santa Rosa County-owned animal shelters in Florida through spay and neuter of cats and dogs; and Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) of community cats. They promote responsible pet ownership and the human animal bond through adoption, education, and collaboration. Funding will be used towards their mission.
PRIOR ACTION:
July 21, 2022 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-065 establishing the City Council Discretionary Fund Policy
FUNDING:
Budget: $17,335 Current Balance - District 1 Discretionary Funds
Actual: $ 2,000 Manna Food Bank
2,635 Hope Above Fear, Inc.
1,000 Harmonic Learning Advantage Outreach
1,000 Everett Animal Welfare Group
$ 6,635
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A balance of $17,335 is currently within the District 1 Discretionary Fund Account. Upon approval by City Council, a balance of $10,700 will remain in the District 1 Discretionary Fund Account.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
Yvette McLellan, Special Assistant to the Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PRESENTATION: No