MEETING DATE: 5/10/2016
DEPARTMENT: HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: James A. Rydingsword
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Enrique Arreola
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 130
SUBJECT:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - J. RYDINGSWORD
Approve Proclamation declaring May 2016 Community Action Month in the San Benito County and present Certificate of Recognition to individuals as described on the AIT.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 130
AGENDA SECTION:
Presentations and Recognitions
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Community Action emerged from the heart of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 proclamation of America’s “War on Poverty” where battles must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House. Community Action Agencies have now been providing services throughout the United States for the past 52 years. In San Benito County, the Community Action Board (CAB) was established in 1986 providing valuable services to our low-income community. Here are a few highlights for 2015:
1. 2,282 low-income residents received services through Community Action,
2. 782 low-income residents received assistance with the Low Income
Heating Energy Assistance Program to prevent shut-off,
3. 240 homeless families and individuals participated in the Winter Shelter for Homeless Families, the Warming Shelter, hotel vouchers and supportive
services,
4. 285 residents received free tax preparation services through the Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA),
5. 185 households received assistance through the Drought Water Bill
Assistance Program,
6. 180 Families received rental assistance for up to three months,
7. Provided housing to 70 migrant seasonal farm workers,
8. Over 2,200 residents received services at the America's Job Center,
9. Over 130 clients received comprehensive training services at local
employers or completed the Individual Training Account (ITA) vocational
training,
The CAB is committed to providing services to our low-income residents with the goal of reaching self-sufficiency. Community Action will continue to implement innovative and cost-effective programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished and continue to provide support and opportunities for all residents in need of assistance.
In addition, the Community Action Board would like the Board of Supervisors to recognize a board member who has served on the Board for almost 6 years; 2 clients who have successfully benefited from the programs; and 1 staff for having a positive impact in the lives of our low-income community members.
The Community Action Board is requesting the Board of Supervisors to declare May as the Community Action Month.
BUDGETED:
Yes