2017-477-E Finance - Community Empowerment Fund - Outside Agency Performance Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D25D6E0-716B-4244-AEA3-02E6A45FD852 EXHIBIT A PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION • 68% of members are minorities • 30% of members have a disability CEF has built a reputation in the target community as a go-to agency to assist in transitions out of homelessness. Our Columbia Street office reflects these ideals and serves as a welcoming space for homeless or at-risk individuals to seek assistance, connect to resources, or just to escape the elements. We actively reach out to vulnerable and disenfranchised members of the community through our partner organizations and community engagement. CEF is a part of the intake and/or orientation processes in area shelters. We receive referrals through our engagement and collaboration efforts with the wide variety of agencies outlined in the previous section. Our most significant source of referrals remains client-to-client referrals, as 40% of new members hear about CEF from a friend or family member. This source of connection additionally helps to build trust and credibility immediately from the outset of our interactions with new members. g) Describe the credentials of the program manager and other key staff. (Ex. Identify Program Manager and credentials, describe training provided to volunteers, etc.) The program is led by two staff members -- the Advocate Program Coordinator and Member Services Coordinator. The Member Services Coordinator, Diiv Sternman, has 12 years of experience in providing residential and crisis services to individuals experiencing homelessness, focused primarily in services supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Diiv is a certified SOAR case manager, with training and certification in trauma-informed care and in providing supportive services to victims of domestic violence. Diiv currently serves on the Leadership Team of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, and has served on a number of interagency councils and coalitions to address housing and homelessness, and gender and sexual justice in social service delivery. The Advocate Program Coordinator, Sarah Cohn, has 4 years of professional experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in gaining stable housing, in addition to 3 years as a volunteer Advocate with CEF prior to graduating and entering the field. Sarah is bilingual (Spanish and English), and supports the continued growth of our services for Spanish-speaking members. Sarah also has 3 years of experience specifically in volunteer training and coordination. Volunteers delivering advocate assistance to CEF members are trained through a combination of classroom training, year-round continuing education series, and job shadowing. Financial coaching advocates are trained through a semester-long academic course in the UNC School of Social Work. Advocates are directly supervised in their supports for CEF members by CEF staff, as advocate services are provided on-site in CEF's office. Advocates do not provide services in private homes or private spaces, so as to ensure proper safety and supervision. h) Describe the specific period over which the activities will be carried out and include an implementation timeline. The activities of CEF's Advocate Program occur six days a week, year-round. On a daily basis members are able to schedule appointments with CEF advocates to work one-on-one towards their personal goals. The initiatives within the Advocate Program that require an implementation timeline are especially our efforts to conduct seasonal activities, including volunteer advocate trainings which are held three times annually (January, May, and September), along with specialized training tracks in financial coaching (September— December), employment counseling (October — December), and housing advocacy (February — April). Celebrations to recognize the achievements of CEF members are also held seasonally in April, July, and December. i) Why is funding this program a good investment for the community? How does funding this program add value to the community? (250 words OR LESS) The CEF Advocate Program is a multiplier. We act in concert with and as a complement to a wide range of programs to extend the outcomes, impact, and collaboration of other programs. Our Advocates are ultimately helpers and connectors — helping to make sure that vulnerable PROGRAM INFORMATION 1/31/2017 11.04.24 AM Page 1 t or 25