Agenda - 06-19-2001-5a - Laserfiche WebLink

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• approaching business and banks about contributions and matching funds for a revolving loan fund; and • educating local agencies on the benefit of the program and the need to identify persons eligible for the program. The Commission for Women appeared before the Board at the FY 2000-01 budget hearings to request an extension on the part time-time limited Mobility Specialist position (now the Transportation Coordinator) and an allocation of $3,000 for the project. The BOCC at their June 29, 2000 meeting passed a resolution commending the Commission for Women on this project. In the FY 2000-01 Budget, the BOCC approved extending the Transportation Specialist time-limited position with the responsibilities included for the Wheels to Work Program and allocated $3,000 to the program. The Transportation Coordinator was hired in October and began to put the program together with the Commission for Women. In developing the program, the CFW's research indicated that in many cases transportation programs were either coordinated by non-profit agencies or conducted in collaboration with non-profits. The CFW and the Transportation Coordinator contacted at least three of the major non-profit groups in Orange County whose mission corresponded to the goals of this project. After many months of waiting for a response, all local non-profit groups turned down the project. CFW then approached Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers (TROSA). TROSA, a social entrepreneurial non-profit organization dedicated to helping substance abusers change their lives, agreed to be a partner in the project. For several reasons, TROSA is the ideal partner for the project: - because they have a current dealership license; - because-they have mechanics and a full service auto repair and body shop on their premises; - they already have a program where TROSA graduates are allowed to purchase donated vehicles for the price of parts to repair the vehicle at TROSA's automotive/body shop; and - persons donating vehicles will be able to receive charitable contribution receipts. Additionally, the CFW has developed a back up plan to facilitate the distribution of vehicles if for some reason TROSA does not work out as a partner. Members of the CFW and other citizens have created `a non-profit group, the "Friends of the Commission for Women." The purpose of the Friends is to improve the quality of life for women and .children in Orange County, North Carolina through the development and coordination of community resources and services and the building of relationships and alliances with other community organizations. This organization is fully incorporated and has filed recognition of tax. exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service and is awaiting that determination. The Department of Human Rights and Relations helped to facilitate the creation of the new organization in their role as staff support to the Commission for Women. However, all parties are aware that the non-profit created will be a volunteer organization and is not staff-supported by the Department. With the above mentioned items in place, the Transportation Coordinator and the Commission for Women are poised to begin the program, which already has persons waiting to both donate vehicles and receive vehicles. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the resolution supporting the Wheels to Work Program.