Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tara Williams
Department: Human Services Division: Family Success Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Administrator to execute Agreements between Broward County and the following agencies: 1) Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc. (in the amount of $125,000), 2) Urban League of Broward County, Inc. (in the amount of $125,000), and 3) Arc Broward, Inc. (in the amount of $50,000), for a total of $300,000, for the provision of financial stability services to eligible Broward County residents, beginning October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024, with two one-year optional renewal terms, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney; authorize the County Administrator to execute amendments to the agreements, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, that do not impose any additional financial obligations on the County; and authorize the County Administrator to take all necessary administrative and budgetary actions to implement the Agreements.
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Why Action is Necessary
Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ (“Commission”) approval is required for agreements with external agencies.
What Action Accomplishes
This action provides access to an evidence-based program of bundled services that move individuals and families out of poverty, which helps Broward County residents achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This action supports the Commission’s value of “building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions,” and the goal of “delivering accessible human services that holistically address the whole person collaboratively and compassionately.” Approval of this action demonstrates Broward County’s commitment to provide services in partnership with all agencies in the community to advance the well-being and financial stability of its residents.
Three agencies operate Centers for Working Families (“CWF”) programs in Broward County. These centers utilize an evidence-based approach developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where bundled services are delivered in one location to help participants achieve more meaningful and successful financial stability outcomes. CWF services focus on financial education and coaching, obtaining employment or securing better employment, and facilitating access to public benefits and other services that remove barriers to obtaining and retaining better employment. These accomplishments encourage and enable participants to make meaningful decisions for long-term progress such as opening a bank account, reducing debt, establishing savings, and increasing their credit scores.
Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc., Urban League of Broward County, Inc., and Arc Broward, Inc., have operated CWF programs in Broward County since 2016. These three agencies have provided CWF services to a total of 3,147 clients through September 30, 2023.
The Family Success Administration Division staff has worked with representatives from each agency to renegotiate components of the Agreements to ensure that program participants will succeed in the current economic climate. The revised scopes place more emphasis on one-on-one services and provide an increase in transportation assistance to recognize increased costs due to inflation. The new Agreements will be finalized and approved as to form by the Office of the County Attorney prior to execution by the County Administrator.
Source of Additional Information
Natalie D. Moffitt, Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-6367
Kristi Hill, Assistant Director, Family Success Administration Division, (954) 357-6367
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The Family Success Administration Division Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes $300,000 for the CWF program. Renewal options are dependent on subsequent budgetary authorization by the Commission.