Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 44974 (2)CITY SECRETARY csettrtsacaO AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM GIRLS INCORPORATED OF TARRANT COUNTY FISCAL YEAR 2014 1 .. In consideration of the mutual covenants, promises and agreements contained herein, THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into between CITY OF FORT WORTH, a home rule municipal corporation of the State of Texas, ("City") acting by and through Charles W. Daniels, its duly authorized Assistant City Manager, and GIRLS INCORPORATED OF TARRANT COUNTY, a Texas public non-profit corporation ("Contractor") acting by and through Jennifer Limas, President/CEO, its duly authorized representative. RECITALS WHEREAS, City has determined that Community Based Programs are necessary to support crime prevention in City during Fiscal Year 2014 to meet one or more of the Crime Control and Prevention District ("CCPD") goals, which are (1) to support efforts to reduce violent crime and gang -related activities through enhanced enforcement activities and crime prevention programs, (2) to support efforts to increase the safety of residents and to decrease crime throughout Fort Worth neighborhoods and (3) to support efforts to increase the safety of youth and reduce juvenile crime through crime prevention and intervention programs; and WHEREAS, Contractor has agreed to operate a Community Based Program called "Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth," which will support the police department's crime prevention efforts throughout the community; and WHEREAS, City desires to contract with Contractor to operate the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program; and WHEREAS, City, as consideration for the performance of Contractor, has appropriated monies in the CCPD Budget as reimbursed by the CCPD in the amount of $32,487.00 ("Program Funds") to provide to the Contractor for the operation of the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein expressed, the parties agree as follows: AGREEMENT 1. Responsibilities of Contractor. Contractor covenants and agrees to fully perform, or cause to be performed, with good faith and due diligence, all work and services described in Exhibit "A" — Program Proposal, attached, and incorporated herein for all purposes incident to this Agreement. Contractor shall be responsible for day-to-day administration of the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program. Contractor agrees to expend the Program Funds in accordance with its Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program budget, described in Exhabi `B," attached. Program activities shall be reported in accordance with E �r rit ijJ " attached and effectiveness measures shall be reported in accordance with Exhibit "E," UAL RECOt FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County RECEIVED OCT 10 2013 z V SiEtehdlIARY mar -)Marli„ Page 1 of 9 2. Program Funds. 2.1 In no event shall the total distribution of Program Funds from City made to the Contractor during the term of this Agreement exceed the total sum of $32,487.00. 2.2 Payment of the Program Funds from City to Contractor shall be made on a cost - reimbursement basis following receipt by City fiom Contractor of a signed Request for Reimbursement (RFR) and copies of all receipts. Contractor shall deliver to City a written detailed Program Activities Report and Program Effectiveness Measures Report as described in Section 4.2 below with each RFR to support expenditure of Program Funds. Such reports shall be signed by the Contractor or duly authorized officer of the Contractoi. The RFR, as described in Exhibit "C, ' attached, and monthly Program Activities Report shall be submitted to City no later than the 15th day following the end of the month. Submittal of a monthly RFR and Program Activities Report is required even if services are not provided. Submit the monthly RFR with an original signature by an authorized representative to the Grants and Contracts Management Section of the Fort Worth Police Department, ATTENTION: JACOB BROWNING, 350 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, Texas, 76102 Reimbursements will not be made until after receipt of an acceptable and approved RFR and a monthly Program Activities Report from the Contractor. Reimbursements shall be made within 30 days receipt of said documents. 2.3 Contractor is authorized to adjust any categories in the budget in an amount not to exceed 5% of those particular categories without prior approval of City, as long as the total sum does not exceed the amount of the Program Funds; however, Contractor must notify City in writing of any such adjustments. Any adjustment of more than 5% of each category must have written permission fiom City prior to any budget adjustment being made. Budget adjustments shall be submitted to the Grants and Contracts Management Section of the Fort Worth Police Department, ATTENTION: SASHA KANE, 350 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, Texas, 76102. 3. Term. This Agreement shall commence upon October 1, 2013, or the date that the City has executed this Agreement ("Effective Date"), whichever occurs later and shall end on September 30, 2014. All of Contractor's expenditures under this Agreement must be completed no later than September 30, 2014. 4. Program Performance. 4.1 Contractor agrees to maintain full documentation supporting the performance of the work and fulfillment of the objectives set forth in Exhibit "A." 4.2 Contractor agrees to provide a monthly Program Activities Report and quarterly Program Effectiveness Measures Report to document the performance of the work described in Exhibit "D" and Exhibit "E," respectively. The Program Activities and Effectiveness Measures shall document the program activity names, numbers of participants attending, details of the activities and a description of the goals achieved in support of the CCPD goals. Program Effectiveness Measures shall be reported on a quarterly basis and included in the January, April July, and October RFR and Program Activities Report submittals. Additionally, the Project Effectiveness Measurement Report must include any successes realized in descriptive detail. The monthly Program Activitiesand quarterly Program Effectiveness Measurement Reports shall be submitted to City no later than the 15th day after the end of each month. FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 2 of 9 4.3 A representative of the program shall attend quarterly meetings of the Crime Control and Prevention District Board as requested. 5. Default and Termination. 5.1 This Agreement is wholly conditioned upon the actual receipt by City of Program Funds from the CCPD All monies distributed to Contractor hereunder shall be exclusively from monies received from the CCPD, and not from any other monies of City. In the event that funds from the CCPD are not timely received, in whole or in part, City may, at its sole discretion, terminate this Agreement and City shall not be liable for payment for any work or services performed by Contractor under or in connection with this Agreement 5.2 If for any reason at any time during any term of this Agreement, City Council of City fails to appropriate funds sufficient for City to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement, City may terminate this Agreement to be effective on the later of (i) thirty (30) days following delivery by City to Contractor of written notice of City's intention to terminate or (ii) the last date for which funding has been appropriated by City Council for the purposes set forth in this Agreement. 5.3 This Agreement may be terminated by City, in whole or in part, whenever such termination is determined by City to be in the best interest of City in event of Contractor default, inability to perform or to comply with the terms herein; or for other good cause. 5.4 Termination will be effected by delivering to Contractor a notice of termination, specifying the portion of the Agreement affected and the effective date of termination. Upon Contractor's receipt of notice of termination, Contractor shall: (a) Stop work under the Agreement on the date and to the extent specified in the notice of termination; (b) Place no further order or subcontracts, except as may be necessary for completion of the work not terminated; (e) Terminate all orders and contracts to the extent that they relate to the performance of the work terminated by the notice of termination; and (d) Cease expenditures of Program Funds, except as may be necessary for completion of the work not terminated. 5.5 In the event City suspends or terminates this Agreement for cause, and the cause for such suspension or termination is determined to be invalid, the Contractor's sole remedy shall be reinstatement of this Agreement Contractor expressly waives any and all rights to monetary damages, including but not limited to actual, consequential, and punitive damages, court costs and attorney's fees. 5.6 Within thirty (30) days following the date of termination of this Agreement, Contractor shall return to City any property provided hereunder or as so directed by the Contract Administrator (see paragraph 13.3). City will have no responsibility or liability for Contractor's expenditures or actions occurring after the effective date of termination of the Agreement. 6. Eauinment and Maintenance. All equipment purchased with Program Funds must meet all eligibility requirements of City. Contractor shall maintain all equipment used in the administration and execution of the Girls Inc in Northside Fort Worth program. Contractor shall maintain, replace or repair any item of equipment used in support of the Girls Inc in Northside Fort Worth program and/or for use under the terms of this Agreement that no longer functions or FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 3 of 9 is lost or stolen The cost for maintenance, replacement or repair of any equipment used in support of the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program and/or for use under the terms of this Agieement is the sole responsibility of Contractor. Contractor shall not use Program Funds or City funds to repair or replace said equipment. Contractor shall use any and all equipment purchased with Program Funds exclusively in support of the Girls Inc in Northside Fort Worth program. Within 10 days following the purchase of equipment, Contractor shall submit to City a detailed inventory of all equipment purchased with Program Funds to the Grants and Contracts Management Section at the address set forth in paragraph 2.3 above. The equipment inventory shall include an itemized description of each piece of equipment, the date each piece of equipment was purchased, the cost of purchase for each piece of equipment, and the location of each piece of equipment. 7. Administrative Requirements. 7.1 Contractor agrees to keep sufficient records to document its adherence to applicable local, state, and federal regulations along with documentation and records of all receipts and expenditures of Program Funds. All records shall be retained for three (3) years following the termination or completion of this Agreement. City or its representatives shall have the right to investigate, examine and audit at any time any and all such records relating to operations of Contractor under this Agreement. Contractor, its officers, members, agents, employees, and subcontractors, upon demand by City, shall make such records readily available for investigation examination, and audit In the event of such audit by City, a single audit of all Contractors operations will be undertaken and may be conducted either by City or an independent auditor of City's choice. Contractor shall submit a copy of any audit performed by their independent auditor within 30 days of receipt of the final audit report. 7.2 If any audit reveals a questioned practice or expenditure, such questions must be resolved within fifteen (15) days after notice to Contractor by City If questions are not resolved within this period, City reserves the right to withhold further funding under this and/or future contract(s) with Contractor. 7.3 If, as a result of any audit, it is determined that Contractor misused, misapplied or misappropriated all or any part of the Program Funds, Contractor agrees to reimburse City the amount of such monies so misused, misapplied or misappropriated, plus the amount of any sanction, penalty, or other charge levied against City because of such misuse misapplication or misappropriation 7.4 Contractor's obligation to City shall not end until all closeout requirements are completed Activities during this closeout period shall include, but are not limited to: providing final Program Activities Report and Program Effectiveness Measurement Reports, making final payments, disposing of Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program assets as appropriate and as directed by City's Contract Administrator (see paragraph 13.3.). 7.5 Contractor covenants and agrees to fully cooperate with City in monitoring the effectiveness of the services and work to be performed by Contractor under this Agreement, and City shall have access at all reasonable hours to offices and records of the Contractor, its officers members agents, employees, and subcontractors for the purpose of such monitoring. FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 4 of 9 8. Independent Contractor. • 8.1 Contractor shall operate hereunder as an independent contractor and not as an officer, agent, or servant or employee of City. Contractoi shall have exclusive control of, and the exclusive right to control the details of the work and services performed hereunder, and all persons performing same and shall be solely responsible for the acts and omissions of its officers, members, agents, servants, employees, subcontractors, program participants, licensees, or invitees. The doctrine of respondeat superior shall not apply as between City and Contractor, its officers, members, agents, servants, employees, subcontractors, program participants, hcensees, or invitees, and nothing herein shall be construed as creating a partnership o1 joint enterprise between City and Contractor. It is expressly understood and agreed that no officer member, agent, employee, subcontractor, licensee, or invitee of the Contractor, nor any program participant hereunder is in the paid service of City and that City does not have the legal right to control the details of the tasks performed hereunder by Contractor its officers, members, agents, employees, subcontractors, program participants, licensees, or invitees. 8.2 City shall in no way nor under any circumstances be responsible for any property belonging to Contractor, its officers, members, agents, employees, subcontractors, program participants, licensees or invitees, which may be lost, stolen, destroyed, or in any way damaged. 9. Liability and Indemnification. CONTRACTOR SHALL BE LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL PROPERTY LOSS, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, TO ANY AND ALL PERSONS, OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER, WHETHER REAL OR ASSERTED, TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENT ACT(S) OR OMISSION(S), MALFEASANCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF CONTRACTOR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS OR EMPLOYEES CONTRACTOR AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD THE CITY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, SERVANTS, AND EMPLOYEES HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LAWSUITS, ACTIONS, COSTS, AND EXPENSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS (INCLUDING ALLEGED DAMAGE OR LOSS TO OWNER'S BUSINESS AND ANY RESULTING LOST PROFITS) AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY (INCLUDING DEATH) THAT MAY RELATE TO, ARISE OUT OF, OR BE OCCASIONED BY (I) CONSULTANT'S BREACH OF ANY OF THE TERMS OR PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR (II) ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF CONTRACTOR, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, ASSOCIATES, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS (OTHER THAN THE CITY), OR SUBCONTRACTORS RELATED TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT; EXCEPT THAT THE INDEMNITY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY LIABILITY RESULTING FROM THE SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OR ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OR SEPARATE CONTRACTORS, AND IN THE EVENT OF JOINT AND CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE OF BOTH CONSULTANT AND CITY, RESPONSIBILITY, IF ANY, SHALL BE APPORTIONED COMPARATIVELY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A WAIVER OF THE CITY'S FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 5 of 9 GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY AS FURTHER PROVIDED BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS. Contractor shall require all of its subcontractors to include in their subcontracts a release and indemnity in favor of City in substantially the same form as above. This section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. 10. Non -Assignment. No assignment or delegation of duties under this Agreement by Contractor shall be effective without City's prior written approval. 11. Prohibition Against Interest. 11.1 No member, officer or employee of City, or its designees or agents; no member of the governing body of the locality in which the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program is situated; and no other public official of such locality or localities who exercises any functions or responsibilities with respect to the Girls Inc in Northside Fort Worth program during his tenure or for one year thereafter, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or subcontract, or the proceeds thereof, for work to be performed hereunder. Contractor shall incorporate, or cause to be incorporated, like language prohibiting such interest, in all contracts and subcontracts hereunder. 11.2 No officer, employee, member, or program participant of Contractor shall have a financial interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement or the monies transferred hereunder, or be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in the sale to Contractor of any land, materials, supplies, or services purchased with any funds transferred hereunder, except on behalf of Contractor, as an officer, employee, member, or program participant. Any willful violation of this paragraph with the knowledge, expressed or implied, of Contractor or its subcontractors, shall render this Agreement voidable by City of Fort Worth. 12. Nondiscrimination. 12.1 In accordance with the federal, state and local laws and ordinances, Contractor covenants that neither it nor any of its officers, members, agents, employees program participants, or subcontractors, while engaged in performing this Agreement shall in connection with the employment, advancement, or discharge of employees, in connection with the terms, conditions or privileges of their employment, discriminate against persons because of their age, except on the basis of a bona fide occupational qualification, retirement plan, statutory requirement, or statutory or ordinance exception 12.2 Contractor will not unlawfully discriminate against any person or persons because of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability national origin, or sexual orientation, nor will Contractor permit its officers, members, agents, employees, subcontractors or program participants to engage m such discrimination 13. Compliance. 13.1 Contractor, its officers, members, agents employees, program participants, and subcontractors shall abide by and comply with all laws, federal, state and local including all ordinances rules and regulations of City If City calls to the attention of Contractor any such violation on the part of Contractor or any of its officers, members, agents, employees, FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 6 of 9 subcontractors or program participants, then Contractor shall immediately desist from and correct such violation 13.2 Contractor shall utilize Program Funds strictly for those purposes and goals intended under the terms and conditions of this Agreement If City calls the attention of Contractor to any such violations on the part of Contractor or any of its officers, members, agents, employees, program participants or subcontractors, then Contractor shall immediately desist from and correct such violation. 13.3 City designates Sasha Kane, Senior Contract Compliance Specialist, 817-392-4243, to act as Contract Administrator and delegates to this individual authority for Agreement administration, compliance, and monitoring. 14. Waiver of Immunity. If Contractor is a charitable or nonprofit organization and has or claims an immunity or exemption (statutory or otherwise) from and against liability for damages or injury, including death, to persons or property; Contractor hereby expressly waives its rights to plead defensively such immunity or exemption as against City. This section shall not be construed to affect a governmental entity's immunities under constitutional, statutory or common law. 15. Insurance Requirement. 15.1 Contractor shall procure and shall maintain during the term of this Agreement the following insurance coverage: (a) Commercial General Liability (CGL)' $1,000,000 per occurrence, with a $2,000,000.00 annual aggregate limit in a form that is acceptable to the City's Risk Manager. (b) Non -Profit Organization Liability or Directors & Officers Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, with a $1,000 000 annual aggregate limit, in a form that is acceptable to the City's Risk Manager. (c) Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 each accident on a combined single limit basis OR split limits are acceptable if limits are at least $250,0000 Bodily Injury per person, $500,000 Bodily Injury per accident and $100,000 Property Damage. 15.2 Contractor's insurer(s) must be authorized to do business in the State of Texas for the lines of insurance coverage provided and be currently rated in terms of financial strength and solvency to the satisfaction of the City's Risk Manager. 15.3 Each insurance policy required herein shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City Each insurance policy required by this Agreement, except for policies of worker's compensation or accident/medical insurance shall list the City as an additional insured. City shall have the right to revise insurance coverage requirements under this Agreement. 15.4 Contractor further agrees that it shall comply with the Worker's Compensation Act of Texas and shall provide sufficient compensation insurance to protect Contractor and City from and against any and all Worker s Compensation claims arising from the work and services provided under this Agreement. FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 7 of 9 16. Miscellaneous Provisions. 16.1 The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and, if for any reason a clause, sentence, paragraph or other part of this Agreement shall be determined to be invalid by a court or Federal or state agency board or commission having jurisdiction over the subject matter thereof, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions which can be given effect without the invalid provision. 16.2 City's failure to insist upon the performance of any term or provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right herein conferred shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment to any extent of City's right to assert or rely upon any such term or right on any future occasion 16.3 Should any action, whether real or asserted, at law or in equity, arise out of the execution, performance, attempted performance or non-performance of this Agreement, venue for said action shall he in Tarrant County, Texas. 16.4 Contractor represents that it possesses the legal authority, pursuant to any proper, appropriate and official motion, resolution or action passed or taken, to enter into this Agreement and to pei form the responsibilities herein required. 16.5 This written instrument and the exhibits attached hereto, which are incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement for all purposes, constitute the entire agreement between the parties concerning the work and services to be performed hereunder, and any prior or contemporaneous, oral or written agreement which purports to vary from the terms hereof shall be void Any amendments to the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and must be signed by authorized representatives of each party. 16.6 All notices required or permitted by this Agreement must be in writing and are deemed delivered on the earlier of the date actually received or the third day following (i) deposit in a United States Postal Service post office or receptacle; (ii) with proper postage (certified mail, return receipt requested); and (iii) addressed to the other party at the address as follows or at such other address as the receiving party designates by proper notice to the sending party. CITY: Copies To: Charles W. Daniels, Assistant City Manager City Manager's Office City of Fort Worth 1000 Throckmorton Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Jacob Browning, Planner Fort Worth Police Department 350 W. Belknap Street Fort Worth TX 76102 CONTRACTOR: Jennifer Limas, President/CEO GIRLS INCORPORATED OF TARRANT COUNTY 2820 Matlock Road Arlington TX 76015 16.7 None of the performance rendered under this Agreement shall involve, and no portion of the Program Funds received hereunder shall be used, directly or indirectly for the construction, FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Page 8 of 9 operations, maintenance or administration of any sectarian or religious facility or activity, nor shall said performance rendered or funds received be utilized so as to benefit, directly or indirectly, any such sectarian or religious facility or activity. 16.8 Contractor certifies that it has obtained a 501 (c) (3) Certificate from the Internal Revenue Service. Contractor shall notify City in writing of any changes to its 501 (c) (3) tax- exempt status during the term of this Agreement. 16.9 Captions and headings used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement. 16.10 The provisions and conditions of this Agreement are solely for the benefit of City and Contractor and are not intended to create any rights, contractual or otherwise, to any other person or entity. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this reemcnt in multiples in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, to be effective this �Y of 4t7L�-- , 20..1 CITY OF FORT WORTH C arles W. Daniels Assis an City Manager Jffiey Halstead Chief of Police APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: qi 04SILA,_ Charlene Sanders Assistant City Attorney ATTEST: Mary Kay City Secre gfri e° 1 d dYit C ich iw00000 ‘444 S FY 2014 Community Based Program Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County soolevati,14, A�l .,op0copo00 �(� Op Q�j o Nita no ri 0°-* rci GIRLS INCORPORATED OF TARRANT COUNTY, a Texas Private Non -Profit Corporation B 1 fer Lim President/CEO OFFICIAL RECORD CITY SECRETARY tptWORTh,TtS of9 FY 2014 CRIME CONTROL AND PREVENTION DISTRICT PROPOSAL COVER SHEET AGENCY: Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County DIRECTOR: Jennifer Limas, President/CEO PHONE NUMBER: 817-468-0306 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Arlington: 2820 Matlock Rd., Arlington, TX 76015 Fort Worth: 2100 N. Main St., Suite 214, Fort Worth, TX 76164 CONTACT PERSON: Connie Winkle EMAIL ADDRESS: cwinkle©girlsinctarrant.org PHONE NUMBER: 817-468-0306 FAX NUMBER' 817-557-3008 PROGRAM TITLE: Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth CCPD FUNDS REQUESTED: $ 32,487 AGENCY STATUS: ❑ Private Nonprofit El Public Nonprofit Mark the goal(s) that your program addresses. ■ Support efforts to reduce violent crime and gang -related activities through enhanced enforcement activities and crime prevention programs El Support efforts to increase the safety of residents and to decrease crime throughout Fort Worth neighborhoods; and Support efforts to increase the safety of youth and reduce juvenile crime through crime prevention and intervention programs. 0 Additionally, does program address the priority consideration listed below? Program is a prevention or intervention program for youth and/or family violence. CERTIFICATION: I certify that the information contained in this proposal fairly represents the above -named agency's operating plans and budget for the proposed program. I acknowledge that I have read and understand the requirements and provisions of the Request for Proposal and that the above -named agency will comply with all applicable rules and regulations relating to the procurement process. I certify that I am authorized to sign this proposal and to enter into and execute a contract with the City of Fort Worth to provide the services authorized. TYPED NAME: Jennifer Limas TITLE: SIGNATURE: President/CEO r DATE: ` g/3013 l PROGRAM ABSTRACT The Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program addresses the problems of youth violence, substance abuse, violence against girls and women, and other crime by delivering programs that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for girls ages 6-18. Focusing on the Northside Fort Worth area (Zip codes 76106 and 76164) which has neighborhoods with high rates of crime drug abuse and gang activity, Girls Inc.'s provides nationally researched programs weekly in a safe, supportive and mentoring environment at Northside Library Diamond Hill -Jarvis Library and Northside High School. Girls Inc. curricula includes programming to educate and empower girls to: • Build skills to positively navigate social situations and overcome relational aggression that can escalate into violent behavior • Assess, respond to, and avoid potentially violent situations • Build skills to resist pressure to use/abuse alcohol, drugs and other harmful substances, • Raise awareness about violence in girls' lives, from the community level to federal policy makers and inspire dialogue and action to improve safety for girls, • Learn basic financial concepts including money management and skills for self-sufficiency, • Gain an understanding of various aspects of the media and its influence in girls' lives • Participate in other activities including Academic Achievers, field trips, and community service projects. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 1 PROPOSAL NARRATIVE 1) Describe in detail the problem that your program addresses. The Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program addresses the problems of youth violence, substance abuse, and other crime by increasing protective factors through delivery of nationally research -based programming for girls in a supportive, mentoring environment. Fort Worth's Northside community is a primarily Hispanic, low-income neighborhood. The majority of youth live in poverty — of the twelve elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools in the area, the average percentage of children and youth that are on free or reduced lunch is 92.89% The community is plagued with high rates of violence, drug abuse, gang activity, and other crime. The following statistics substantiate the problems faced in this community • Youth Violence: ➢ The 76106 and 76164 Zip code area has been identified as one of the 15 areas with the highest incidence of juvenile violent crime in the State of Texas (http://www.dfps.state.tx us/prevention and early_ intervention/). ➢ Suicide attempts continue to be on the rise for Latina teens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of every seven Latina teens attempts suicide. • Youth Substance Abuse: Substance use/abuse among Fort Worth youth Is prevalent, and starts at an early age. According to the Texas School Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use (Spring 2010), results indicated that of Fort Worth ISD students: ➢ 41.6% of 71" graders had used alcohol before; 16.1 % had used it in the past month. ➢ 71.6% of high school seniors had used alcohol before; 46.3% had used it within the past month 22% reported normally using alcohol several times per month. ➢ 30% of high school juniors and seniors report that alcohol was always used at the parties they attend ➢ 11.4% of 71" graders had used marijuana before — 4.6% within the past month. ➢ 35 5% of high school seniors had used marijuana before 16% within the past month. 4.8% reported regular usage of marijuana several times per month • Youth Referred to Probation: 197 referrals were made to the Tarrant County Juvenile Probation Department for 76106 and 76164 youth in 2010, representing 135 unduplicated youth, as some youth were referred more than once. 26% of JPD referrals are female. To address the myriad of social and economic problems that today's youth face, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention states that "intervention methods designed to prevent child delinquency from escalating Into serious and violent juvenile offending must address a range of risk and protective factors. Preventing delinquency in a child's fife can pay significant dividends by reducing crime rates and decreasing cnme- related expenditures of tax dollars. More important, it can help children avoid the consequences of delinquent behavior by increasing their chances of leading law-abiding and productive lives." Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 2 2) Describe what your program does to support efforts to increase the safety of youth and reduce Juvenile crime through crime prevention and intervention programs. The Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program supports efforts to increase the safety of youth and reduce juvenile crime by increasing protective factors through our research - based prevention programming for girls. Girls Inc. curriculum addresses the gender - specific risk factors that make girls vulnerable to: • bullying and participating in violent behavior, • abusing illegal substances, • becoming involved with gangs and other criminal activity, • truancy, academic failure, and dropping out of school, and • engaging in early and risky sexual behavior. The Girls inc. program supports crime prevention by providing safe places for girls to attend positive programs during those crucial times when most teen initiated crime occurs. Partnering with community locations gives girls access to services in their neighborhoods where they feel most safe and secure Girls also increases girls' awareness of the many ways that girls and women experience violence, and builds their skills in assessing, responding to and avoiding potentially violent situations In addition, our Safe In My World curriculum gives girls the opportunity to participate in advocacy to address violence against girls and women Trained, mentoring Girls Inc. staff deliver life -changing programs and experiences in a supportive all -girl environment to teach girls to navigate gender, economic and social barriers. Girls Inc. curricula include violence and substance abuse prevention education as well as development of skills to manage peer pressure and negative media influences, manage money, and make responsible decisions Educational support to complete high school and prepare for and enroll in post -secondary education and family involvement are also important components of our program. The "GIRLS INC. EXPERIENCE" provides an all -girl environment that allows girls to meet and interact with other girls and form relationships based on respect of each individual and her diversity. Girls are surprised and excited to find a supportive environment of caring mentoring staff and interns and peers who respect them as individuals and encourage them to overcome challenges and try new activities. Girls inc. programs address the underlying problems associated with high school girls' truancy, use/abuse of alcohol and drugs, and participation in bullying gang violence, and/or other crime. These root issues include lack of self-esteem and self-confidence; lack of support at home lack of interest in school, poor academic performance, poor study habits and/or time management; substance abuse, anger, aggressive behavior, early sexual behavior, teen pregnancy, and other problems girls face. The girls served by Girls Inc. have significant barriers to academic and personal success and very limited opportunities. Many girls have never explored the world outside their own neighborhoods. Many of our girls report that they felt isolated, alone, made fun of and/or bullied before joining Girls Inc. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 3 The Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth is a comprehensive program that meets year-round at the Northside and Diamond Hill/Jarvis Branches of the Fort Worth Library and during the school year at Northside High School. Recognizing that girls face different issues as they progress to and from developmental stages, Girls Inc. ensures that all materials are specific to the needs of the girls, age -appropriate, and sensitive to cultural and economic issues. Girls will have weekly classes and the following curricula will be used ➢ Girls Beyond Bullying empowers girls how to create positive bonds among peers and work together to create positive solutions to potentially violent situations, helping girls build skills to positively navigate social situations and overcome relational aggression that can escalate into violent behavior. The program also increases girls' awareness of the many ways that girls and women experience violence, and builds their skills in assessing, responding to and avoiding potentially violent situations. ➢ Friendly PEERsuasion® builds girls' skills for resisting pressure to use harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, household chemicals, and other drugs which can lead to participation in other criminal activity The two-part substance abuse prevention program teaches girls healthy ways to manage stress and confront peer, media and other pressures as well as to understand the dangerous consequences of drugs and alcohol use. The girls then assume roles as PEERsuaders for younger girls. Girls participate in program activities that build their leadership skills. ➢ Safe In My World: Girls Speak Out on Violence is a Girls Inc. advocacy initiative to address violence against girls. The program raises awareness about violence in girls' lives, from the community level to federal policy makers, and inspires dialogue and action to improve safety for girls. Safe in My World begins with a needs assessment to determine what violence girls are experiencing and what they would like to see change in the community. Then these findings are presented at a community forum that brings together girls and decision makers (like local elected leaders, law enforcement, educators, health providers, etc.) to discuss how to create a safer world for girls > Economic Literacy® introduces girls to basic financial concepts, including money management and investment. The program explores how money affects us locally and globally as it fosters development of the skills needed to be financially self- sufficient. Media Literacy® introduces girls to various aspects of the media, while making girls aware of the large influence that media plays in the lives of girls Media Literacy uses a hands-on approach to making the media a positive outlet in a girl s life. During weekly classes at after -school locations (Northside Library and Diamond Hill Library), girls will also receive academic support services through the Academic Achievement Program, which includes tutoring, college preparation, and scholarship assistance. This service is provided before the youth -based curriculum activities during each class session. 3) Does your program address the CCPD priority/special emphasis of the prevention or intervention of youth violence and/or family violence? Yes Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 4 Describe how your program addresses this priority. Our Girls Beyond Bullying program addresses the problem of youth violence by teaching girls how to work together to create positive solutions to potentially violent situations and helping them to overcome relational aggression. It addresses family violence and dating violence by increasing girls' awareness of the many ways that girls and women experience violence and builds their skills in assessing responding to, and avoiding potentially violent situations Safe In My World Girls Speak Out on Violence provides girls the opportunity to have a voice in raising awareness about violence in girls' lives and prevention of violence, from the community level to federal policy makers. 4) How will you measure the effectiveness of the program? You must include specific performance measures within the Activities and Outcomes Summary and describe evaluation tools and the method of data collection that you will use. If awarded funding, these performance measures will be included as an exhibit in the contract, and you will be required to report progress towards these measures, which will be reported to the CCPD Board. Effectiveness of the program will be measured by pre- and post -testing girls participating in Girls Beyond Bullying, Friendly PEERsuasion°, Economic Literacy° and Media Literacy''. The performance standard is that girls will score 80% or higher on their post-test or raise their score by at (east 20%. (See performance measures in the Activities and Outcomes Summary.) 5) Who will the program benefit? How many people? What age group? What geographic area will it serve? Please include geographic boundaries. Girls inc. in Northside Fort Worth will benefit girls and their families residing in the 76106 & 76164 Zip code areas, particularly the low-income Northside and Diamond Hill -Jarvis neighborhoods.100 girls ages 6-18 will be served annually in the program. 6) What makes this program unique from any other crime prevention program? Girls Inc. of Tarrant County is unique in that our programming is based on nationally - researched curriculum that addresses the aender-specific nsk factors that make girls ✓ ulnerable to participating in violent behavior, abusing illegal substances, bullying, and other problems including truancy academic failure, high school dropout and engaging in e arly/risky sexual behavior Girls Inc. s national organization includes a National Resource Center (NRC) in Indianapolis which serves as the research, information services, and training site on gender -specific issues. Research and evaluation conducted by the NRC provide the foundation for Girls Inc. programs. 7) Is the program already in operation? Yes If so, how long have you operated the program? Since 2007 What resources are used to operate the program? • Donated space by Northside and Diamond Hill -Jarvis Libraries, Northside High School, college campuses for summer camps • Rented Northside office space for staff (2100 N. Main, Fort Worth, 76164), computers, copiers, telephone/Internet service, project and office supplies • in -kind donations of project and office supplies, tickets to events and activities Girls Inc. ofTarrant County Page 5 • Rental of transportation (van or bus) to transport girls to/from offsite activities • Funding from Tarrant County Community Youth Development — $26,500 • Funding from Sid W. Richardson Foundation for Summer SMART Camps - $10,000 • Small grants, individual contributions • Staff, Interns and volunteers Why are CCPD funds necessary at this time? The Northside program continues to grow and this funding will enable us to support and expand the program This growth is based on community need — creating a safe and empowering space for girls in a community that has high rates of poverty, crime, drug and alcohol abuse and other urban problems so that the girls can build the skills they need to resist involvement in delinquent and detrimental behavior, and work toward positive change in their lives as well as their community. 8) Is this a new program? No If so, what other funds have you applied for? n/a Also, please describe the sequence of steps needed to implement your program and the timeframe in which this will occur. n/a 9) Briefly describe the specific expenditures planned for CCPD funding. You MUST fully complete attached budget forms. Program expenditures will include a portion of salaries and benefits of the program director local mileage to/from program sites and meeting, transportation costs to transport girls to/from offsite program activities, program/office supplies and field trip fees, and other costs necessary for the program (occupancy, telephone/Internet, insurance, training) 10) If funds are awarded, will this program continue beyond the CCPD funding period? Yes Please explain your plan to sustain this program. The agency's financial stability is built on a foundation of state and federal grants United Way funding, and support from foundations and corporations Girls Inc. of Tarrant County has been a United Way agency for over 30 years. In addition to these major funding sources individual donations and special events, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County reinvests the income eamed through our child care programs into the programs and services that fulfill our mission. The Board, President/CEO, and management team recognize the importance of strengthening the agency's fundraising capacity on all levels -- individual and corporate contributions special events online giving, mail appeals, auctions, and government grants as well as foundations —and are committed to expanding and diversifying funding resources for the agency As part of Girls Inc of Tarrant County's Strategic Plan, we are positioned to grow the number of girls that we serve by 20% annually And this is not just about a "number' but about the realization that each number' is an individual girl whose life that we have the opportunity to touch and to help her reach positive outcomes — to avoid participating in bullying, violence, or other delinquent activity, and instead to develop positive life skills, to succeed academically to graduate high school and plan for post- secondary education. Our commitment to growing the number of girls we serve and expanding programs, activities and opportunities for our girls translates into a strong commitment to continuing to develop the financial resources to meet those goals. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 6 GIRLS INC. OF TARRANT COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION PROGRAM DIRECTOR Position: Program Director Employed By: President/CEO Responsible To: President/CEO Supervises: Program Instructors, Interns, and Volunteers Purpose of Job: Carries responsibility for program development, implementation, and reporting. Principal Responsibilities: • Administer program, both directly and through staff and program volunteers. 0 Explores changing interests and developmental needs of students to keep up to date with changing patterns. Utilizes other sources such as students, parents school staff, program staff and program volunteers and Girls Incorporated program initiatives to develop a coordinated program which will meet the needs of students. Periodically reviews programs to ensure that they are relevant. O Encourages program instructors and volunteers to be creative and innovative. Inspires and motivates them to explore new and different approaches to keep programs flexible and responsive so that the needs of students are met most effectively. o Supervises assigned staff. ® Utilizes volunteers to carry out programming. Trains them or see that they receive training and/or developmental opportunities as needed. Periodically assesses their work with them. Recognizes their efforts. • Meets periodically with parents to Interpret programs and keep them up-to-date on students' progress in projects and programs. Interprets the agency goals for them. Keeps parents informed of problems, concerns and needs of their student. • Counsels students individually or collectively and makes referrals as needed. ® Stimulates interest and enthusiasm within the community for program and interprets agency programs to interested individuals and groups. Builds contacts within the community, which will expand services for the students. ® initiates and cooperates in inter -agency collaborative efforts that serve the students and to serve as an advocated for the students in the community and in the schools. • Keeps Senior Program Director and other staff, as needed, informed of problems, concerns, needs, trends and unusual situations. • Participates in staff meetings and conferences within the agency to share ideas and concerns, and works collaboratively with staff to meet agency goals and meet staff objectives. • Participates in periodic assessment of own performance, develops own goals and objectives. Takes advantage of training and other developmental/professional opportunities. Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree, with courses in social work, education, recreation, psychology, and/or sociology preferred. Special consideration may be given for equivalent experience and personal qualifications in lieu of degree. • Work experience in youth services or related field, which includes some experience in supervision, administration, curriculum and program development, and community relations. e Skill in working with diverse clients, staff, and communities; ability to facilitate cooperative work. • Ability to communicate with youth and foster their involvement and participation in program planning, problem solving, and decision -making. • Ability to coordinate a multi -faceted program. • Ability to inspire, stimulate and encourage creativity and innovation. • Ability to develop and implement programs which are responsive to the needs and interests of students. • Ability to provide personal and professional references and dear extensive background checks. BUDGET SUMMARY A. Personnel B. Fringe Benefits C. Travel D. Equipment E. Supplies F. Contracts/Consultants G. Other TOTAL A. Personnel Name Position Becky Balarin Program Director TOTAL Personnel $15 477 B. Fringe Benefits Name Position Becky Balarin Program Director TOTAL Fringe Benefits C. Travel Purpose of Travel Amount Requested $16,477 $3,970 $2,100 $0 $3,000 $0 $7,940 $32,487 BUDGET DETAIL Rate of Pay x # of Hours $22.111hr. x 700 hours Description of Benefits 7.65% FICA; 1% Unemployment; 2% Worker's Comp; 10% Health Insurance; 5% Long & Short Term Disability = 25.65% (15,477 x 25.65% _ $3,970) Location item Local mileage to/from program sites 0.50 per mi x 100 mi/mo. x 12 mo. & community meetings for Program Dir. Rental of vanlbus & fuel purchase for clients' transportation to/from field trips TOTAL Travel Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page ! 3 Cost $15,477 Cost $3,970 $3,970 Cost $600 $1,500 $2,100 D. Equipment Item Cost per Item TOTAL Equipment E. Supplies Item Cost per Item Supplies & Field Trips TOTAL Supplies F. Contracts/Consultants Quantity Quantity $250 per month x 12 months Description of the Service TOTAL Contracts/Consultants G. Other Costs Item Cost per Item Quantity Occupancy (% of N. Main Office) $270 per month x 12 months Telephone/Internet Insurance Continuing Education & Conferences TOTAL Other Costs $250 per month x 12 months $100 per month x 12 months Cost of trainings vary depending on number of credit hours topic, etc. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 14 Cost n/a Cost $3,000 $3,000 Cost $ n/a Cost $3,240 $3,000 $1,200 $500 $7,940 BUDGET NARRATIVE Please attach a detailed budget narrative that explains the need for all proposed expenditures by individual item The budget narrative should clearly explain how funds will be used and why expenditures are necessary for successful implementation of your program. Please explain how costs are calculated. A. Personnel The Program Director is responsible for program development, implementation and reporting; delivery of programs, both directly and through staff and program volunteers; tracking and monitoring program evaluation; hiring, training, and supervising program staff, and initiating and participating in inter -agency collaborative efforts that serve the students and to serve as an advocate for the students in the community and in the schools. Bilingual English and Spanish. Cost is calculated by salary x percent of time dedicated to this program $22 11/hr. x 700 hours (0.34 FTE) = $15,477 B. Fringe Cost is calculated by salary x 25.65% x above salary (FICA at 7.65%, unemployment insurance at 1%, Workers' Comp at 2% health Insurance at 10%, and short & long-term disability at 5%). Program Director salary at $15,477 x 25.65% _ $3,970 C. Travel Mileage is based on projected miles traveled to and from program sites, community meetings and other program -related business at the agency reimbursement rate of 50 cents per mile. Average of 100 miles per month at 50 cents per mile times 12 months = $600 Rental of van/bus and purchase of fuel for clients' transportation to/from field tnps, which are an important program component. Rental and fuel cost averages $500 per trip at 3 trips for $1,500 D. Equipment n/a E. Supplies Supplies and Field Trips — cost for supplies necessary for delivery of the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth programming. Includes program supplies such as (but not limited to) paper, pens markers, construction paper, copy paper, educational dvds, etc , and also costs related to field trips (i e discounted group entry fees to activities). Calculated at a percentage of the total monthly cost. $250 per month x 12 months = $3,000 Girls Inc, of Tarrant County Page 15 F. Contracts/Consultants -- n/a G. Other Occupancy — percentage of cost to rent program office at 2100 N. Main, Fort Worth 76164 calculated at $270 per month for 12 months = $3,240. The program director's office is located in the Fort Worth program offices, along with office equipment and office supplies The office is also used to store program supplies for the Girls Inc. in Northside Fort Worth program, hold meetings with community partners and other program business Telephone/Internet — percentage of cost for telephone and Internet services for the Fort Worth program office, calculated at $250 per month for 12 months $3 000 Telephone and Internet service are necessary for communication with other staff, community partners, clients and parents of clients, and other program - related business. Insurance for liability, building, D & 0, and other necessary coverage for agency and staff. Based on a percentage of the total cost for agency at $100 per month for 12 months = $1 200 Continuina Education and Conferences — to provide learning opportunities for the Program Director to continually improve programming and performance. Cost of trainings and conferences can vary from $25 to $250 or more, depending on the opportunity Girls Inc. National also provides training opportunities for affiliate staff Calculated at $500 for the year. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Page 16 Monthly Request for Reimbursement (RFR) FY 2014 Community -Based Programs Program Period 10/01/13 to 09/30/14 Submit to: Fort Worth Police Department Jacob Browning 350 West Belknap Street 2nd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76102 Period covered by this request: Budget Category 1 Personnel 2 Fringe 3 Travel 4 Equipment 5 Supplies 6 Construction 7 Consultants/Contracts 8 Other -Direct Cost 9 Indirect Costs Total Programmatic Costs Submitting Agency: Agency Contact Name: Email: Phone Number. Address: Invoice Number: 10/01/13 to 09/30/14 ,tni/dd/yy A B Total of Previous Reimbursements Budget Amount Requested $ 15,477.00 $ $ - 3,970.00 $ $ 2,100.00 $ $ I$ 3,000.00 I $ I$ I$ 7,940.00 I $ - 1$ 32,487.00 I $ Please Attach: 1. Attach copies of invoices and the receipts on all expenditures 2. For Personnel Cost, include copies of signed times sheets 3. Attach a copy of Monthly Performance Report I have reviewed this request and certify that the listed expenses are accurate and are chargeable to the CCPD Community Based Program approved budget. Grantee Authorized Official Title Date EMI ImE EME nun/dd/yy C This Request ImE Summary Total Budget: $ Previous Requests: $ This Request: $ Total Spent: $ Balance Left in grant: $ Fund Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Connie Winkle cwinkle@girlsinctarrant.org girlsinctarrant.org (817) 468-0306 2820 Matlock Road Arlington, TX 76015 D (B+C) Total Requested 32,487.00 32,487.00 _Fiscal Agent Use Only. Account E (A-D) Balance Available 15,477.00 $ 3,970.00 2,100.00 $ 3,000.001 $ $ _ 7,940.00 32,487.00 Center. - FY 2014 Community -Based Programs Program Activities Report Program Period 10/01/13 to 09/30/14 Submit to: Fort Worth Police Department Agency: Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Jacob Browning Name. Connie Winkle 350 West Belknap Street Email: cwinkle@girlsinctarrant.org 2nd Floor Phone Number: (817) 468-0306 Fort Worth, TX 76102 Address: 2820 Matlock Road Arlington, TX 76015 Period covered: 10/01/13 to 09/30/14 # Activities Monthly Total Cumulative Total Oct 1st- Present Year End Goal 1 Number of unduplicated particpants in the Girls Beyond Bullying curriculum 100 2 Number of unduplicated participants in the Friendly PEERsuasion curriculum 100 3 Number of Safe in My World: Girls Speak Out on Violence Community Assessments conducted 50 4 Number of unduplicated participatns in the Economic Literacy curriculum 100 5 Number of unduplicated participants in the Media Literacy Curriculum 100 6 Number of community service project participants 50 FY 2014 Community -Based Programs Program Effectiveness Measurement Report Program Period 10/01/13 to 09/30/14 Due Quarterly: 1st Qtr (Oct -Dec) due Jan 15th, 2nd Qtr (Jan -Mar) due Apr 15th, 3rd Qtr (Apr -Jun) due Jul 15th, and 4th Qtr (Jul -Sep) due Oct 15th Submit to: Fort Worth Police Dept lment Jacob Browning 350 West Belknap Street 2nd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76102 Agency: Girls Incorporated of Tarrant County Name. Email. Phone Number: Address: Connie Winkle cwinkle@girlsinctarrant.org (817) 468 0306 2820 Matlock Road Arlington, TX 76015 Period covered: 10/01/13 to 09/30/14 # Effectiveness Measurements 80% of girls participating in the Girls Beyond Bullying program will score 80% or better on their post-test or will increase their score by 1 20% or more. Please include a narrative of events and accomplishments that occurred during the reporting period. 80% of girls participating in the Friendly PEERsuasion program will score 80% or better on their post-test or will increase their score by 2 20% or more. 50% of the git is (older girls) will become mentors to the younger girls in the pi ogram. Please include a narrative of events and accomplishments that occurred during the reporting period. 50% of the girls will participate in a Community Needs Assessment. Measurements include the number of completed surveys received and 3 the number of presentations of the assessment to community leaders or organizations Please include a narrative of events and accomplishments that occurred during the reporting period. 80% of girls participating in the Economic Literacy program will score 80% or better on their post-test or will increase their score by 4 20% or more. Please include a narrative of events and accomplishments that occurred during the reporting period. 80% of girls participating in the Media Literacy program will score 80% or better on their post-test or will increase their score by 20% or 5 more. Please include a narrative of events and accomplishments that occurred during the reporting period. 50% of girls will participate in Leadership & Community Action community service projects. Measurements will include the number of 6 leadership opportunities in community service projects and the number of girls participating in each project. Please include a narrative of events and accomplishments that occurred during the reporting period. Please include a narrative of any success stories during the reporting period.