HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0004) M&C 19-0017City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 08/13/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0017
LOG NAME: 19EXPERIENCE MATTERS
SUBJECT
Ratify Application for and Authorize Acceptance of Funds Totaling $25,000.00 from the Cities for Service Fund, Inc. for the 2019 Experience
Matters AmeriCorps VISTA Program to Assist in Developing and Coordinating a Financial Empowerment Program for Particularly the Senior
Population (Ages 50+) and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS) (Continued from a Previous Week)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify the application for and authorize acceptance of funds totaling $25,000.00 from the Cities of Services Fund, Inc. for the 2019
Experience Matters AmeriCorps VISTA Program to assist in developing and coordinating a financial empowerment program for particularly
the senior population (ages 50+); and
2. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of
$25,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
Cities of Service is a nonprofit organization that helps mayors build stronger cities by changing the way local government and citizens work
together. This organization helps coalition cities tap into the knowledge, creativity, and service of their citizens to help identify and solve critical
public problems. Cities of Service supports a coalition of more than 260 cities, representing over 73 million people across the Americas and
Europe.
Cities of Service and its program partner AARP have launched Experience Matters AmeriCorps VISTA to mobilize volunteers ages 50+ to tackle
education and economic related issues such as financial security, energy efficiency, youth academic performance, minor home repairs, self-
employment at 50+, and tailored one on one tutoring.
The City of Fort Worth will focus on financial empowerment to assist vulnerable households and communities with low incomes that have been
targets of fraudulent and predatory financial products and services.
The responsibilities of the program will include the following:
1. Provide advocacy and educate community members on benefits of financial health; how to establish an emergency fund; Managing debt;
improving credit scores; how to secure credit; the dangers of predatory financial services and how to protect their credit.
2. Cultivate and maintain partnerships among stakeholders such as community organizations, city agencies, nonprofit organizations,
neighborhoods associations, and block groups.
3. Raise the profile of the initiative through creative outreach strategies and help secure funding to sustain and expand Experience Matters —
Financial Empowerment Program.
This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
A Form 1295 is not required for this contract because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations, receipt of the grant, and adoption of the attached
appropriation ordinance, funds will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, of the Grants Operating Other Fund. This is an
advance grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office b� Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Sonia Singleton 5744
Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 8187
celeste.macklin 5770