HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0004) M&C 19-0317 (3)City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 11/19/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0317
LOG NAME: 1919 EXPEREINCE MATTERS AMENDMENT #1
SUBJECT
Authorize Acceptance of $5,000.00 in Additional Funds 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 the Senior Population (Ages 50+) and Adopt
Appropriation Ordinance (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize acceptance of an additional $5,000.00 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 the senior population (ages 50+); and
2. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Other Fund in the
amount of $5,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
On August 13, 2019, the City Council authorized the acceptance of a $25,000 grant from Cities of Service, Inc. for the 2019 Experience Matters
AmeriCorps VISTA Program to assist in developing and coordinating a financial empowerment program for particularly the senior population
(M&C 19-0017). Since that time, Cities of Service has determined that the City is eligible to received an additional $5,000.00 through the
grant. This M&C authorizes the acceptance of the additional $5,000.00 grant award for a total of $30,000.00. 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.
A Form 1295 is not required 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. Prior to
expenditures being incurred, Neighborhood Services has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds.This is an advance grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Fernando Costa 6122
Originating Business Unit Head: Sonia Singleton 5774
Additional Information Contact: Sonia Singleton 5774