HomeMy WebLinkAboutReach Counseling_ City of Oshkosh ARPA Proposal NarrativeReach Counseling:City of Oshkosh ARPA Proposal Narrative
PROGRAM/PROJECT APPROACH
The Reach Beyond program,a collaboration between Reach Counseling and The Ellevate
Collective,aims to expand DEI programming in the Fox Valley (while prioritizing organizations
that serve the City of Oshkosh).It will focus on enhancing cultural competency and promoting
anti-racism in workplaces and communities (see Vision,Mission,and Priorities attachment).
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the need for culturally competent mental health care due to
increased stress,isolation,and trauma experienced by diverse populations.The pandemic's
disparate impact on minority communities underscored the importance of mental health services
that are sensitive to cultural differences,ensuring accessible,effective support and addressing
specific vulnerabilities exacerbated by the crisis.Culturally competent care promotes
understanding and inclusivity,vital for recovery and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges
posed by the pandemic.Mental health care systems often lack the nuanced understanding of
cultural,social,and linguistic factors that significantly influence an individual's mental health
experiences and treatment needs,making additional training in cultural competency essential for
providing effective care.
While specific organizations in Oshkosh may address related needs,Reach Beyond's
comprehensive DEI focus will be unique.By conducting a thorough needs assessment and
developing a coordination mechanism with local service providers,this program will not
duplicate existing services (see Proactive Service Duplication Plan attachment).
This is a new program designed to specifically address DEI needs in the community.Funds will
be used to develop and implement DEI training sessions as well as for program staffing,training,
and materials (see Program Budget attachment).
Mental and behavioral health providers,and by extension,the minority,historically
marginalized,and disadvantaged communities they serve,will benefit through improved service
delivery and more inclusive environments.The program aims to serve all mental and behavioral
health providers in the Fox Valley,with a priority of serving organizations that benefit the City of
Oshkosh.Non-profit organizations will be able to apply for this training program at no-cost.By
addressing the increased demand for culturally competent mental health services,which has been
exacerbated by the pandemic,these funds help our community respond to COVID-19 (see Scope
of Services,attachment).
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Two anticipated measurable outcomes include:
1.Increased DEI awareness and competency among participating organizations.
2.Improved access to culturally responsive services for marginalized communities.
The Ellevate Collective consistently uses follow-up metrics to determine the success of its
programming.These include regularly scheduled DEIE calibration/pulse surveys with
presentation review,status reports as well as evaluations,culture health checks and focus groups
to determine the impact of the experience/activation or cohort style experience.(see Project
Timeline attachment).
The program directly aligns with the City of Oshkosh’s objectives to improve equity and
inclusion for underrepresented or marginalized individuals/groups,and aligns closely with the
City’s Diversity,Equity and Inclusion Plan by enhancing the cultural competency of service
providers.The need for culturally competent mental health care is paramount,as it bridges
significant gaps in the current mental healthcare system.Without it,we risk perpetuating a cycle
of misunderstanding,misdiagnosis,and ineffective treatment that fails to address the unique
challenges faced by diverse populations.Culturally competent care ensures that all individuals
receive respectful and effective treatment,acknowledging their cultural heritage and individual
experiences as central to their healing process,thus highlighting its critical nature in promoting
mental health equity and access.
AGENCY'S AUDITING AND FISCAL CONTROLS
Reach Counseling employs rigorous fiscal oversight,including regular audits and dedicated
financial management practices.ARPA funds will be tracked separately with dedicated
accounting codes,ensuring transparent reporting and auditing (see Agency Expertise
attachment).
CONTINGENCY PLAN
If this program is partially funded or not funded,Reach would seek additional funding sources to
cover the gap.
PROJECT BUDGET
Expenses include salaries,fringe benefits,travel,training,equipment,supplies,and purchased
services,totaling $555,487.Revenues will include ARPA funds and,eventually,service fees
from for-profit organizations.ARPA dollars will be allocated towards staffing,training,
curriculum development,delivery of DEI sessions,and program materials.The budget is
designed to ensure program sustainability beyond the grant period through service charges to
for-profit organizations,with a net revenue projection of $64,513.46%of funds will be utilized
by December 31,2024 (see Program Budget attachment).