Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCityARPA2024-PROPOSAL DETAILSBOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF OSHKOSH - PROPOSAL DETAILS 1. PROGRAM/PROJECT APPROACH The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh is requesting funds in support of the installation of security and safety systems at our newly renovated and constructed facilities. Our Club serves over 3,000 youth and families each year. Since opening in 1970, we have provided a safe place for Oshkosh youth to attend low-cost after-school and summer programming focusing on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Additionally, we offer basic needs support, healthy meals and snacks, mental health support, and transportation services. Our Club has witnessed an increased need for our programs in recent years, with some growth attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that the pandemic harmed youth’s academics and mental health, with the abrupt switch to online learning leading to disparities in youth’s learning levels and isolation impacted youths' social-emotional growth. We have also seen a larger need for our programs and services, with daily attendance increasing by over 70% and exceeding enrollment capacities causing waitlists. To address this, our Club embarked on a 5-part capital project to expand and renovate our facility. This project allows us to increase enrollment to 450 and create a one-stop-shop for other Oshkosh residents to access a variety of support. The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh recognizes that as one of the largest child-care providers in Winnebago County, we may be subject to similar threats as local schools. We continually work with our Safety Committee to update robust safety policies, programs, and training for our staff and volunteers that are designed to promote child safety and protect members and staff from threats that are present in our society. However, we also understand that additional resources, such as technology, are also important in protecting those who visit our facility. The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh will utilize the ARPA funds to offset the costs of new security and safety systems at the Club, including data cabling & backbone, fire alarms, access control system, camera system, and intrusion system in all areas of our facility. In addition to our staff and kids, we are expecting 24 community partners who will utilize the community center with visiting clients who will be protected with these systems. As our Club has grown to support more youth, families, and individuals, we want to ensure that our facilities remain a safe place for all those who utilize it. 2. PROJECT OUTCOMES Measurable outcomes for this project include the number of youth and community center clients that we serve at our location, and our safety score as determined through our National Youth Outcome Initiative (NYOI) member surveys. In our 2023 NYOI survey, 56% of members reported feeling safer at our Club than at other places. We serve over 3,000 youth and families each year, with over 55% qualifying for free and reduced lunches. While unsure of the number of people we will impact with the community center at this time, we expect to primarily serve those from low-income and underrepresented households. 3. DESCRIBE THE AGENCY'S AUDITING AND FISCAL CONTROLS Our Club has a dedicated Director of Finance and an Accounting Clerk to manage and oversee finances. Additionally, our Board Treasurer has experience through CLA as well as has audited our Club and participates in our Finance Committee. This committee consists of 8 individuals with experience as CFOs and CPAs who meet monthly to provide fiscal oversight. To ensure proper identification, tracking, reporting, and auditing of the ARPA funds, we will utilize separate General Ledger codes on our database system to track expenses. 4. CONTINGENCY PLAN If awarded partial or no funding, the Club would continue in its efforts to install the systems while searching for other funding sources as safety is a facility priority. 5. PROJECT BUDGET The installation of safety and security equipment, including data cabling & backbone, fire alarm, access control on doors and entrances, tripling the number of cameras inside and out, and intrusion systems has been an ongoing effort while areas are under construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. ARPA funds would be used to offset this cost. The remaining expenses will be covered by capital campaign and general operation donations. Expense amounts have been provided by the contractor.