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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCasa of Fresno and Madera Counties Service Contract RFP 12500142- 12-5-2024Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77F6 / a SERVICE CONTRACT THIS CONTRACT (Contract) is made and entered into by and between the CITY OF FRESNO, a California municipal corporation (City), and CASA OF FRESNO AND MADERA COUNTIES, a corporation (Contractor) as follows: 1. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. The "Notice Inviting Proposals," "Instructions to Proposers," "Proposal" and the "Specifications" including "General Conditions," "Special Conditions", "Federal Conditions", "Functional Specifications" and "Technical Requirements" for the following: Request for Proposals for OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program Wraparound Services (Request for Proposals No. 12500142 copies of which are annexed hereto, together with all the documents specifically referred to in said annexed documents, including the Performance Bond, if required, are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Contract, and shall be known as the Contract Documents. 2. PRICE. For the monetary consideration of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($130,875.00), as set forth in the cause to be performed, in a good City, and in strict accordance w Contract Documents. Proposal, Contractor promises and agrees to perform and workmanlike manner, and to the satisfaction th the SDecifications. all of the work as set forth in or of the 3. PAYMENT_. City accepts Contractor's Proposal as stated and agrees to pay the consideration stated, at the times, in the amounts, and under the conditions specified in the Contract Documents. 4. INDEMNIFICATION. To the furthest extent allowed by law, Contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers from any and all claims, demands, actions in law or equity, loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, interest, costs including legal fees, and damages (whether in contract, tort, or strict liability, including but not limited to personal injury, death at any time, property damage, or loss of any type) arising or alleged to have arisen directly or indirectly out of (1) any voluntary or involuntary act or omission, (2) error, omission or negligence, or (3) the performance or non-performance of this Contract . Contractor's obligations as set forth in this section shall apply regardless of whether City or any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers are passively negligent, but shall not apply to any loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, costs or damages caused by the active or sole negligence, or the willful misconduct, of City or any of its officers, officials, employees, agents or volunteers. To the fullest extent allowed by law, and in addition to the express duty to indemnify, Contractor, whenever there is any causal connection between the Contractor's performance or non- performance of the work or services required under this Contract and any claim or loss, injury or damage of any type, Contractor expressly agrees to undertake a duty to defend City and any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers, as a separate duty, independent of and broader that the duty to indemnify. The duty to defend as herein agreed to by Contractor expressly includes all costs of litigation, attorneys fees, settlement costs and expenses in connection with claims or litigation, whether or not the claims are valid, false or groundless, as long as the claims could be in any manner be causally connected to Contractor as reasonably determined by City. Upon the tender by City to Contractor, Contractor shall be bound and obligated to assume the defense of City and any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers, including a duty to settle and otherwise pursue settlement negotiations, and shall pay, liquidate, Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB discharge and satisfy any and all settlements, judgments, awards, or expenses resulting from or arising out of the claims without reimbursement from City or any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers. It is further understood and agreed by Contractor that if City tenders a defense of a claim on behalf of City or any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers and Contractor fails, refuses or neglects to assume the defense thereof, City and its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers may agree to compromise and settle or defend any such claim or action and Contractor shall be bound and obligated to reimburse City and its officers, officials, employees, agents, or volunteers for the amounts expended by each in defending or settling such claim, or in the amount required to pay any judgment rendered therein. The defense and indemnity obligations set forth above shall be direct obligations and shall be separate from and shall not be limited in any manner by any insurance procured in accordance with the insurance requirements set forth in this Contract. In addition, such obligations remain in force regardless of whether City provided approval for, or did not review or object to, any insurance Contractor may have procured in accordance with the insurance requirements set forth in this Contract. The defense and indemnity obligations shall arise at such time that any claim is made, or loss, injury or damage of any type has been incurred by City, and the entry of judgment, arbitration, or litigation of any claim shall not be a condition precedent to these obligations. The defense and indemnity obligations set forth in this section shall survive termination or expiration of this Contract. If Contractor should subcontract all or any portion of the work to be performed under this Contract, Contractor shall require each subcontractor to Indemnify, hold harmless and defend City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers in accordance with the terms as set forth above. [Signatures follow on the next page.] Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Contract on the day and year here below written, of which the date of execution by City shall be subsequent to that of Contractor's, and this Contract shall be binding and effective upon execution by both parties. CITY OF FRESNO, A Ca ' pia~icipal corporation SSa pt,Vatt's 1/3/2025 By: Melissa Perales, Purchasing Manager General Services Department APPROVED AS TO FORM: City paySy: 5V'A.tnJ. W �4W 1/3/2025 By: C Brandon collet Date ATTEST: TODD SIT'' ERMER, CMC City Elgned by: r jig q6W 1/3/2025 By: Tina M. Your Date Deputy Addresses: CITY: City of Fresno Attention: Susan Chudy Project Liaison/Program Administrator 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 Telephone: (559) 621-6980 E-Mail: susan.chudy@fresno.gov CASA OF FRESNO AND MADERA COU w%r ESyA corporation Wa �aSu.iY46 12/23/2024 By: Wilma Hashimoto Name: Title: Executive Director (If corporation or LLC., Board Chair, Pmsy,,a6ffice Pres.) La Ga r6m V6 1/3/2025 By.FF097FF 507FFd1F Name: Angelica Romero Finance and operations Director Title: (If corporation or LLC., CFO, Treasurer, Secretary or Assistant Secretary) REVIEWED BY: DocuSigned by: 1/3/2025 m r -7: SQ. Contractor: Casa of Fresno and Madera Counties Attention: Wilma Hashimoto Executive Director 2300 Tulare Street, Suite 210 Fresno, CA 93721 Telephone: (559) 244-6485 E-Mail: whashimoto@CASAfresno.org Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB Request for Proposals for OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program Wraparound Services RFP No. 12500142 V. SCOPE OF WORK Section 1 Program Goals This program is designed to provide inclusive economic investment while creating an opportunity for our most vulnerable youth to be hired and trained for employment with the City of Fresno. This program will help participants (fellows) realize their potential and obtain soft - skills and on-the-job training for entry level positions throughout City of Fresno departments and programs. The primary goals of the program are: 1. Increase youth employment, 2. Develop career pathways, 3. Strengthen city/community capacity. Participants will also be provided access to wrap -around services with local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to remove barriers to employment such as childcare, transportation, mentorship, and case management. Strategic objectives to meet the goals of this program include: • Identify the highest need youth and provide an opportunity for entry-level employment in city government. • Identify career paths for each fellow to ensure future upward mobility. • Remove existing barriers of vulnerable residents for training and employment with the City of Fresno • Provide case management and mentorship through local CBO partnerships for all participants in the program. • Provide participants with tools for success in future employment at the City of Fresno or other outside organizations. Section 2: Program Design The OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program will focus on successful skills development, mentorship and case management for our most vulnerable youth which will ultimately change the path of ourfuture workforce. Built on four core components 1) recruitment, 2) training and skills development, 3) mentorship and case management and 4) employment, the program will enable City of Fresno youth who may have difficulty finding employment gain skills, experience, and have a source of income. This program will help participants expand their horizon for gainful employment opportunities. Priority will be given to youth that meet two or more of the following criteria: • Have difficulty finding employment. • Are low-income. • Are unemployed and/or out of school. • Are or were justice -involved. • Are in or transitioning from foster care. RFP 04-2024 118521v1 PAGE 41 Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB Request for Proposals for OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program Wraparound Services RFP No. 12500142 • Are engaged with the mental health or substance abuse system. The City of Fresno will partner with local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that have an expertise in serving the target fellow population. CBOs will provide case management, and general wrap -around services. CBO partners selected should provide dedicated mentors and case management staff to ensure fellows are successful throughout the program. Other wrap -around services for program fellows may include transportation, childcare services, work attire assistance, emergency housing and life coaching for fellows in need, thus removing as many barriers to employment as possible. Wraparound Services Proposed Guidelines are attached below (Exhibit A) with commonly requested services and recommendations for implementation. If a CBO has an existing program in place and are selected to be a part of this program, funding must be apart from and tracked separately so as not to duplicate efforts. Section 3: Youth Recruitment/Development The City of Fresno believes that, to enact positive change in someone's life, you must provide an opportunity and encouragement to succeed. Through this program, we want to encourage young people that positive change is not only possible, but that valued employment can be the change they are seeking. Every fellow in the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program will proceed through the following program process: Participants will be sourced via city outreach and through various CBO partners. Partner organizations may conduct concurrent recruitment from their own target populations and recommend participants for the program. Applicants will be screened by the City of Fresno for placement in a career path and position for employment as positions become available. Once hired, participants will be given the opportunity to receive wrap -around services as necessary with the CBO that will oversee their needs. CBO staff will contact assigned fellows on a reoccurring basis to promote continued participation and dedication to the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program. Where mentorship and case management are needed, CBOs will provide services and additional resources in accordance with grant guidelines. Other CBO services identified through the proposal process will be implemented accordingly to their assigned fellows. Section 4: Metrics/Outcomes The City of Fresno is committed to tracking all metrics required by California Volunteers. Metrics and outcomes speak to the success of any program and including these data points is essential to program evaluation. These will include tracking the number of youth employed through the program, the number of youth employed in each focus area, the percentage of youth who retain jobs for the full term, the percentage of participants receiving positive performance evaluations at the end of their term, and job training evaluations for future employment. In addition to quantitative metrics, we would also like to include qualitative RFP04-2024 PAGE 42 1185210 Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB Request for Proposals for OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program Wraparound Services RFP No. 12500142 information such as post -program surveys, while documenting fellow success stories along the way. Any additional metrics that CBOs identify in the proposal process will be implemented. RFP 04-2024 118521v1 PAGE 43 Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB OneFresno Youth Jobs Corps Program - EXHIBIT A Wraparound Services Proposed Guidelines The goal of YJCP wraparound services is to assist participants with current needs while encouraging accountability and responsibility to establish financial independence. The services are intended to assist participants to transition to self-sufficiency and may be restricted in duration as deemed necessary. The attached listing contains services most often requested, with suggested guidelines, and is not comprehensive of all services that may be provided. Service Duplication j Participant may not receive duplicate services through another Transportation Childcare Work Attire mergency Shelter i agency. Guidelines Personal Only emergency repairs to alleviate incapacity of vehicle. Tire vehicle replacement and/or drivers training are also eligible. Participant related costs must be owner of vehicle and be able to show proof. Limited to Bus Pass up to $500 total per participant during the participant's term of employment through the program. An additional $500 may be available with a payback agreement. Two business quotes are recommended; at least one is required. Must receive written authorization prior to any repairs. City FAX prepaid bus passes may be requested either from wraparound service providers or YJCP staff. If Bus Pass is only wraparound service needed, City will issue out the pass. If bus pass is needed along with other wrap around services, wraparound services provider can issue out a pass until participant can transition to City issued pass. Allowable childcare includes licensed, non -licensed, and relative childcare providers. Reimbursement for childcare may not exceed the Regional Market Rate Ceilings for subsidized childcare in Fresno County as defined on the Department of Social Services Reimbursement Ceilings for Child Care at the following website: https:Hrescc.adm.dss.ca.gov/index.aspx Childcare expenses will be paid for up to 120 days and an application with Fresno County Department of Social Services is required to determine eligibility for ongoing services. Up to $250 limit per participant per assignment (worksite, Ambassador program, City of Fresno Participant), including general footwear. Steel toed boots are allowed as an additional allocation. Participants eligible for City uniforms may be limited to a lesser amount. Determination of resources is defined by career pathway and needs of the department. Hygiene kits may be available but may not to exceed $100 in value. Up to $2,500 available per Participant to be housed in a hotel when necessary, on an emergency basis for a maximum of 30 days. Up to $500 available for permanent housing deposit is available with a payback agreement. Eligibility will be determined by YJCP and wraparound provider staff with weekly check- ins to search for housing is required. Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB OneFresno Youth Jobs Corps Program - EXHIBIT A wra around Services Proposed Guidelines ucation support Up to $500 per participant available for Education Assistance during the length of the program. Coursework must be pre - approved by program staff or wraparound service provider and be relevant to career path. Examples include High School Equivalency exam, Career Technical Education Programs, and Emergency Medical Services Programs. e Coaching Available from wraparound providers upon request. Services available may include Education Counseling, Career Support, Budgeting Training, Government Assistance Referrals, Mental Health Referrals, hygiene, professionalism including attendance. Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties ATTACHMENT. PROPOSER QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE 10. Describe how you will meet the requirements to provide the services as outlined in this Request for Proposals. Ability to meet the stated service requirements Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fresno and Madera Counties is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1996 to address challenges faced by high -risk foster youth by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer Advocates who serve as the "eyes and ears" for the dependency court judge and constant caring adult through the many transitions foster youth experience. CASA serves foster youth ages 0-21 who are considered high -risk due to factors such as having special needs, lack of nearby family members, numerous foster care placements, and experiences of severe abuse or neglect. CASA serves 173 high -risk foster youth in Fresno and Madera Counties. Approximately 61 % live in Fresno County, while 39% live in Madera County. As a trusted advocate for high -risk foster youth in Fresno for the last 28 years, CASA is uniquely positioned to provide impactful Wraparound Services to participants of the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program, particularly those who are or have been in foster care. Youth served by CASA include those who are low-income, are or have been involved in the justice system, have difficulty securing employment, and are transitioning out of the foster care system. CASA serves youth who have suffered from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), are victims of crime such as abuse and human trafficking, have struggled with their mental health, or have been impacted by substance abuse. Our expertise is in supporting vulnerable foster youth through a range of services that address their immediate needs, foster long-term stability, and prepare them for meaningful employment and independence. Our primary goal is to help children transition from foster care to a healthy, successful future through family reunification, adoption, and eventually, independent adulthood. CASA's programs include court advocacy services, educational support, financial literacy, employment preparation and development, mental health services, and homelessness and food insecurity prevention resources. Our approach is grounded in trauma -informed care, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to removing barriers that impede the success of these vulnerable youth. CASA proposes to provide Wraparound Services for the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program by providing youth participants with case management and mentorship, employment readiness support, and linkages to other support services such as healthcare, mental health support, housing, clothing, and food. CASA is dedicated to providing high -risk foster youth with consistent, individualized support to overcome barriers, gain meaningful employment, and achieve long-term success. In partnership with the City of Fresno, CASA will help build a stronger, more resilient future workforce, empowering the most vulnerable youth in our community to realize their full potential. 4 Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties ATTACHMENT. PROPOSER QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE Case Management and Mentorship At the heart of CASH' services are the provision of comprehensive case management and mentorship, particularly for high -risk foster youth who are justice -involved or have endured severe abuse, neglect, or instability. Our trained volunteer Advocates, who are court -appointed officers, play a pivotal role in bridging the gaps across the various systems of education, healthcare, and legal, to create a cohesive and supportive environment for each youth. These Advocates are uniquely empowered to communicate with all parties involved in a youth's life, ensuring that services are not only coordinated but also aligned with the youth's specific needs and circumstances. Advocates work closely with each youth to develop a customized plan that focuses on key areas such as educational achievement, mental health stabilization, and employment preparation. This plan is continually monitored and adjusted as needed to ensure that the youth's evolving needs are met. Our Advocates do more than manage cases; they build deep, trusting relationships with the youth they serve. These relationships are essential for fostering the confidence, resilience, and life skills necessary for success in both personal and professional areas of life. Advocates help youth navigate the complexities of their lives, offering guidance on everything from conflict resolution to career decision - making, empowering them to make positive choices that lead to stability and independence. CASA's mentorship program is grounded in a healing -based and developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored to the unique experiences of foster youth. This curriculum incorporates trauma -informed care and culturally responsive strategies, ensuring that mentorship is not only supportive but also transformative. Mental health support is another critical component of our case management and mentorship services. Many of the youth served by CASA have experienced significant trauma, which can present additional challenges in securing and maintaining employment. CASA's Advocates are trained in trauma -informed care and crisis intervention, equipping them to recognize and respond to the emotional and psychological needs of the youth. CASA's case management and mentorship services are designed to provide high -risk foster youth with the comprehensive support needed to overcome barriers, build confidence, and achieve meaningful employment. For participants in the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program, CASA will assign dedicated Advocates to provide ongoing case management and mentorship, offering personalized support that addresses barriers to employment and promotes long-term success. Through personalized plans, dedicated mentorship, and integrated mental health support, CASA will ensure that each participant in the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program has the tools and resources necessary for a successful transition to adulthood and economic independence. 5 Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties ATTACHMENT: PROPOSER QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE Employment Readiness Support CASA is committed to equipping foster youth with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to transition successfully from education to meaningful employment. As part of the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program, CASA will deliver comprehensive employment readiness support services that are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by high -risk foster youth, including those who are justice - involved or transitioning out of the foster care system. These services are designed to ensure that participants have the tools necessary to overcome barriers to employment and achieve long-term economic independence. Employment readiness support begins with workshops that cover essential hard and soft skills necessary for thriving in the workplace. These workshops include practical training in resume writing, interview preparation, communication skills, and professional etiquette. In addition to skill -building, CASA addresses the critical needs of youth as they prepare to enter the workforce. Many foster youth, particularly those transitioning out of care, lack access to appropriate work attire and personal hygiene items, which can hinder their ability to present themselves confidently in professional settings. To bridge this gap, CASA will provide participants with work -appropriate clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities. This support ensures that youth are prepared for interviews and equipped to maintain their personal appearance and confidence throughout their employment journey. This service is especially crucial for those who may not have the financial means to acquire these items on their own, thereby removing a significant barrier to employment. CASA's employment readiness support goes beyond conventional job preparation by addressing atypical challenges that foster youth may encounter in the workplace. For example, CASA teaches participants how to communicate their needs related to past trauma, such as working in environments that might trigger traumatic memories. Advocates provide guidance on navigating these challenges while maintaining professionalism, helping youth to manage stress and mitigate potential barriers to sustained employment. This holistic approach ensures that foster youth are not only job - ready but also capable of thriving in their work environments. CASA aims to prepare and guide at least 25 youth per year in job readiness support, with a goal of securing permanent employment for at least 10 participants per year. Through consistent monitoring of progress in educational attainment, employment achievements, and access to health and social services, CASA ensures that its services are effectively contributing to the economic mobility and overall well-being of the youth served. The positive impact of this work extends beyond immediate employment, laying the foundation for sustained success and well-being throughout these youth's lives. 0 Docusign Envelope ID: B7AFDA57-9327-40DA-9D9F-3E3AC4FF77FB CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties ATTACHMENT: PROPOSER QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE Linkages to Other Support Resources CASA recognizes that the challenges faced by foster youth extend far beyond the courtroom and the classroom. Many of these youth, particularly those transitioning out of foster care, struggle with basic needs such as stable housing, access to healthcare, mental health support, clothing, and food. These challenges can hinder their ability to find, secure, and maintain stable employment. To address these critical needs, CASA has developed a robust network of partnerships with local organizations, allowing us to provide comprehensive wraparound services that remove barriers to success and ensure that youth have the foundation they need to thrive. One of the most pressing challenges for foster youth is housing instability, which is why CASA works with youth to prevent homelessness by providing access to resources that address both immediate and long-term housing needs for youth at risk of homelessness. For participants in the OneFresno Youth Service Corps Program who face housing challenges, CASA is able to provide emergency shelter, rental assistance, and housing relocation services. In collaboration with the Fresno County Housing Authority, CASA helps youth secure and maintain safe, stable housing as they transition into employment. This removes a significant barrier to employment, allowing youth to focus on their job training and career development rather than worrying about where they will sleep at night. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers, CASA helps youth access needed medical and mental healthcare services by finding and connecting youth to providers, coordinating appointments, and providing transportation to appointments. Many of the youth served by CASA have experienced significant trauma, which can impact their ability to succeed in the workforce. CASA facilitates access to therapy, crisis intervention, and other mental health services, addressing the emotional and psychological needs of participants. Additionally, CASA partners with Fresno Mission's City Center to offer a range of health -related resources including therapy and peer support groups, providing a holistic approach to mental wellness that supports youth as they prepare for employment. CASA also understands that entering the workforce requires more than just job skills - it also requires the ability to present oneself confidently in a professional setting. Many foster youth lack the resources to acquire appropriate work attire, hygiene items, food, and additional basic needs. To bridge this gap, CASA partners with other community - based organizations in Fresno to provide essential clothing, hygiene products, food, and other necessities. These services reduce barriers to employment, ensuring that youth are prepared not only for interviews but also for ongoing professional success. These partnerships allow CASA to provide seamless linkages to a broad range of services, ensuring that each youth receives the comprehensive support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term economic stability and independence.