HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter - FOCALwhat =1 ! oE... ;.,omen ft'. u y hss to Zct :el Lea'dersh ip, Inc.
st'Offi 'e Box 370036 Miemt. Florida 33137-006
Center Lr a`( at: city (l1Yil iiim A -More Parli 765 Nir 36" Street iE til ni, EL 331.37
(305) 6 4 - 3 5 7(1 Ce,n r ' (3 5) 6$5-.1 t/n Fax " j 0 ) 34 ' - 666
August 21, 2013
Mr. Pascal, Director
City of Miami — Department of Parks & Recreation
444 Southwest Second Avenue, Eighth Floor
Miami, Florida 33130
Dear. Mr. Pascal:
1 hope this letter find you in great health and good spirit.
This past year we have worked and accomplished great things collectively with your staff here at
Moore Park. On behalf of my Board of Directors and staff I thank you for moving the process to
fruition building the new facility.
We are also particularly grateful for the favorable consideration of inclusion in this upcoming
funding cycle for this fiscal year. As always we welcome a visit at anytime from City Commission
and Manager. We appreciate the opportunity to continue our services -to the children and families of
the surrounding community who utilizes the services provided by FOCAL in partnership with the
City of Miami Parks & Recreation. Collectively we will achieve another banner year for the
participant in our program.
Attached is the scope of services along with the budget. Thank you very much for your support, we
wish you and your staff all the best.
Sincerely,
Davin Chiverton,
President/Chief Executive Officer
Attachment: FOCAL
Fiscal Year 2013 - 2014 Budget $94,452.00
Narrative and Scope Services
Page 1 of 8
Scope of Services
October 1, 2013 - September30, 2014
Project Title: FOCAL - Moore Park Learning & Technology Center
Description: This program is an after school program that provides low income youth accessibility
to computers, Internet services and mentors in order to improve/enhance academic
skills. In addition the program includes. counseling and involvement of Cultural
Awareness and balance, youth community participation and crime prevention. Youth
Services for 60 to 80 youth in the areas of Academics, Computers, Social Science,
Cultural Balance and Awareness and Crime Prevention.
Target Areas: Allapattah, Hadley Park, Wynwood, Overton and Model City, however, the
program is not restricted to area residents only, any child that wishes to take part in
the program may do so by simply filling out an application. Children of low to
moderate income families are especially encouraged to take part in the entire
curriculum provided and are given priority.
Funding Source: City of Miami -Department of Parks & Recreation General Fund
FY201.3-2014
National Objective: Low/Moderate income Families (Priority)
Agency Location: Community Center at City of Miami's Moore Park
765 Northwest 36th Street Miami; Florida 33127
Program Description: To address the lack of academic success and preparation for
productive adulthood of high -risk youth, FOCAL will provide an after -school tutorial and computer
center at a neighborhood park to incorporate education into a highly popular recreation program.
Providing tutoring, mentors, structured social activities, cultural awareness and knowledge of and.
access to social services will reduce the risk factors. In addition participants can also enroll in the
parks football, basketball, ch.eerleading and tennis programs. FOCAL staffs work closely with the
park staff to ensure that each child that participates in the parks program is succeeding academically.
The program will offer tutoring in. Math, English; Reading and computers. Counseling and
workshops will be given on self-esteem/self-worth, values clarification, responsibility &
consequences, health & safety, dealing with conflict & life skills and leadership training.
GoaI: Approximately' 75 youth are enrolled in the program and all will have accessibility to all
services at no charge.
Step to enrolling and taking part in the program:
Complete an intake application and family profile.
Page 2 of 8
Complete a pre -testing of a potential participant's knowledge of the computer hardware and
software. •
Conduct a complete evaluation of the potential participant's academic level which includes
math and reading whenever possible review school records (report cards, etc.)
Time Frame: October thru December
Objectives: This quarter is a complete curriculum which includes Math, English, Reading and
Reading Comprehension, Social Studies. This period is used to determine the weaknesses and
strength of each participant and develop proper programs to assist them in improving where needed.
This quarter is also the starting point for writing measurable outcomes for each participants and
establishing communication with the parent or guardian of the participants. The number of
participants who require grade repetitionwill be reduced 50% minimum and the grade point average
of each participant will increase by the conclusion of the school years. At least 50% of the
participants who have grade -writing scores are expected to show a gain of 1 point or more on writing
pre and post assessment. The indicators to be measured to determine program effectiveness are
grade repetition, standard test scores (FCAT, SAT, ACT), report card grades and successful school
completion.
FOCAL evaluate the success of the participants in developing and achieving academically,
successful school completion and avoiding being a juvenile delinquent. The plan for measuring the
program effectiveness is to maintain a file on each participant that tracks hi.s or her successes and
failures. We use their performances from the beginning of the fall, program and document school
academic and conduct improvements and declines:.
If a tutorlteacher observes anything that requires special. attention then it is documented in that
child's folder and FOCAL will provide additional counseling when needed to the child and family.
The file will also include information that a parent or guardian feels is pertinent to a child's
development. The project coordinator will be responsiblefor collecting the data and maintaining the
files. The data elements for measuring the program performance will be their report card grades,
conduct markings and school attendance records. The data will also keep track of the number of
school referrals, detentions and suspensions. Also we will keep a record on whether participant has
been involved in the criminal justice system and refer services. The project coordinator will also
keep in contact with parents, coaches and mentors to make sure that the participants have positive
adult relationships.
The indicators to be measured to determine program effectiveness are grade repetition, standard test
scores (FCAT, SAT, ACT), report card grades and successful school completion.
The strategies for this program are; strengthening youth bonds by providing opportunities, skills and
rewards; reduce risk factors in a way that strengthens positive factors; enforce clear and consistent
standards for behavior; and teach children the skills they need to be able to follow clear standards.
The research basis for the program strategies is from the DPR, Inc. Risk and Resource Assessinent
and we anticipate a minimum of 40% improvement by applying the strategies listed in the DPR.
Page 3 of 8
All participants will receive a minimum of four (4) hours counseling sessions per school year. At
least seventy-five percent of the participants will achieve and maintain an eighty-five percent (85%)
school attendance rate within 90 days of program. enrollment and reduce disciplinary actions
(suspensions, act) by fifty percent (50%). All students needing additional social services, self-
sufficiency improvement programs or academic support will be followed or referred appropriately.
The program's effectiveness will be determined by participant's grades, school attendance conduct
record, FCAT performance, grade promotion and graduation. The most important measure of
program effectiveness will be whether participants have avoided becoming or continuing to be a
juvenile delinquent.
Our goal is to assist each participant in improving their scholastic perforniances and skills by
providing the necessary tools and support in conjunction with their fancily and teachers. We believe
that knowledge and achievement are the best deterrent to cringe. The program will reduce
involvement in crime by increasing participants 'academic abilities, self esteem, and opportunities
for success, positive role models, self expression, personal growth and, values clarification. Our
overall goal is to help at risk youth improve their academic and life skills. Our vision is to maximize
resources by allowing the community to have access to tutors, computers and services that are not
otherwise available in a comfortable familiar environment. We provide the academic support and
motivation that many of the participants do not receive at home.
The program i.ncreases reading, writing, math and computer skills through tutoring. It will increase
self-esteem through the use of culture and history to help develop a clear and positive identity. The
objective related to the academics is the development and achievement of reading, writing, math and
technology skills for each participant equivalent to their grade level and age group.
The research basis for the program strategies is from the DPR, Inc. Risk and Resource Assessment
and we anticipate a minimum of40% improvement by applying the strategies listed in the DPR. at
least one activity of an interactive nature (recreational, educational or social) designed to promote
socialization and maintain identification with peer group will be offered to program participants on a
daily basis either by FOCAL or the Parks Department.
The outcomes for the program will be at least sixth -five students actively participating in the
program and attending four hours of tutoring per week. All participants shall receive a minimum of
four (4) hours counseling sessions per school year. At least seventy-five percent of the participants
will. achieve and maintain an eighty-five percent (85%) school attendance rate within 90 days of
program enrollment and reduce disciplinary actions (suspensions, act) by fifty percent (50%). All
students needing additional social services, self-sufficiency improvement programs or academic
support will be followed or referred appropriately. The programs effectiveness will be determined
by participant's grades, school attendance conduct record, FCAT performance, grade promotion. and
graduation.. The most important measure of program effectiveness will be whether participants have
avoided becoming or continuing to be a. juvenile delinquent.
In addition an annual report to the community including the parents/guardians of the youth
participants.
Page 4 of 8
ACTION STEPS
Annually FOCAL will hold an Open House and present to the community and our elected officials
how the program works and a brief outline of the progress and the plans for enhancements of the
programs.
Our staff and volunteers will take part in improvement of the seminars and workshops to help
improve our ability to work and develop effective ways to work with the participants of the program.
With training we will effectively provide our participants with counseling directed towards self-,
improvement, dealing with peer -pressure, family and life interpersonal development. In addition it is
our intention to monitor each participants overall performance in school.
Our participants will have the opportunity take field trips as the budget allows to places that will
broaden their perspective on life. Our participants will take responsibility for community projects
that will enhance our communities and improve the way of life i.e. environmental, community clean
up, youth crime prevention and awareness.
Time Frame: January thru March
Objectives: This quarter will continue the emphasis on reading, writing and comprehension and
will focus on preparing each student to finish the regular school year strong. We provide one on one
tutoring for students that continue to lack performance in any of the three focus areas for this quarter.
The curriculum for each participant will be to work from their current text books or pamphlets that
are used in their classrooms. We will assist each child i.n completing homework and work to ensure
that they comprehended the assignment. FOCAL will provide personal assistance to each child
during homework period. The other tools used to assist each child with comprehension will be the
designed computer software which is by grade level and age groups. The Internet is also a part of the
day to day learning and research for better service and comprehension for each grade level. Mentors,
counseling and rewards will be Utilized to reduce misbehavior, truancy and tardiness. Alternative
activities and workshops will help to reduce participants exposure to negative elements role models,
gangs and drug involvement, as well as, increasing alternatives to physical force to resolve problems
and increase social responsibility and sensitivity to others.
Our goal is to assist each participant in improving their scholastic performances and skills by
providing the necessary tools and support in conjunction with their family and teachers. We believe
that knowledge and achievement are the best deterrent to crime. The program will reduce
involvement in crime by increasing participants academic abilities, self esteem, and opportunities
for success, positive role models, self expression, personal growth and, values clarification. Our
overall goal is to help at risk youth improve their academic and life skills. Our vision is to maximize
resources by allowing the community to have access to tutors, computers and services that are not
otherwise available in .a comfortable familiar environment. We provide the academic support and
motivation that manly of the participants do not receive at home.
Page 5 of 8
Time Frame: April thru June
Objectives: This quarter will work on computer skills (comprehension, Internet, etc.),
typing speed (for ages 9 to 18). During the summer we will work in a group setting and
include more hours of athletics (physical education) because the program operates from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Each child is encouraged to bring in workbooks, or textbooks of various subjects.
The Internet is part of the day to day learning curriculum to assist each child to improve on their
ability to use the Internet for research or to access information. The strategies for this program
are: strengthening youth bonds by providing opportunities, skills and rewards; reduce risk
factors in a way that strengthens positive factors; enforce clear and consistent standards for
behavior; and teach childrenthe skills they need to be able to follow clear standards. At least one
activity of an interactive nature (recreational, educational or social) designed to promote
socialization and maintain identification with peer groups ona daily basis either by FOCAL and
• the Parks Department.
Our goal is to assist each participant in improving their scholastic performances and skills by
providing the necessary tools and support in conjunction with their family and teachers. We
believe that knowledge and achievement are the best deterrent to crime. The program will
reduce involvement in crime by increasing participants academic abilities, self esteem, and
opportunities for success, positive role models, self expression, personal growth and, values
clarification. Our overall goal is to help at risk youth improve their academic and life skills. Our
vision is to rrraximize resources by allowing the community to have access to tutors, computers
and services that are not otherwise available in a comfortable familiar environment. We provide
the academic support and rnotivation that many of the participants do not receive at home.
Time Frame: June thru September (Sumner Program)
The summer program/curriculum. will incorporate any additional programs that the City of Miami
Parks Department & Recreation will be offering. FOCAL will integrate our current curriculum
with City Parks scheduled functions. However, education remains the priority for each
participant student.
Page 6 of 8
lot Community ss:< as ceders 1 A, Inc.
Post Of i e Box 370(136 A 'Lirttrti, Elori a 3 37-0(136
< Cate! Loc is 4l: 'iti' CIf ✓flltltil Mitore f 17/'Fi ` Street 'Ilium', EL 33137
(atly} b., _ 17(1 Caller * (31)5i 637-1008 Feu sA.t5343- 56
CITY OF MIAMI PARKS
Moore Park Learning & Technology Center
October 1, 2013 thru September 30, 2014
BUDGET SUMMARY
2014
October 1, 2013 - September 30,
CATEGORIES
TOTAL
I.
PERSONNEL
$70,000.00
11.
CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
$19,100.00
III.
OPERATING SERVICES
$ 5 352.00
IV.
COMMODITIES
0
V.
CAPITAL OUTLAY
0
TOTAL BUDGET
$ 94,452.00
Page 7 of 8
01 V ?uullr .5 i`z w �`I'ip, "
POST Office Box: 3700.r ida 331 7-0036
,:enter Located at: City /y- Mio!':iT ;b,o e Part; 765 ;\-ri., 36IJ+ Street Miami, FL 3? 37
(305) 63 -3570 Center (305) 6384006 Fax ~ W15/ 343-5666 Cellular
CITY OF MIAMI PARKS
Moore Park Learning & Technology Center
DETAILED BUDGET * October 1., 2013 - September 30, 2014
I. PERSONNEL
President/Chief Executive Officer
$25,000.00
Program Director/VP of Programs
$21,000.00
Three (3) Trained Tutors
$17,000.00
Fringe Benefits
$ 7,000.00
TOTAL PERSONNEL
$70,000.00
II. CONTRACTUAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Three (3) Certified/Licensed Teachers
$ 6,500.00
Accounting Services (Monthly monitoring & Audit)
$ 5,600.00
Computer Maintenance/Repair
$ 2,000.00
Liability & Bonding Insurance
$ 5,000.00
TOTAL CONTRACTUAL SERVICE
S19,100.00
III. OPERATING EXPENSES
Office/Curriculut n Supplies
$ 5,352.00
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
5 5,352.00
IV. COMMODITIES
TOTAL COMMODITIES
0.00
V. CAPITAL OVERLAY
TOTAL CAPITAL OVERLAY
0.00
GRAND TOTAL
S94,452.00
Page 8 of 8