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CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A 2020 COMMUNITY HOPE CENTERS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $237,329 FROM THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO BE USED FOR THE COORDINATION OF CHILDCARE, VIRTUAL LEARNING, COUNSELING SERVICES AND DAILY MEALS AT NO COST TO RESIDENTS RELATED TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC; APPROVAL OF CONTRACT K-2021-64 FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT; AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FROM THE SPECIAL GRANTS FUND BALANCE.
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BACKGROUND: The State of Oklahoma through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) set aside $15 Million of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CACRF) for Community HOPE Centers. HOPE Centers are designed to utilize community partnerships and to provide critical services to families using science of HOPE as their foundation and serving children ages 5-18, as well as, their adult caregivers. Each Community HOPE Center will have mental health professionals, OKDHS staff, virtual learning tools such as computers and iPads, meals and snacks, a weekend backpack program and other programming available to support families. Community HOPE Centers will follow safety protocols determined by OKDHS guidelines related to use of personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing, sanitation and use of masks.
DISCUSSION: The City of Norman was awarded a HOPE Center grant in the amount of $237,329. These grant funds will be used to purchase supplies, furniture, PPE and miscellaneous expenses that go along with operating this program. Grant funds will also be used to reimburse staff costs related to the program, contact counseling services through Norman Regional Health System and purchase two meals per school day along with a weekend backpack from Norman Public Schools. This program will be conducted at the 12th Avenue, Irving and Whittier Recreation Centers with room for 20 students at each center at no cost for the families participating. This grant will be administered on a reimbursement basis.
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