DATE: September 24, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: CalFresh Employment and Training Memorandum of Understanding with Foundation for California Community Colleges
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a memorandum of understanding with Foundation for California Community Colleges, for collaboration related to services for the CalFresh Employment and Training program, not to exceed three consecutive years, including a one-year base contract with two optional one-year extensions.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative between the Fresno County Department of Social Services (Department) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) to facilitate implementation of the Fresh Success CalFresh Employment and Training (CFET) Program. The MOU defines areas of responsibilities for each agency to facilitate the program’s implementation. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If your Board should decide not to approve the recommended action, the County will no longer be partnered with FCCC, and client access to CFET services could be limited. FCCC would not be obligated to receive referrals from the Department, to prepare forms for CalFresh student eligibility determinations, or to maintain and submit records to meet reporting requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The recommended agreement includes no monetary exchange.
DISCUSSION:
Starting in 2012, the Department has offered CFET services in accordance with California Welfare & Institutions Code (W&IC) 18926.5 to assist members of CalFresh households in gaining skills, training, work, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment.
Fresh Success, a component of the CFET program, is a third-party 50% reimbursement program in selected California community college campuses and community-based organizations. Fresh Success providers deliver case management services to participating students and provide community resources that support student and client retention, completion, and employability. Through Fresh Success, CalFresh participants gain education and training that will lead to better employment and a path to economic self-sufficiency.
FCCC supports the entire California Community Colleges system, including Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, and Reedley College, and is the Fresh Success program administrator for these institutions. For community college Fresh Success programs, only students taking at least one Fresh Success allowable community college course in vocational training, adult basic education, General Education Development (GED), English as a Second Language, or work experience are eligible to participate in the Fresh Success program. Participation in Fresh Success is voluntary, with no penalties imposed for students who do not follow program requirements. Participant reimbursements provided include transportation, required textbooks, and other allowable CFET participant reimbursements.
The recommended agreement allows for coordination between the Department and FCCC in identifying and referring eligible students for Fresh Success. FCCC will establish agreements with providers to offer CFET services in accordance with the County’s CFET Plan, receive referrals from the Department, ensure all required paperwork is initiated and delivered to the Department, and keep records and report to the Department information about Fresh Success enrollees. The Department will determine eligibility and refer qualified participants to FCCC, approve and support Fresh Success providers as necessary for program implantation, and ensure participant information is kept secure and reported accurately.
Upon approval by your Board, the recommended agreement will be effective October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, with two optional one-year renewal terms. Either party, upon providing 30-days advance written notice, may terminate the agreement without cause.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - MOU with FCCC
On file with Clerk - Digital Signature Audit Report
CAO ANALYST:
Dylan McCully