TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Alexina Jeannite, Grant Manager
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Esq., Executive Director
DATE: May 26, 2020
Title
COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP GRANT - MILAGRO CENTER (695 AUBURN AVENUE)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approve a Community Sponsorship Grant in the amount of $1,500.00 for the Milagro Center.
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Background:
The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) launched the Community Sponsorship Program in FY 1991/1992 to support the work of existing and fledgling nonprofit organizations whose programs further the CRA’s mission and goals. The program allows organizations to request an annual grant of up to $1,500.00 to offset the cost of qualified program and initiatives offered within the CRA District.
The Milagro Center, founded in 1997, helps prepare children from low-income families for workforce readiness, and social and academic success. The organization, which is based in the Southwest Neighborhood, CRA Sub-area #8, focuses on four interrelated initiatives-Cultural Arts Education, Living Values, Academic Enrichment and Mentoring.
This year, the Milagro Center expects to serve a total of 430 youth through their STARS, Junior Teen Leadership, Teen Leadership and ArtReach programs, delivered on-site and throughout the community. The Milagro Center’s youth clients all live at or below the federal poverty income level and reside in at-risk neighborhoods in Delray Beach, the majority of which are within the CRA District. The organization has a proven track record of effectiveness, helping students maintain and improve grades, improve self-esteem, and gain exposure to music, theatre, dance and visual arts.
The Milagro Center is requesting a Community Sponsorship Grant in the amount of $1,500.00-the maximum amount allowed under current program guidelines-to help fund a portion of their Cultural Arts Director position, which is responsible for teaching classes in the STARS, Junior Teen Leadership, Teen Leadership, out-of-school time programs, and summer camp. The Cultural Arts Director also manages the ARTreach Program and Blueprint Gallery. A grant in favor of the applicant will help further the CRA mission by addressing two of the seven Overall Needs identified in the Community Redevelopment Plan ¾ Recreation & Cultural Facilities by supporting an organization that provides educational and artistic opportunities to local at-risk and Economic Development by helping economically and academically challenged youth break the cycle of poverty by graduating from high-school and pursuing post-secondary education.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Application, Narrative & Budget; Exhibit B - Community Sponsorship Guidelines & Application.
CRA Attorney Review:
N/A
Finance Review:
N/A
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
$1,500.00 allocated from General Ledger #7310 - Grant Programs - Community Sponsorship Program