08-28-03 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Personnel and Finance Committee August 28, 2003 Page 2 2004 Youth Service Bureau 2003 Expenditures $75,000 General Fund # 101-0407 2004 Expenditures $75,000 Executive Director Bonnie Stryker made the presentation. She noted that the Youth Service Bureau is most appreciative of the ongoing relationship with the City of South Bend. From 1972 to 1985, the Youth Services Bureau was part of City government. Since that time they have operated as a not-for-profit agency with a 19-member Board of Directors. Their overall mission is to help children and youth during critical times. In the past they operated the court appointed special advocate program (CASA) from 1987 to 2002, which was transferred to the Juvenile Court. They had 81 volunteers and had a federal grant. Youth Services Bureau operates the "Youth as Resources Program" for junior and high school students. They work as volunteers who work to fund community service projects. The students raise money for projects, receive donations, and evaluate projects. They have four (4) grants ranging from $50 to $500. In October they will have a"Community Youth Forum on Diversity" for all high school students. It will be held at Calvary Temple. They develop action plans which are they presented to the school boards. They also operate "Safe Station" which act as runaway shelters. They had 121 youth last year who received assistance under this program. "Safe Places" are identified by the large yellow signs posted on the buildings with all Burger Kings, Partnership Centers,Memorial Hospital ER being just some of the locations. They then contact Safe Station so that the issues can be addressed and resolved. Presentations are made to junior and high school students each year,with 5,000 students being reached each year. Bonnie Stryker then reviewed "Young Mom's Self-Sufficiency Program" which assisted 78 mothers and 88 children, with the mothers ranging in age from 16 to 24 years of age. They provide food and shelter assistance and work with each of them on education skills, employment and parenting. Their fiscal year is July to June. 21 mothers have enrolled in academic programs to date. She further noted that they annually help approximately 5,000 youth each year and have outreach programs to approximately 5,100. They also have "Youth Links" where they are trying to get computerized dada to see what needs are being met and what resources can be brought together from such entities as Madison Center, Goodwill, etc. $34,000 needs to be raised for this project. Their overall goal is for cooperation and collaboration. They will be approaching United Way. They will have a help line with them and hope to increase the number of Safe Place locations. Dr. Varner inquired if they are a 501C3 entity and was advised that they are. He requested copies of the Youth Service Bureau's IRS reports for the past two (2) years, noting that he believes that all not-for-profit agencies receiving monies from the city should routinely provide this information. Dr. Varner further noted that it would be important to review such documents in the Council's role of accounting for such dollars and the services provided in return. In response to a question from the Council Attorney, Bonnie Stryker stated that she would provide a break down of the youth assisted showing how many were from the City of South Bend, as well as the County and Mishawaka. She further noted that there were 1,200 referrals made to other agencies last year including to the various township trustees. Council President White inquired about the budget of the Youth Services Bureau. Bonnie Stryker noted that their total budget is $1.2 million with the request to the City being $75,000. She noted that they pursue many grants each year. She further noted that their are many problems involving