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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHumphrey Mwangi - Upendo CareCOVER LETTER 1. A cover letter identifying the lead applicant and, if any, co -applicants. Include the lead organization' s name, address, and the address of the project site (if known). Provide contact information (name, title, phone, and email) for the person leading the project. Please specify in the cover letter if the application is for (1) physical space, business support programs, or both. Upendo Care, Inc. is a Home and Community Based Organization based out of Iowa City. We were formed in December 2022 out of an idea of the founders who are long time staff at various agencies in Iowa City serving people with disabilities. We are organized exclusively for the purpose of providing a place where people with intellectual disabilities are nurtured and valued, a place where they will be engaged in all aspects of their lives, learning, and working alongside their lifelong friends and family members. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. At Upendo Care, we are more than an organization of healthcare professionals — we are proud members of communities across Iowa City. Quality service is our mission. And to us, service means getting to know our individuals on a personal level. All our founders are persons of colors who live and work in Iowa City. They all have settled here and raised families over the years and thus invested heavily here. Upendo is a Swahili word that means "love." It is with love and care that we came into the field of providing people with disabilities a place to call home and hopefully improve their lives in ways unimagined. Our high expectations and elevated standards provide safeguards, unlike any other agency. Our employees are required to complete a comprehensive orientation program where our stringent care expectations and safety are reviewed in detail. We take pride in our employees' skill, expertise, and compassion. You can count on our team of Upendo Care professionals to deliver what we promise and go above and beyond the "traditional home and community care". Unapologetically determined, our team lives the spirit of "The Assisting Hands Way' in our beliefs and actions in order to provide the highest level of home and community care available today. Our company culture represents exceptional standards and practices in today's ever -changing caregiving industry. Our Make it Happen and Do what it Takes team approach to coordination and care is unparalleled and is fueled by our dedicated mission. WE PLEDGE TO BE Person Centered We know the people we serve, understand their needs, and tailor healthcare to ensure the best journey possible. WE PLEDGE TO BE Quality Focused We're passionately committed to making healthcare better every day by leading the industry in an excellence and quality services to our individuals. WE PLEDGE TO BE Community Minded We empower our staff to embrace the communities they serve, because the best care happens in the context of strong relationships. As an organization in its infancy, we hope to raise money to afford to do almost everything that has to do with startup costs. We are a group of black African immigrants who have come together to start our organization with the hope of empowering others and each other. Our lead applicant is Mr. Morris Misango, an active Army Reserve with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit Home and Community Support Services. Morris is the acting Executive Director of Upendo Care, Inc. The Board of Directors currently comprises of the following individuals: Emily Droll of 2159 Bancroft Drive Iowa City, IA 52240 Jacinta Wangui of 1025 Jensen Street Iowa City, IA. 52246 Museyil Sunday of 11 Chad Ct, Coralville, IA 52241 Humphrey Mwangi of 621 E South St, Sigourney, IA 52591 Lead Applicant contact: Morris Misango, 902 Oxen Ln Iowa City IA 52240 Phone number: 515-346-1434 Type of Application: This Application is for both a physical location and for business support programs. Physical location: We will need office space. We will also need to invest in homes where people with disabilities can live and call home. For business support programs, we will want to ensure we the right personnel to help with setting up the organization and the groundwork it takes to get a nonprofit set up for success. 2. A general description of the project including the purpose, benefits, and specific goals of the project. Demonstrate the community benefit of the project using qualitative and quantitative measurements. Specifically, note how the project will accomplish the goals outlined in the Inclusive Economic Development Plan and City Council Strategic Plan Purpose: To meet the needs of those served and their families in Iowa City by providing homes that care for people with disabilities. Thus, having an impact to the City of Iowa City wellbeing through impact. Goals: We have a goal to provide employment to Iowa City residents by hiring 20-100 staff members in Iowa City within the first year. 3. A description of how the project builds community resiliency following the COVID-19 pandemic by building capacity to serve residents of the community. When we take care of our most vulnerable folks in society, we build a resilient community. As COVID-19 taught, there are better ways to take care of our loved ones who need support to live the live that those of us who do not have disabilities lead. Upendo will use monies obtained through this grant to create an environment where people served can remain in this local community and have access to staff to live a life of fulfillment. We plan on building partnerships with community -based organizations and stakeholders to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently. To ensure that our people served gain access to all the same opportunities as they would at home. This will help the Iowa City community continue to be a place of equality. Further, we hope to provide employment opportunities to citizens of Johnson County. The impact that this will have on our community cannot be overstated. We estimate that we will hire 10 staff members right away and grow to 50 staff members within the first year. Improving the social -economic livelihoods of hundreds and families as a result. 4. An estimated project budget including how much in City assistance you are requesting. Identify both the proposed sources and uses of funds for the total project. Identify if each funding source has committed funds. Estimated budget for Upendo Care will look like this: Item Proposed Budget City Assistance Office space (Rent) $75,000 $75,000 for two spaces Building: 2730 Naples Ave SW ZUU,uU0-3uU,00U per home i Iowa City (Accessible homes to house 3 to 4 persons We are still applying for grants and have no funds at this time apart from what the board and founders of the organization have contributed. S. A preliminary timeline for the execution of the project. The City intends for all grant funds to be expended by December 31, 2026. If this is not possible in the project schedule, please detail the estimated draw -down timeframe. We have a trusted partner in the community who has assured us people served who are available to join our agency. We would not be taking anyone from other agencies but offering unique services that may get us more notoriety than any competitor. We are going through the process of state licensure and should be able to start admitting persons served as early as August 2023. We anticipate having anywhere from 5-10 people served living in our rented or owned homes. 6. A statement about the organization' s ability to perform appropriate grant and financial management, including any related experience managing city, state, or federal grant funds. Provide 3 years of financial statements of the lead organization, if available. Please indicate what type of technical assistance may be needed to help prepare the organization for grant management responsibilities. Our Board Members comprises of an accountant (Emily) who has worked in a number of organizations that have had grants. Additionally, the other board members include two with Masters including an MBA. One is a Nurse Practitioner working for a rural clinic in Lee County and is used to meeting federal grants requirements. We have the expertise needed to oversee public funds and show good use of the resources given to us in keeping with the City of Iowa City strategic goals of values, impacts, and resources. 7. A description of all work related to the project that has been completed to date, if any, including any secured funding, contracted professional services, property, land acquisition, grant or loan activity, etc. We have already applied for grants with TechSoup for our websites and other technology needs. Our board members have donated money to help with startup costs. We are considering other grants at this time but have not seen one that fits us like this one does. S. Any other information, including letters of support, the submitting agency deems appropriate. As the funding entity, no letters of support should be sought from City of Iowa City staff or elected officials. Not at this time. We are willing to answer any questions you may have.