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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY26 LA2A NCJC ResponsesNovember 22, 2024 FY26 Legacy Aid to Agencies HCDC Question and Answer (Q&A) Session Instructions The Q&A session provides an opportunity for commissioners and staff to ask clarifying questions about the applications submitted through United Way. Please provide written responses to the questions below. Written responses must be received by City staff no later than December 6, 2024. This process is intended to gather the information required to accurately score submissions. Written responses can be directed to Brianna Thul at bthul(o)iowa-citv.orq or dropped off at City Hall (410 E Washington Street). All information related to this grant will be posted at www.icgov.orq/grants. The Housing and Community Development Commission will hold a meeting on January 27th, 2025, at 6:30pm in City Hall to develop funding recommendations for City Council. This meeting is open to the public and applicants are welcome to attend to hear the conversation. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online for those unable to attend. Agency: NCJC Questions: 1. Income information for beneficiaries does not appear to be listed in the application. Is there income data available for beneficiaries reported? Yes, we have income data for our beneficiaries, although the specific section for client Area Median Income (AMI) was not present in this year's application. Below is a breakdown of FY25 enrolled beneficiaries by AMI: • <30% AMI: 58% of our families • 31 %-50% AMI: 22% of our families • 51%-80% AMI: 5% of our families • >80% AMI: 15% of our families Client Information Area Median Income: Our organization primarily serves individuals and families with incomes below 50% AMI. A small percentage (less than 1 %) of program participants are privately paying families who fall into higher income brackets. Our mission prioritizes inclusivity, supporting diverse populations within the community. While the majority of our efforts target those in the greatest need, our broader approach ensures that all families have access to critical support and resources. November22, 2024 2. Is the operating deficit in the budget accurate? Yes, the reported operating deficit reflects accurate information at the time of submission. However, there are key nuances: The restricted funds from DHHS were categorized in alignment with application requirements. These funds can support salaries, training, development, supplies, and other operational costs but cannot be used for major renovations or building acquisitions. • Since the application's submission, we have secured new contracts totaling $378,000, to be spent by December 2026: • Johnson County CVI: $208,000 • Resilience Hub Program: $110,000 • Renovations from CDBG: $35,000 • Community Foundation of Johnson County: $25,000 We did not include any pending or upcoming grants in the application to maintain transparency and accuracy. Additionally, we have launched a $1.5 million capital campaign to support expansion and operational costs, with the goal of completing fundraising by December 2028. Our current cash balance is strong due to strategic spending and investments in certificates of deposit (CDs). 3. Request is 112% increase from FY25 allocation. What is the rationale for the funding increase? The requested increase is essential to sustain and grow our operations, reflecting the following factors: Staffing Costs We are committed to paying staff living wages, positioning ourselves as leaders in equitable compensation. This has excluded us from some funding opportunities in the past but remains a critical priority for retaining qualified staff. November22, 2024 Maintaining our IQ4K rating (the highest state quality rating) and NAEYC accreditation requires significant investment in staff training, resources, and compliance. Program Expansion • In partnership with the City of Iowa City, we are expanding to two additional sites, doubling our facility footprint and increasing Early Childhood Education (ECE) and afferschool programs by 50%. • This expansion directly addresses the high demand in underserved, low- income areas where we operate. Operational Costs • Rising costs for food, materials, and other essentials required to meet the high standards of our programs necessitate increased funding. • Providing nutritious meals through the CACFP program is integral to children's growth and development, adding to our operational expenses. Community Needs • We serve high -need, low-income areas with longstanding waitlists for childcare and family support services. For every one childcare slot, there are three families in need. • Over 50 years, we have consistently addressed gaps in service and continue to prioritize the most vulnerable individuals and families in our community. Neighborhood Centers plays a vital role in violence prevention, partnering with the Johnson County Community Violence Intervention and the City of Iowa City, to proactively address rising gun violence. Firearm -related deaths became the leading cause of death for children and teens in 2021, with a staggering 4,733 young lives lost —surpassing even car crashes. Between 2019 and 2021, gun deaths among children and teens spiked by 50%. Research shows that most homicide victims are young males killed by other young males, with 92% of youth homicide victims (ages 10-24) and 87% of young adult homicide victims (ages 25-34) dying from firearm injuries. As gun violence increases across the nation, we work on the frontlines to provide preventative care, reduce trauma, and offer safe spaces for children, helping to mitigate the impacts of violence. Each gun homicide costs a community $18-20 million, underscoring the urgent need for our efforts to reduce violence and support youth resilience through mental health and trauma -informed care. Nutritious Meals November 22, 2024 Through Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), we ensure every child receives healthy meals and snacks, vital to their growth and well- being. Funding Trends and Organizational Growth We are incredibly grateful for 20 years of support from the City of Iowa City, which has consistently partnered with us to meet critical community needs. However, a review of funding trends over the last decade illustrates the growing gap between City funding increases and the rising costs associated with our expanding services: • From FY15 to FY25, the City's funding for NCJC increased by $20,000, from $50,000 to $70,601. • During the same period, our expenses grew by approximately $1.2 million, from $2.25 million to $3.44 million. This comparison highlights the substantial increase in our operating expenses and the greater financial pressure we face as the demand for services continues to rise. While the City's support has been invaluable, the increase in funding has not fully matched the growing needs of the community. With 100 employees across multiple sites, we are at maximum capacity. This funding increase is a necessary step to sustain our mission and serve the community at the highest level while continuing to grow and address increasing demands. For a broader perspective on the families we serve and the evolution of our mission, we encourage reviewers to watch our 50th Anniversary Documentary jtinvurl.com/NCJCDocumentarvl, which provides a rich narrative of our organizational impact and the communities we support. We would welcome the opportunity to present the full scope of our services at any time in the future.