CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA




 Agenda Date:          August 3, 2020

 Action Required:      Approve appropriation

 Presenter:            Diane Kuknyo, Director, Department of Social Services

 Staff Contacts:       Elmona Reid, Family Services Specialist, Foster Care Prevention
                       Sue Moffett, Assistant Director, Department of Social Services

 Title:                BAMA Works Grant for Supporting Aspirations-Improving Resiliency for
                       Vulnerable Families - $6,000




Background:

The Charlottesville Department of Social Services has received $6,000 from the BAMA works
fund to implement an employee-designed initiative: Supporting Aspirations-Improving
Resiliency for Vulnerable Families. The Foster Care Prevention Team works to help vulnerable
families develop skills and resources needed for safety and stability. While poverty does not
equate child neglect, the trauma of persistent poverty is a risk to child well-being as evidenced in
the landmark CDC-Kaiser-Peremente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/about.html
One challenge in our work with vulnerable families is to build on their resiliency, and help them
overcome the trauma of persistent poverty. The parents with whom we work see increases in
household income evaporate in a cloud of rent increases and public assistance decreases.
Routine “emergencies” like missing work to care for an ill child, or new tires for a 10-year-old
car make budgeting for field trips, club and sports participation fees and birthday celebrations
unrealistic; and saving for aspirations is impossible. Persistent poverty is isolating, and limits the
economic and social mobility of the most vulnerable families in our community.


Discussion:

Using available budgeting tools, participating families will work to develop a budget for not only
routine and necessary household expenses, but also aspirational financial goals. Supporting
Aspirations funds will be used to support family celebrations- important activities that organize
and stabilize family life, celebrate and reward short-term successes, and increase capacity for
resiliency.
Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan:

This appropriation request aligns with the City Council’s vision, which includes being flexible and
progressive in anticipating and responding to the needs of our citizens.


Community Engagement:

The Department of Social Services works with community members and service providers to
identify and meet the needs of the most vulnerable.


Budgetary Impact:

There are no additional City funds required or being requested for this initiative.


Recommendation:

Staff recommends approval and appropriation of these funds.


Alternatives:

Funds that are not appropriated will need to be returned to BAMA works.


Attachments:

Appropriation
                                    APPROPRIATION
            Supporting Aspirations-Improving Resiliency for Vulnerable Families
                                          $6,000



WHEREAS, the Charlottesville Department of Social Services has received $6,000 from the
BAMA Works Fund to implement supporting aspirations initiative for vulnerable families.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the council of the City of Charlottesville,
Virginia, that the sum of $6,000 is hereby appropriated in the following manner:

Revenue - $6,000

Fund 212      Cost Center: 9900000000            G/L Account: 451022

Expenditures - $6,000

Fund 212      Cost Center: 3343011000            G/L Account: 540060