Subject:
Title
Funding recommendations for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Trust Fund program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Trust Fund (Trust Fund) recommendations from the Substance Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB).
• Annual funding of the Trust Fund is provided through the assessment of court fees for alcohol and drug-related charges.
• Funds are awarded to licensed substance use service providers for non-recurring expenditures such as equipment or renovations.
• The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 available Trust Fund allocation is $35,000.00. This is the same amount as FY24. This amount reflects the approximate Trust Fund revenues received annually from the court fee assessments.
• A competitive application process is held annually to award grants ranging from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00. There were four applications requesting a total of $32,148.90 in funding. Following the committee review process, the SAAB is recommending four Pinellas County non-profit agencies for awards.
• $35,000.00 is included in the FY25 Budget.
• Unallocated funds, in the amount of $2,851.10, will be rolled over in the trust fund reserves for future solicitations.
• Funding for these recommendations is included in the FY25 Human Services Approved Budget.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
The Trust Fund awards are disbursed annually to recipients who are licensed as substance use treatment providers with the Florida Department of Children and Families. The County facilitates a competitive process to solicit applications for the Trust Fund. Applications are reviewed and selected for funding by the SAAB, a Sunshine Board. Funds must be used for nonrecurring expenditures such as equipment, special projects, training, renovations, and formalized prevention activities. On August 28, 2024, the SAAB approved the recommendation of four projects for funding. Recommended awards range from approximately $5,000.00 to $10,000.00. Unallocated funds in the amount of $2,851.10, will be rolled over to the next fiscal year.
Background Information:
The Trust Fund provides funding to nonprofit organizations that provide alcohol and/or substance use treatment and/or prevention programs. Assessments collected by the Clerk of Court generated from $15.00 court fees as defined in Chapters 938.23 and 893.165 of the Florida Statutes, shall be remitted to the Board of County Commissioners to supply the Trust Fund. The funds must be used for one-time only, non-recurring expenditures such as equipment, special projects, training, renovations, and formalized prevention activities. To be eligible for an award the organization must be licensed as a substance abuse treatment provider under Chapter 397 of the Florida Statutes.
A total of $35,000 is available for FY25 grants. Four applications were received totaling $32,148.90 and are recommended for funding for the programs below:
Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, Inc. ($8,000.00) will purchase equipment, installation, and software for a visitor management system for their primary Pinellas direct service and administrative offices located on Icot Blvd. in Clearwater. The visitor management system is a standalone, iPad kiosk with enclosed printer for badge printing. The kiosk will be wi-fi enabled and support an ID scanner. Software includes various features to enhance security and efficiency while creating a welcoming and professional environment for visitors.
Operation PAR, Inc. ($9,021.99) will use funds to purchase twelve (12) new armchairs for client use during individual counseling sessions and other meetings with staff and fifteen (15) desks for residents to better support a client centered environment.
Personal Enrichment Through Mental Health Services, Inc. ($5,203.86) will purchase six new desktop computers, which includes the on-site service after remote diagnosis for three years, ensuring sustained support and minimal downtime. This is essential for enhancing the crisis hotline services and crisis stabilization efforts allowing staff to
complete assessments and documentation more quickly and accurately in the Juvenile Addiction Receiving Facility (JARF) and Crisis Stabilization Services.
Westcare GulfCoast-Florida, Inc. ($9,923.05) will purchase a double deck full-size natural gas convection oven and a 2-year protection plan to replace the outdated and
malfunctioning double-door convection oven that has been a critical component of the facility's food preparation services for over 20 years.
Fiscal Impact:
Appropriation in the amount of $35,000.00 dollars to support these agreements is consistent with the development of the FY25 Human Services Approved Budget.
Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Visitor Management System $8,000.00
Community Services, Inc.
Operation PAR, Inc. PAR Village Residential Furniture $9,021.99
Personal Enrichment Through Desktop Computers $5,203.86
Mental Health Services, Inc.
Westcare GulfCoast-Florida, Inc. Gas Convection Oven $9,923.05
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, Inc.
Operation PAR, Inc.
Personal Enrichment Through Mental Health Services, Inc. (PEMHS)
Westcare Gulfcoast-Florida, Inc.
SAAB
Attachments:
SAAB Trust Fund Grant Recommendations
Agreement