Subject:
Title
Funding Agreement with Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition, Inc. for the Success Training and Retention Services (STARS) program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve and execute the Agreement with Pinellas County Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition, Inc. (PERC) for the Success Training and Retention Services (STARS) program.
● This Funding Agreement provides job training, support and placement for individuals whom are hard to place in employment.
● Funding in an amount not to exceed $215,000.00 was appropriated as an FY19 decision package and will expand services by up to 100 participants.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This Agreement provides funding to PERC to support and expand the STARS program. STARS will provide job training, support and placement for individuals whom are hard to place in employment. This funding will relaunch the program in North Pinellas County and allow for up to 100 participants in year one. Additionally, it provides for enhanced training with Pinellas Technical College or St. Peterburg College to assist with tiny house construction. Since mid-2017, there have been 73 successful completions and a placement rate of 70%.
Background/Explanation:
The STARS program had a successful history in Pinellas County for 13 years with a placement rate of over 70% for program graduates. Due to budget cuts in 2008/2009, the program lost funding. More recently, the City of St. Petersburg relaunched the program as part of their Cohort of Champions initiative and its Workforce Development programs. Since the relaunch in mid-2017, there have been 73 successful completions with many participants receiving multiple certifications. They are currently operating with a 70% job placement rate.
Based off of a national model, the core of STARS is a four-week training workshop that takes a tough love, no excuse approach to work readiness. The curriculum delves into the root causes of a person’s inability to obtain and keep a job. All program graduates receive two years of follow-up services including employment development/placement.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in an amount not to exceed $215,000.00 has been included in the FY19 Budget as allocated through the FY19 STARS Program North County Decision Package.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Daisy Rodriguez, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition, Inc.
Pinellas Technical College
St. Petersburg College
Attachments:
PERC Funding Agreement
Data Sharing Agreement
Insurance Requirements