TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Olivera - Assistant City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cauley, MPA - Economic & Community Development Director
DATE: November 28, 2022
RE:
Title
Update on Mentoring Initiatives
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal II: The City of Fayetteville will have a Responsive City Government supporting a diverse and viable economy.
• Objective 2.2: To invest in community places to ensure revitalization and increase the quality of life
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
• Objective 4.2: To enhance diverse recreation, leisure, and cultural opportunities
• Objective 4.6: To reduce poverty and homelessness.
Executive Summary:
During the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget Work Sessions, City Council allocated $200,000 in funding for youth programs. Community outreach resulted in the proposed partnerships with Cumberland County Communicare and the Tulsa Initiative, Inc. Council is asked to receive the report.
Background:
Chief District Court Judge Toni S. King assisted Cumberland County CommuniCare in reviving the ‘Reclaiming Futures’ mentoring program by hosting an interest meeting and marketing campaign to the parents and kids being served by CommuniCare and those children involved in the juvenile delinquency courts. The program hosted its first meeting with mentors/mentees in August 2021 and has continued to meet each month since the inception. On August 15, 2022, Cumberland County Schools agreed to establish the programs and four schools were identified as pilot schools for the mentoring program (Westover, Terry Sanford, EE Smith, and Pine Forest).
Tulsa Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy is part of the Tulsa Initiative, Inc. which was established in 2019 by entrepreneurs and industry leaders to address critical challenges impacting society; (1) Education of systemic inequalities, (2) Empower African Americans, and (3) Enable African Americans to invest in entrepreneurs.
Issues/Analysis:
Both of the proposed programs are primarily targeted to at-risk youth and both organizations are recognized as falling under the IRS tax code 501(c) 3. Two years of funding will ensure the programs start up and are able to articulate measureable milestones and outcomes.
Budget Impact:
City Council allocated $200,000 for youth based initiatives in the FY 2023 budget.
Options:
1. Receive the Report
2. Do not receive the Report and provide direction to staff.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that City Council receive the report.
Attachments:
‘Reclaiming Futures’ Mentoring Program
Tulsa Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy