Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Accept Grant Funds from the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) Funded by Opportunity Merced in the Amount of $124,725 to Support Parks and Community Services Implementation of the Trailblazers Outdoor Recreation Program
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting grant funding from Central Valley Community Foundation funded by Opportunity Merced in support of an outdoor recreation program focused on mentorship, vocational training, and nature-based recreation for teens through Parks and Community Services, Trailblazers Outdoor Recreation.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Authorizing the acceptance of Grant from Central Valley Community Foundation in the amount of $124,725; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to sign necessary documents; and
C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to Staff for reconsideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
Parks and Community Services has supported multiple City led efforts to expand youth exposure to vocational training, mentorship, and nature-based learning including the Proposition 64 funded My City Mentoring and the Board of State & Community Corrections CalVIP program. On both accounts the combination of mentorship, vocational training and nature-based recreation have proven to have meaningful impacts for the teens involved.
These services led to youth served increased feelings of investment, ownership in their own community and excitement about their futures. Often youth expressed the program's ability to instill a sense of freedom not previously experienced in their lives. Several youths that completed these services...
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