Title
MOTION TO APPROVE A FACILITY USE AGREEMENT WITH FATHER'S M.I.A, INC. FOR THE USE OF PORTIONS OF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTER TO PROVIDE IMPACTFUL PROGRAMS TO EMPOWER YOUTH AND STRENGTHEN FAMILIES WITHIN THE CITY
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
1. The City owns and operates the Village Community Center, located at 6700 SW 13th Street. Currently, the facility is offered as a hall rental for weekend events. Although city staff has tried implementing various programs at the center, none have had sustained success. The space is also shared with Choices for Life, Inc., a school offering an adult training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. The City has supported Father’s M.I.A. since 2019 by sponsoring their annual “As We Honor Her” banquet.
3. Father’s M.I.A. has approached the City seeking assistance in finding a permanent location for their Youth Empowerment Programming and Fatherhood Program. At present, the organization operates from various locations throughout the county to provide its services.
4. The Youth Empowerment Program is a transformative initiative designed to support high school students in grades 9-12, particularly those lacking active father figures due to circumstances such as incarceration, abandonment, or death. Through strategic partnerships with local high schools and community advisors, the program identifies and recruits youth to participate in structured 6-week sessions held throughout the year. These sessions focus on critical life skills, including self-identity, emotional intelligence, career exploration, financial literacy, community engagement, and college readiness. By addressing both educational and emotional needs, the program empowers youth to build resilience, develop leadership skills, and become confident, proactive members of society. A unique aspect of the Youth Empowerment Program is its dual approach, combining practical educational workshops with healing sessions that address emotional challenges. The program culminates annually with the Fathers M.I.A. Youth Empowerment Gala, celebrating the achievements of participants and providing scholarship opportunities for higher education. To ensure continued success and sustainability, Fathers M.I.A. employs a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and gather feedback. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the participants' personal development but also fosters a sense of purpose and social awareness, ensuring lasting positive impacts on the youth and their communities.
5. The Fathers M.I.A. Fatherhood Program is centered around the evidence-based 24/7 Dad® curriculum developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI). This transformative program is designed to empower fathers to be active, responsible, and engaged in their children’s lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It specifically supports fathers who are struggling to connect with their children, including new fathers, teen fathers, single fathers, and non-custodial or underemployed fathers with children under 18. By focusing on essential domains such as self-awareness, parenting skills, and relationship-building, the program provides participants with tools to build healthier family dynamics and strengthen father-child relationships.
6. The proposed agreement would be for a three-year term. The agreement specifies that the organization would utilize a small office and meeting room for their programming. Fathers M.I.A. proposes to offer the Youth Empowerment Program on Mondays from 6 pm to 8 pm and the Fatherhood Program on Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm. The facility would also be used for administrative purposes by the organization. The Facility Use Agreement (FUA) was designed to allow Fathers M.I.A. to begin their programming on a small scale, with room for growth. The goal is to generate activity and awareness at the center to help expand additional offerings in this eastern location. The agreement requires the City to cover the operational expenses for the first six months. After that period, Fathers M.I.A. would be responsible for paying $125 per month to cover utilities, janitorial services, and repairs and maintenance for the time they occupy the space.
7. In addition to the Father's M.I.A. Facility Use Agreement, city staff is working with other organizations to bring some afterschool/early evening programs to the facility such as karate and dance in addition to programming some family friendly art workshops on the weekends.
8. The Recreation and Cultural Arts Director recommends that the City Commission approve this agreement for the use of portions of the Village Community Center to provide impactful programs aimed at empowering youth and strengthening families within the City.
Financial Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT DETAIL:
a) Initial Cost: None. There is a $125 per month revenue the city will receive
b) Amount budgeted for this item in Account No: Revenues are budgeted in 001-362030 Rentals - City Facilities
c) Source of funding for difference, if not fully budgeted: Not Applicable
d) 5 year projection of the operational cost of the project: Not Applicable
e) Detail of additional staff requirements: Not Applicable
FEASIBILITY REVIEW:
A feasibility review is required for the award, renewal and/or expiration of all function sourcing contracts. This analysis is to determine the financial effectiveness of function sourcing services.
a) Was a Feasibility Review/Cost Analysis of Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor Conducted for this service? Not Applicable
b) If Yes, what is the total cost or total savings of utilizing Out-Sourcing vs. In-House Labor for this service? Not Applicable