Agenda Packet_2022-05-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Exhibit A Revive Santa .ulna - .America On wrack SCOPE OF_WORX AOT's Brighter Futures for Children of Prisoners, launched in 2004, is integral to our mission, and the following quote depicts the urgent need: "International human rights advocates have called parental incarceration 'the greatest threat to child well-being in the U.S." Brighter Futures for Children of Prisoners utilizes a holistic approach and interweaves 5 crucial components to address all facets of their needs to guide them on a positive path for the future, and break the cycle of poverty and incarceration. In Santa Ana thousands of children of prisoners live in impoverished conditions where they are more likely to be exposed to gangs, drugs, and other illegal activities. AOT works mostly with Hispanic/Latinx families (about 97%) who live in over-crowded neighborhoods and subsist well below the federal poverty level. Sadly, 65.2% of children of prisoners are convicted of a crime by the time they are 25. In order to mitigate these statistics and because children of prisoners are at a higher risk of educational failure, early substance use and abuse, and coming into contact with the juvenile justice system, AOT has implemented a unique and free 5-component program provided weekly and year-round to guide them on a successful path to a brighter future. The events are held at our Santa Ana offices, at colleges, parks, the Honda Center and more. ❖ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts& Math) activities ❖ An inspirational summer educational college camp at CSUF ❖ Qualified, trained mentors serving as positive role models ❖ Free special events designed to provide joy in their lives ❖ Free books year-round and wraparound services for the entire family These program activities work synergistically, reinforcing positive core values, education and self-esteem. Our yearly College Is For Me Too! component is a unique and proven overnight (2 nights-3 days) structured summer education camp held at Cal State Fullerton for our mentees. It is designed so they can experience a college setting and the joy of learning. Based on pre/post surveys, the experience has been enlightening and life transforming for each of the participants. However, it is on hold until the college allows events on their campus again. Our in-person STEAM component includes workshops that are offered on a bi-weekly basis. Because of COVID these events are now much smaller and held more frequently in our offices. Children of prisoners tend to have low grades in the various sciences as well as a lack of interest. With this in mind, our workshops provide fun interactive activities to pique their curiosity and interest in STEAM areas. Our 1-on-1 mentoring component includes recruiting, screening, training, and matching caring adults with children of prisoners. Mentors are required to see their mentees 3 to 4 times per month and provide 8 hours of mentoring per month for a minimum of one year. Mentors must turn in detailed online monthly mentor activity notes. This information allows AOT staff to more fully communicate with the social workers, guardians, schools and youth themselves. Since many mentors come and go after honoring their commitment of 1+ years, AOT's four other main components add stability and on-going services for the City Council 26 — 60 5/3/2022 20