Agenda Packet_2022-05-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Exhibit A of Santa Ana served by AOT, the Hispanic/Latinx population represents 97% of the Brighter Futures participants. They live in the poorest, high-density neighborhoods with high crime rates. Most are referred by correctional facilities, child welfare services, schools, and community organizations, with which AOT has long-standing relationships. Wraparound supportive services are also offered to the families of mentees, of which most live below the Federal poverty level. Additionally, 33% of children participating in our Brighter Futures program do not live with a birth parent, even if only one is incarcerated. In many cases, the other birth parent, usually the mother, is drug involved, has abandoned her children or has had the children removed from the home by court order. For many children, "home" is living with a grandparent, extended family member, foster family or group home. The AOT staff plus our mentors are often the only positive adult role models in their life and represent an anchor in a turbulent sea. AOT believes that it is crucial to help and guide our Brighter Futures families and their children in order to provide them with resources and lower this heartbreaking cycle of incarceration. The good news is that our Brighter Futures children of prisoners are all wonderful youth with so much potential and none of them have yet to gravitate to the criminal side of justice, even though they are vulnerable. Therefore, now is the time to help them because AOT has definitely witnessed how well they respond to positive exposure, new opportunities and a little fun and love. We have experienced tremendous success year after year with this population, and it is very heartwarming to help transform the lives of these wonderful children who greatly deserve it. We are literally sending these kids to college/trade school instead of prison. City Council 26 — 62 5/3/2022 22