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| Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #874 |
| Jim Browns Amer-I-Can Gang Prevention Program- Brevard County |
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| Requester: |
Dean Renfrow |
Organization: |
The Amer-I-Can Program |
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| Project Title: |
Jim Browns Amer-I-Can Gang Prevention Program- Brevard County |
Date Submitted |
1/4/2008 12:03:47 PM |
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| Sponsors: |
Posey |
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| Statewide Interest: |
| Reduction of gang violence through the delivery of life management skills educational process |
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| Recipient: |
Dean Renfrow |
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Contact: |
Jack Cory |
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2410 Gibsonwoods Ct. NW |
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Contact Phone: |
(850) 566-9175 |
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Salem, OR 97304 |
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Contact email: |
jackcory@paconsultants.com |
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| Counties: |
Brevard |
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| Gov't Entity: |
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Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): |
Yes |
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| Project Description: |
| During a regular school year, approximately September 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, Amer-I-Can will provide Life Management Skills Training and Aftercare services for 640 at a total of 4 high schools and 4 middle schools in high crime and gang activity areas. The 60-90 hour training curriculum will focus on eight areas: (1) Motivation, Habits and Attitudes, (2) Goal Setting; (3) Problem Solving and Decision Making; (4) Emotional Control; (5) Family Relationships; (6) Financial Stability, (7) Effective Communications; and (8) Employment Search and Retention. Trained facilitators, selected from the local areas will be assigned at each participating school and will train 80 students during the school year (40 per semester). Utilizing a Case Management System, the facilitators will monitor the trainee�s progress and will assist with linking them to appropriate community resources based upon the trainees� individual needs. Performance measures will be in place to evaluate the trainees� rate of improvement in life management skills, academic performance, absences and disciplinary incidents. The trainees� goals will be reviewed periodically to determine their percentage of accomplishments. Home visitations will be a regular part of the facilitators� duties.
In addition, Amer-I-Can will establish Peace Squads in each of the targeted areas, led by former local gang members or community residents with experience in dealing with gang and at risk youth with the goal of helping to reduce gang violence in the high crime target areas. The Peace Squad Leaders will provide Amer-I-Can Life Management Skills Training to a total of 160 neighborhood youth and will assist them in avoiding or transitioning away from illegal gang activity. The Peace Squads will focus on reaching gang members, school drop outs, court referrals and other at-risk youth. In advance of the Peace Squad Communities Project, Amer-I-Can Gang Intervention and Prevention Specialists may be assigned to penetrate the targeted areas to identify key individuals as potential Peace Squad Leaders that will provide unique leadership influence and a positive impact upon at-risk youth. The Gang Intervention and Prevention Specialists will consult with the community and assess the needs of the youth and what actions is necessary to assist the local residents to help reduce violence and create safer communities. Each squad will consist of approximately 20 youth. The squad leaders will document the progress of the participating youth. The Peace Squad leaders will refer the youth to needed community resources.
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| Is this a project related to a federal or state declared disaster? |
No |
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| Measurable Outcome Anticipated: |
| GANG PREVENTION by
(1) Reduction of criminal activity of trainees; (2) Improvement in trainees life management skills from before to after the training; (3)increase the percentage of jobs acquired by the trainees; (4) Increase trainees access to community resources, i.e., employment, alcohol/drug treatment, mental health and other individual needs. |
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| Amount requested from the State for this project this year: |
$1,000,000 |
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| Total cost of the project: |
$1,000,000 |
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| Request has been made to fund: |
Operations |
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| What type of match exists for this project? |
None |
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Cash Amount |
$ |
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| Was this project previously funded by the state? |
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Yes |
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Fiscal Year: |
2006-2007 |
Amount: |
$1,250,000 |
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| Is future-year funding likely to be requested? |
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Yes |
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Amount: |
$1,000,000 |
To Fund: |
Operations |
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| Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request? |
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No |
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| Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? |
Unknown |
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| Is there a documented need for this project? |
Yes |
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Documentation: |
Agency Needs Assessment |
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| Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)? |
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Yes |
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Hearing Body: |
Palm Beach Legislative Delegation |
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| Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida? |
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No |
