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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: John Russell, grant writer
DATE: Feb. 26, 2019
SUBJECT:
"Requesting approval for the Innovation and Core Services Department to submit a grant application to the Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund, seeking $35,709 for laptops and other technology for the soon-to-open Thrive Collaborative Center."
PURPOSE:
The Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund provides assistance for programs focused on education, economics and the environment. Our request addresses needs involving both the education and economics areas. The city's new Thrive Collaborative Center, which will house 8 social service agencies in a city-owned building at 712 S. River St., is seeking funding that will provide computer equipment for the on-site training centers to assist the agencies in training for clients and workshops for agency personnel. .
BACKGROUND:
The city's new Thrive Collaborative Center, to open this year at 712 S. River St., will provide offices and collaborative open space for 8 social service agencies, offering a more economical and accessible space for their clients. In a recent assessment of social service agencies which receive awards under Aurora’s Quality of Life Grant program, it was found that many agencies operate at small scales, with limited funding sources, offering duplicative services. The City determined that to improve service delivery among area agencies, an intentional investment in their growth and stability was necessary. The Thrive Collaborative Center will aid in this effort.
The Center will offer nonprofit organizations private and shared workspaces at economical cost, along with amenities that not only let agencies focus on their programs, but also learn how to enhance them through organizational development and collaborative strategic partnerships. .
DISCUSSION:
Our request for Grand Victoria Riverboat funding will cover the initial cost of technology upgrades to create “mobile training centers” on the first and second floors of the building, available for use by all of the Collaborative agencies. These training centers will be used to help agencies better serve their clients - mostly low-income Aurora residents and families - by providing hands-on instruction on actions they can take to improve their lives. About 14% of our residents - more than 25,000 people - have incomes below the federal poverty level. It is these residents who will mainly be served by the agencies in the Thrive Collaborative Center
The technology needed for the Thrive Center - the object of our Riverboat grant request -- includes: 20 laptop computers, able to move from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor depending on need and program; one Mobile Laptop Storage & Charging Cart; two color printers (one for the training center on each floor); one black and white printer; one projector; one portable screen; and Wi-Fi point- to-point access, which includes indoor wireless APs, Outdoor Wireless gear, and cable set-up. Total estimated cost is $35,709, based on information on a computer equipment provider used by the City in the past, and on information from OnLight Aurora.
The Revenue Account for this project is 101-1301-337.30-10. The Expense Account for this project is 101-1301-419.50-17.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Thousands of moderate- and low-income residents of the Aurora community will be better served by the creation of the Thrive Collaborative Center. At least 8 social service agencies will find lower costs operating out of the Thrive Center, and will be more easily accessible to their clients via the PACE Bus Routes which run through the City. These social service agencies also will be able to work more closely with each other in this collaborative environment, reducing duplication of services. The computer equipment provided will allow the agencies to train clients in many areas.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request approval for the Innovation and Core Services Department to submit a grant application to the Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund, seeking $35,709 for laptops and other technology for the soon-to-open Thrive Collaborative Center."
cc: enter name of originating Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution requesting approval for the Innovation and Core Services Department to submit a grant application to the Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund, seeking $35,709 for laptop computers and other technology for the soon-to-open Thrive Collaborative Center.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, (The new Thrive Collaborative Center will provide more economical and accessible space for 8 local social service agencies to serve the people of Aurora, and :
WHEREAS, the Thrive Center will offer mobile computer training centers for agency clients and for use by the agencies themselves, and
WHEREAS, a Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund Grant would allow the City to provide up to 20 laptop computers and related equipment for these mobile computer training centers, )
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Innovation and Core Services Department is allowed to submit a grant application to the Kane County Grand Victoria Riverboat Fund, seeking $35,709 for laptop computers and other technology for the soon-to-open Thrive Collaborative Center.
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