Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: NAMI Montgomery County 1

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $30,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide educational classes, support groups, and outreach presentations for caregivers of and individuals living with mental illness in Montgomery County. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Proposal posits that 144,208 people (approximately one in ten County residents) live with mental illness and 59% go untreated. This is significant. • Supports and trains individuals affected by mental illness such as psychiatric patients and jail inmates to maintain recovery. • Supports and trains professionals such as the police, who handle individuals with mental illness. • Trains and supports family members and friends assisting individuals of all ages living with mental illness. • Program delivers specialized services to African American and Hispanic populations. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Plans to educate 850, support 1,250; and provide family to family service to 200 clients. • Uses former clients to assist new clients, expanding community participation. • Program outcomes include increased confidence; acceptance of mental illness not as a personal fault; and sustained mental wellness and recovery for clients. • Strategizes broad and diverse outreach plan, well-spread throughout Montgomery County. • Aligns special resources to assist specific groups such as military, with the Department of Veteran Affairs; children and adolescents, with middle schools; Spanish speaking clients, with CASA de Maryland. • Has a large pool of trained volunteers, 155 delivering nearly 3000 hours of service. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • All proposed output and outcomes are within range of previous performance. • Very high percentage of program graduates and participants found program delivery helpful and would recommend it to others. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Strong program sustainability plan; the proposed amount of $30,000 is under 25% of the total program cost; Nearly $100,000 is expected to come from fundraising and private donations and this is in tune with previous performance. • Partners with at least seven medical, health, mental health, faith-based, etc. organizations. • Long and credible service in the proposed area; organization has had 38 years of service.

(290) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: NAMI Montgomery Council 2

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $20,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide mental health education and support for teachers and youth through presentations and an evidence-based suicide prevention program. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Premises suicide as the second leading cause of death among teenagers nation-wide and 50% of the life-time cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24. • Notes 8 to 10 years of delay between on-set of mental illness and treatment. • Supplements and enhances MCPS mental health curricula by maximizing connections, building resilience and promoting positive behavioral norms among County students. • Make presentations to MCPS teachers and students differentiating typical youth behavior from mental illness by identifying warning signs. • Conducts evidence-based suicide prevention and mental wellness presentations destigmatizing mental illness, promoting recovery and enhancing resilience among the participating youth. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • 45 parents and teachers will acquire raised confidence related to mental health matters as the result of the Parent and Teacher as Allies (PTAA) presentations. • 2700 MCPS students will have increased mental health awareness, identifying warning signs while developing positive behavioral norms thru “Ending the Silence” (ETS) presentations. • 540 peer-led youth communication and mental health support participants will feel more connected; develop mental health aptitude and recovery skills. • Diverse participant recruiting options: youth groups, sorority, faith-based and colleges. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Requested budget is one-fifth of total program budget; agency covering substantial portion of the operational cost. • Has developed robust fundraising and strong private donations maximizing benefits to recipients. • Project has broad outreach, covering 3650 participants in three program categories driving down operational cost per participant to approximately $5 for the County’s requested funding of $20,000. • Brings $81,574 from eight, mostly private sources, four times the requested budget amount. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • NAMI has been running similar programs with County funds as well as other resources. • NAMI hired a professional staff in 2015 to deliver PTAA and ETS presentations. • Trained 51 and 36 volunteers specializing in ETS and 36 in PTAA, respectively. • NAMI demonstrated an initiative, Source of Strength (SOS), best practice teen suicide prevention to 13,558 MCPS students, utilizing 450 trained youth and 102 adult advisors. • NAMI works with Project Change and Retouching International Ministries using Trawick Grant. • Collaborates on youth suicide prevention efforts initiated by Susan Rosenstock, Janna and Steven Marks, Carl Freeman and the City of Gaithersburg.

(291) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: National Center for Children and Families 1 (NCCF)

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $142,726

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Support transitional housing, case management, and life skills development for young adults (age 18-24) who are homeless. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Addresses the gap in services for unaccompanied homeless youth – youth who are homeless and not with a parent or guardian. • Targets youth who have aged out of the foster care system or are referred by DHHS. • Allows youth to learn to become independent and create savings so they can move into appropriate housing situations. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Clearly describes program which provides youth with apartment housing and staff that is available 24/7 to provide support and help with the development of life skills. • Identified need, stating there is always a waiting list. • Program budget shows the grant funds would be used to pay for rent and a Life Skills Specialist. • Program sustainability and cost effectiveness could benefit from having clients pay a program fee on a sliding scale. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Leverages individual and in-kind contributions • Application notes that the program has lost funding from the Freddie Mac Foundation and Community Development Block Grant. • Requesting $142,726 (57%) of $249,543 total program cost. • Served 14 people in FY16, expecting to serve 8 in FY18. Average cost if 14 are served is $17,824 or $31,190 if 8 are served. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Organization has been operating for over 100 years. • Nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation. • In the last two years, NCCF has added six new programs and is replicating program models in other communities. • NCCF has more than 6,000 volunteers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

(292) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: National Center for Children and Families 2 (NCCF)

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $389,965

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide emergency shelter and comprehensive services to support homeless families transition to stable housing in the community. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Addresses the need for shelter and services for homeless families with children, many of whom have lived below the poverty line for years. • Provides an array of support services and case management to help families transition to permanent housing and be more financially self-sufficient. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Clearly stated goals of the program include providing trauma specific needs assessments, individualized strength based case planning, integrated case management services, and onsite structured child care. • DHHS is the sole referral source for placement at the shelter. • Clients receive educational/vocational support from Montgomery College and WorkSource Montgomery. Works with Housing Opportunities Commission for transitional housing resources. • Served 41 families in FY16. Expects to serve 35 families in FY18. In FY16, 30 families acquired stable housing within 12 months of entering the program. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Leverages individual and in-kind contributions, application notes $340,000 of in-kind contributions and $38,621 donations. • Receives funding from Maryland State Department of Education. • Application notes the loss of Freddie Mac Foundation funding. • Requesting $389,965 (22%) of $1,744,241 total program cost. Receives about $840,000 in DHHS base budget funding. • Served 41 families in FY16. Expect to serve 35 families in FY18. Average cost per family if 41 are served is $42,540 and $49,835 if 35 families are served. • In FY16, 30 families acquired stable housing within 12 months of entering the program. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Organization has been operating for over 100 years. • Nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation. • In the last two years, NCCF has added six new programs and is replicating program models in other communities. • NCCF has more than 6,000 volunteers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

(293) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: New American Center For Professional & Skills Dev. of Salem Gospel Ministries Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $75,000 Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): To conduct mental and physical health outreach for disadvantaged and hard to reach black immigrants of Haitian and African descent. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • According to the organization, their project will provide mental and physical health outreach for disadvantaged and hard to reach black immigrants of Haitian and African descent. • Recent or specific data on the needs above for the target populations that it plans to target in Montgomery County were not included in the proposal. • More information on how potential program participants will learn of their services and access those services, and how the organization will provide such services would strengthen this proposal. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The organization stated that the project will be implemented through partnerships with various nonprofit organizations. Specific information on what these partnerships entail and how they will actually assist the organization, are unclear. • Information demonstrating that the organization was providing services to an underserved or unserved population, would have strengthened this proposal. • Information on specific project activities, how they will be implemented, and timelines for implementation would also add to this proposal. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The organization seeks 58% of the project budget in this proposal. • Other funds necessary to meet the project budget are far from realized and it is unclear if they will be available to support FY18 programming. • Information on the impact of proposed activities on recipients was not provided. • With the available information, a cost benefit analysis was not possible. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The organization is new. It is suggested that additional planning steps be undertaken allowing the organization to be more specific in determining the need for their services and how best to provide them. • As a new organization, it is suggested that there be more work done to assess working with other nonprofits serving the same target populations, seeking clarity to avoid duplicating services. Additionally, other organizations need to have a clear idea of what this organization provides for coordination and referral purposes. • Significantly, the proposal was missing many of the required documents, including financial information when first submitted, and was unable to provide them in correct form. This made an assessment of the strength of the organization not possible. Additional planning and management attention to developing the necessary financial information to support future grant applications to any funder should be a priority.

(294) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Nourish Now Inc. 1

Category/Program Area: Basic Need; Newer Amount Requested: $35,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide regularly scheduled meals to LMI (Low to Moderate Income) residents facing food insecurity throughout Montgomery County, Maryland and beyond. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): Nourish Now’s Family Food Distribution Program provides 650 families with five days of meals each month, three full meals per day, customized to dietary needs, for each family member. In addition they serve seniors, disabled individuals and youth who are facing food insecurity, as identified by social service agencies, schools, and government assistance programs, funds that are frequently inadequate to provide nourishing food for an entire month. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): Anticipated Outputs, outcomes and timelines are clearly stated and reasonable. Use of Apricot software as well as surveys of clients served are reliable measurement and evaluation tools. Nourish Now partners with 70 organizations to distribute food to homeless shelters, senior centers, schools, housing and emergency services. Food with Dignity, a new program, works closely with families, addressing multiple needs in areas such as housing, job training, dietician services and health care. This project seems especially promising as it strives to address the complexities of poverty and food insecurity and move families into long-term sustainability. As measureable data become available it will bear watching to determine the effectiveness and potential scalability of this project. The proposal would have been stronger if information had been provided on how Nourish Now is partnering with other organizations providing these services in the community. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): Nourish Now provides 70 pounds of rescued food (that would otherwise go to waste) per family every month at a cost of $.40/pound. Costs have come down substantially over past years due to increased donations of food from expanding local donor base and more efficient distribution of food, providing high impact at extremely low cost. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): Nourish Now has provided recovered meals, produce and non-perishables to needy families, seniors, youth and disabled individuals in MC for six years, partnering with a broad range of community organizations, caterers, restaurants, grocery stores and events sites. Food is of very high quality and nutrient dense and prepared meals save families preparation time and money. Only 30% of program costs are requested by this grant. Remaining full program support ($72,544) comes from diverse funders: foundations, corporations, individuals, events and other government sources. Budgets are sound with clear delineation of program expenses. Board, staff and volunteers appear capable, committed and involved, ensuring likelihood of success in programs addressed by this grant request.

(295) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Nourish Now Inc. 2

Category/Program Area: Basic Need; Newer Amount Requested: $35,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funds to enhance Food Rescue Program, including support for salary and related expenses for recovery operations. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): Nourish Now is recovering 40,000 pounds of food per month from 130 local donors, food that would otherwise have gone into the county waste stream. This food is distributed efficiently to 650 families, to senior centers, schools, and to partner organizations, providing fully prepared meals, produce and non-perishable nutrition to food-insecure residents of Montgomery County.

Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): In FY17 they will rescue nearly double the quantity of food over last year, at lower cost due to the increase in donors, the quantity donated and the efficiency of their distribution methods. Nourish Now claims to work in collaboration with more than 70 partner organizations to fill unduplicated needs, however, it is difficult to determine the extent of partnership and collaboration with other food rescue operations in the county. The application would have be stronger if NN referred to best practices and leveraged local, regional and national resources on food recovery programs, such as the Countywide Community Food Rescue Network. Anticipated outputs and outcomes are clear, reasonable, measurable and appear to be achievable, especially based on reported results from recent past years. Further collaboration with other food rescue operations and funding to allow for additional 30 hours/week for drivers who deliver food to various locations could increase capacity. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): Nourish Now is both reducing food waste and feeding a vulnerable population of the county in programs that appear to be efficient and low cost, however, details about additional funding sources are unclear from documents submitted. Including a finer level of detail in the organizational budget, as requested in the application instructions, would have been helpful. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): Both organizational and program budgets reflect detailed revenue and expenses. Grant request is less than one fifth of overall cost of the Food Rescue program ($179,240). The remaining funding is apparently provided by a diverse base of foundations, individuals, corporations and events. Dedicated staff, strong volunteer efforts and committed board members should allow Nourish Now to expand in reach to clients served through innovative programs and outreach to community partners and donors.

(296) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Nueva Vida, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $41,388 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Deliver Physical and Behavioral Health Education Workshops and Feria de Salud for Disadvantaged Latino Families. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): ● Proposal identifies demonstrated need. Latinos represent 19% of people in County. Targeted populations consist of disadvantaged and medically underserved adults. The population served is mostly uninsured, Limited English Proficiency with little or no information on preventive health. ● Health Activities will occur in County Districts 4 & 5. District 4 includes Wheaton (23% Latino population). Health Workshops to be held in Wheaton, and Feria de Salud (health fair) to be held at Westfield Wheaton in October 2017 (Hispanic Heritage Month). District 5 includes Takoma Park and Silver Spring (19% Latino), and will be the location of the 2nd health fair in May 2018. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Clear activities and plans, estimate 1000 participants for Feria de Salud, 300 workshops. • Nueva Vida will utilize their strong community ties in Montgomery County with business, schools and medical/community/social services for volunteers, promotion and sponsors. • Program outcome expectations include: increase knowledge/awareness of physical and behavioral health factors for 240 participants in the workshops and 800 participants learn to live a healthier lifestyle through the Feria de Salud. • Outcomes will be measured through their web-based database system, Efforts to Outcomes. Budget is reasonable. Diversity of funding sources supporting this project. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): ● Funds requested represent less than 10% of total project budget for two activities. ● Potential to reach a significant amount of people through events and word of mouth. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): ● Nueva Vida has long-standing relationships with key healthcare providers in the county serving the Latino population for both referrals and implementation of services. ● The organization has the trust of and access to the Latino population in Montgomery County, an important gateway in the provision of services to a segment of the population often more reticent to come forward for available services.

(297) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Olney Help, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $20,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide aid to residents through two programs: Emergency Financial Assistance Program, Emergency Food Assistance Program Public Benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population will be served by proposal: project justification) The organization provided the following assistance during 2016

• Rental assistance to households 112 Amount $12,300 • Utility assistance to households 105 Amount $31,800 • Prescription assistance 11 Amount $ 1,900

Expected Outputs • Emergency assistance to households 228 • Delivery of food for 3-5 day per month 490 ______

Strength of the Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal is very well written and provides all necessary details that are needed to make a realistic assessment of the proposal. • Olney Help anticipates contributions to the tune of $54,100 in cash and kind from foundations, grocery stores and other sources. This augurs well for the sustainability of its activities in future. Costs and Benefit Analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

The per unit cost of assistance to be provided is quite reasonable given the fact that the organization also undertakes other activities such as delivery of food supply to needy households. Strength of Organization (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Olney Help Inc. is able to raise funds for is activities from a wide range of donors, including foundations, retail food outlets and Olney Civic Fund, which is a major strength of the organization. • It mostly relies on volunteers to respond to requests through a voice mail service, which reduces the cost of its operation. • The organization works in close cooperation with other organizations. It has been promoting its community programs both in English and Spanish.

(298) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Olney Home for Life Inc. (OHFL)

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $12,500 Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide free transportation, friendly daily calls, weekly visits and social contact to seniors in Olney and surrounding areas. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The proposal clearly identifies the population to be served, 7,485 seniors in Olney, Sandy Spring, Ashton and Brookeville. • While they have not limited services by income, their proposal notes that 4.1% of seniors in these areas live below the poverty level and are a diverse population. • It is also expected that this area will experience the highest senior growth rate in the County. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal clearly states that the County support will be used for insurance, outreach efforts to build awareness, and volunteer and client recruitment. • The strong emphasis on collaboration and coordinating with community organizations is evident in their relationship with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center where OHFL provides transportation to the Center for medical appointment. • The proposal includes an aggressive business sponsorship program and fundraising efforts performed primarily by volunteer board members. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • In 2016 OHFL provided 1,034 senior rides, 1,651 friendly calls in 2015-2016, 134 friendly visits, • In 2017 it is anticipated that their services will increase, 1150 rides, 2100 friendly calls and 150 visits • The business model for OHFL does not include funds from membership or fees charged for services therefore the revenue from the County $12,500 and fundraising/sponsorship and use of low cost employment services allow the OHFL to operate. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Since 2012 OHFL has delivered 14,000 volunteer hours valued at more than $325,000 • With a committed board, it has been able to expand services and increase participants, and be successful in obtaining support from the Cloudbreak Foundation and Carl Freeman Foundation • The strong collaboration with MedStar Montgomery has enabled OHFL to serve the community and receive funding for transportation requested by MedStar for patients. • Obtaining part time staffing through JCA’s Senior Employment Program and Volunteer Maryland has enabled them to coordinate transportation and other services and not bear the burden of staff salaries as other Villages incur. • While OHFL has operated a business strategy that does not include membership or participant fees, this may not be a sustainable strategy with the expected increase in demand and the possible absence of part time interns or staffing support.

(299) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Operation Homefront, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Newer Amount Requested: $25,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide rent-free, fully furnished transitional apartment housing and recovery services for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): The request is for general operating support for Operation Homefront Village, whose goal is to prevent homelessness, stabilize a family’s situation, and equip each family to successfully transition to stable housing. This program, which is part of a national organization, serves low income County veterans, service members and their families transitioning out of the armed services with a medical discharge who are unable to work and are waiting to receive veteran’s benefits. Of those served, approximately 50% suffer from PTSD, 30% have traumatic brain injury, and 50% have serious illnesses or injuries. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • There was a clear description of the need for services. • In the last 12 months they served 20 families in their Montgomery County units, with the goal of transitioning into stable housing within 18 months; they anticipate serving 18 families in FY18. • Out of 3 centers (MD, TX, CA), 97% of families moved on to stable housing. • Proposal would have been stronger if Operation Homefront was able to confirm how many clients served were Montgomery County residents, and if the Program Budget had provided a breakdown of staff positions and salaries as requested. • They have done a good job raising non-governmental funds through foundations and corporations. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Request is for 4.6% of total program cost. • Goal is to stabilize low income service members transitioning out of the armed services with a medical discharge, which is cost-effective in the long-term.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Since opening in 2007, the Operation Homefront Village’s three programs in Maryland, Texas and California have served 500 families. • The full national organization has a $53 million budget, 116.5 employees and 17 field offices that serve all 50 states. • The organization collaborates with a large number of community organizations in order to provide services to its clients in Montgomery County. • The organization has not received County funding in the last three years.

(300) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Organization For Advancement Of And Service For Individuals With Special Needs, Inc. Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/ Disabilities; Amount Requested: $49,900 Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Continue to develop a farm for special needs transitioning youth, transitioned adults, students needing SSL, and the public to volunteer. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • OASIS Farm currently hosts eight organizations working with special needs adults and transitioning youth. • The organization currently offers its farm venue at no-cost to all participating groups. • The proposal does not provide data specific to Montgomery County to identify the need or justify the proposed project. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The organization provides a multipurpose venue, OASIS Farm, for independent organizations to provide on-site jobs training, leisure activities, and socialization opportunities for transitioning youth and transitioned adults. • The outputs and outcomes of the program are relevant and measurable (after clarification). Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Sixty percent of the requested program budget would fund half of the salaries for two new staff positions. • Forty percent of the requested program budget would fund supplies, equipment, and maintenance. • Cost-benefit analysis was not possible based on the financial data provided (see below). Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The financial documents accompanying the proposal were insufficient for reviewers to determine the financial health of the organization. In response to the review team’s request to provide clarity on the organization’s financial position, subsequent documentation submitted raised additional concerns about the financial position of the organization, and management oversight of financial functions. • The organization reports it has received commitments for funding from USDA, DORS, and private foundations.

(301) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet Name of Organization: Our Voices Matter – Maryland, Inc. - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Newer Amount Requested: $24,440

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Assist the African American Student Achievement Action Group in developing Neighborhood Equity Teams to close the achievement gap.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Proposal is for a grant to establish a program to work with the African American Student Achievement Action Group (AASAAG) that will select 4 schools with high percentages of African American students from low income families, and engage with MCPS staff, parents and students from those schools to implement strategies to close the achievement gap and facilitate on-going dialogue on equity and social justice.

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Total program cost is estimated at $36,390 -- $24,440 to come from County Executive grant and the remainder, $11,950 to come from individual donations. • At a projected goal of engaging 50 community members, that is a cost of nearly $500 each.

(302) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: OurSpace World, Inc. dba OurSpace Acupuncture

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $58,344 Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Increase the number of Montgomery county’s low- income residents who receive acupuncture and provide them easier access to other wellness services. Public Benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • OurSpace states that it provides affordable, accessible acupuncture in a group setting to assist people with a wide range of health and wellness concerns. • Organization states that it operates on a low cost, high volume model which makes acupuncture available to those who otherwise could not afford it. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal seeks to implement a project which would make acupuncture, a health and wellness procedure, available to low income communities. There is some information provided about the range of fees charged. • The organization is located in Fenton Village area. • They plan to do specific outreach to low income communities. • The proposal would have been stronger with additional information on the outputs and outcomes projected for the grant; information on how they will screen potential recipients for income, including how they will determine eligibility for free serves and whether they will use a sliding scale or other payment model for their services; and additional information on the specific activities (e.g., outreach) to be undertaken with the grant funds. Cost-benefit Analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The grant funds would be used for the part-time salary of the acupuncturist and the part-time salary of the front desk staff person. • The total project cost was reported by OurSpace to be either $230,280 (in narrative) or $258,268 (in budget documents). • The projected organizational budget for 2017 indicated that the total program cost was $120,000; the actual organizational budget for 2016 was $105,000. • Without clarity on the financial issues related to this organization, (i.e., actual total project cost, discrepancy between recent actual budget amounts and project cost), the lack of detail on project activities and which project participants will be charged fees, it was not possible to do a cost benefit analysis with the available information. Strength of Organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The organization appeared to be earnest in its desire to provide acupuncture services to low income community members. However, the detail of the proposal was missing important pieces of information which did not permit a complete assessment of the request. • The organization appears to be developing partnerships with other nonprofits to become a referral option for nonprofit clients.

(303) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Parent Encouragement Program, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Children and Families; Established Amount Requested: $25,000 Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide parent education programs to low-income Latino parents to empower their children to succeed in school and life. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The Partnership Program provides parenting education to low income Latino families whose children are identified as “at-risk” • Participants are expected to gain skills, tools and confidence to better encourage their children’s academic achievement and social and emotional well-being • Latino children are a growing proportion of the County’s school population; they lag behind White and Asian classmates on education indicators • The proposal states that research confirms that an investment in strengthening parenting produces positive outcomes including higher school achievement, less delinquency, fewer teen pregnancies and few mental health issues Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal, including outcomes, budget and results achieved to date, is clearly presented • The Partnership Program was launched in Montgomery County in 2016 as a pilot in partnership with Linkages to Learning • The Program will enable the Organization to expand its services to an audience it has not served as well to date – low income Latino parents Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The requested amount is 31% of the total Program cost ($81,915) • The Program would provide, free of charge, in Spanish, 6 parenting workshops (2 hours each) per semester at 8 schools, serving 20 families per school • The Program would train 12 Latino parents to become class assistants and instructors for future sessions • The Program would provide 2 livestream/video sessions in Spanish to reach spouses/other family members as well as to other schools to seed interest for future sessions Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Since 1982, the Organization has helped over 32,000 parents to create a family environment where their children can become caring, confident and capable adults • The partnership with Linkages to Learning provides free classroom space, equipment use, babysitting services, refreshments and recruitment of participants • The Organization has a successful track record of fundraising from private individuals and believes that County funding of the Program would serve as an endorsement which would further increase donations

(304) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Passion for Learning, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Amount Requested: $23,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide college readiness skills and preparations for economically disadvantaged middle school youth.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Summer Go2College camps and a pilot after school program will help underserved/under- achieving minority students prepare for college readiness. • Program stresses goal setting, self-assessments, career and college exploration, and financial resources for college. • The organization reports that it is the only program that provides summer college readiness programs for middle school students (as opposed to high school).

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Total cost of program per student for the Go2College summer camp and the Go2College pilot after school program is about $ 622 (assumes participation of 45 students). • Cost to County Council, if fully funded, is about $511 per student.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Org. has helped more than 1,000 students in its programs since 2004. • Strong founding Executive Director with deep knowledge and passion for mission and population served. • Based on relationships with other organizations, P4L helps to connect students to high school programs to continue on track to college. • Philanthropic community needs to be informed/educated about the added value of starting college preparation in middle school where there is more time to develop academic and other skills that lead to college success.

(305) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Passion for Learning, Inc.- County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Amount Requested: $25,000 Established

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Help economically disadvantaged middle school students develop digital technology and high school/college readiness skills.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

• See evaluation on prior page

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

• See evaluation on prior page

(306) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Per Scholas

Program Area/Org Maturity: Economic/Workforce Amount Requested: $40,000 Development; Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funding for technology education, access, training and job placement services for out-of-school youth who are under- or unemployed. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The program provides important job training and placement services to the County’s at-risk youth; • The direct involvement of several employers provides multiple benefits: o facilitates recruitment and placement; o orients employers to pressing needs of the general community; o allows employers to play a key role in addressing the needs of at-risk youth; and o gives employers access to undiscovered talented youth to enhance their businesses. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Program will enroll 20 18-24 year olds in a free tuition 10-week full-time IT Support training leading to professional certification, and follow-up help for grads to secure tech employment; • Program focuses not only on technical skills, but on soft skills needed by youths to sell themselves to employers and to thrive in working environments; • Employers teach technology courses and Per Scholas teaches soft skills; • The selection process includes written tests, interviews, career plans, tests, and background checks; • Attention to evaluation and impact, e.g., continued employment and wage gains, is a strong feature and distinguishes it from those that rely on numbers of attendees and graduates to evaluate impact. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Per Scholas is seeking 50% of the cost for the Montgomery County program; • Per Scholas has strong history of obtaining foundation grants that support its broader program activities; and • Additional detail on how funds for student recruitment funds are spent would strengthen this proposal. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Per Scholas has been in existence since 2014 in Montgomery County, focusing on communities that often go overlooked as sources of talent; • One organizational goal is to increase the enrollment of women in the technology training by 50% by 2020; • Per Scholas’ alumni program includes opportunities for additional no fee training for various certifications; after one year of employment, alumni are encouraged to invest 1% of salary back into the organization and currently 87% of alumni do so; and an alumni board is under development; • Alumni are encouraged to and do serve as mentors for participants in the program.

(307) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Poolesville Area Senior Center, Inc. - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $20,800 Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Requesting funding for a part time staff person to develop and coordinate programs for the Poolesville Area Senior Center. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):  The target population is clearly identified (1,700 senior, including the geographic area (Poolesville area).  However, the need for the program (other than the statement that senior needs are underserved) could be significantly developed. More information on demand for programs, the number of attendees at events, information on utilization of similar programs, etc. would bolster the application.  Additional details about the program (how often it operates, sample schedule explained) would have helped to provide more context into its operations. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding):  The outputs and outcomes focus on awareness of health and well-being. Additional outputs and outcomes are needed to provide information about the full range of services and how they are measured. The organization may wish to seek support in developing more robust measures, and ways of capturing data. For example, the outcomes indicate that 720 will be served. However, the meaning of this number is unclear. It could be number on the mailing list, unique unduplicated number of residents who attend events and many alternatives in between. Clarity would strengthen the proposal  The budget is solely for the coordinator position, so it is assumed other expenses (fringe, supplies, travel, etc.) will be absorbed the organization.  More details concerning the nature of the collaborations/partnerships with other entities will help strengthen the proposal. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):  The coordinator position will help support the program, and appears to be low cost relative to potential impact.  Additional strengthening of the organization’s outcomes will help determine how the organization can be successful.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project):  This new organization appears to have a committed and strong board, and this will help with collaborations and strengthening the organization’s reach and capacity.  The sustainability plan includes that they expect County funding to support the coordinator position permanently, and this is concerning. Grant recommendations are for only a single year of funding and not guaranteed in future years. It will be important for this organization to develop a plan that enables it to be independent of county funding if necessary.

(308) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Poolesville Green, Inc. Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Newer Amount Requested: $5,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funding for environmental education and outreach program and to support Poolesville High School Green projects. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): Serves several communities in upper Montgomery County with programs and outreach about healthy and sustainable living practices Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding):

• Proposal does not describe high school education project that the funds are requested for. The project outputs and outcomes described do not address the high school project. The output addresses public awareness of carbon footprint reduction that will be measured by attendance at a Poolesville event for the general public • Primary target population – appears to be youth and the community members in specific communities (Gaithersburg, Poolesville and surrounding areas) • Program Budget includes only $200 for High School Green Club; all other dollars will support other projects; Organization budget is reasonable for projects supported • Future Sustainability plans include corporate sponsorships, private donations, grants; includes a sponsorship prospectus for giving Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The high school program is not adequately described. Cannot make a determination on reasonableness cost - benefit

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The program’s mission is clearly stated • Has other matching sources of funding and received county grants FY 15-17 • Volunteers from residents, area businesses and town government; high school and middle school student volunteers earn SSL hours • Collaborations with six organizations to provide education and outreach to entire county • Organization appears to have capacity to carry out the project (if it had been described)

(309) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Potomac Community Resources, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $50,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide respite care programs for Montgomery County teens and adults with profound to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disabilities Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Program meets Montgomery Co. priorities to serve the most vulnerable communities • It serves participants from all areas of the County—either via METRO ACCESS or family/caretaker transportation to the facility • It provides one-on-one respite care to families of teens and adults with developmental and/or multiple disabilities—1-on-1, providing 5 hour breaks twice a month for 12 people or 2 Sunday afternoons/month, for 5 hrs. in a 4-1 ratio for 25 moderately disabled participants

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): The program provides respite to approx.400 participants/year. Both programs (for severely and moderately disabled) are conducted in space, in Rockville, donated by Catholic Charities. Strategic partnerships have resulted in pro-bono use of facilities, services and ongoing volunteer support. -The requested $50K is 35% of total salaries program costs.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • PCR has delivered services since 2002, 2006 in the Rockville facility • 100% of BoD made contributions in 2016. 23% of revenue comes from BoD. • Staff consists of a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, registered nurse, nursing assistants and volunteers • It collaborates with other respite care providers—The ARC, Catholic Charities, etc. • 88% of its funding comes from non-County & government funding—good breakdown provided of the funding stream • It has an active volunteer recruitment program

(310) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Potomac Community Resources, Inc. 1 - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $50,000 Established

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide for operating funds

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

• See evaluation on prior page

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

• See evaluation on prior page

(311) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Potomac Community Resources 2 - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Capital; Established Amount Requested: $50,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funding to install electric remotely controlled and monitored door access controls and video surveillance equipment at each exterior Upper School door. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

• See HHS Committee packet for May 1, 2017

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

(312) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health, Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $10,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funds to provide glaucoma screening. Vision loss to glaucoma cannot be reversed, but with early detection through screenings, treatment slows the disease's progression. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):  Free glaucoma and visual acuity screenings for 1,200 county residents, using government, religious, and health care sites, and senior centers. Glaucoma has no symptoms, and can cause blindness.  With funding from county, the program can be extended to northern and western suburbs.

(313) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Pride Youth Services, Inc. (PYS)

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Amount Requested: $29,998 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Help African American youth develop resiliency and self-efficacy skills necessary to live productive lives. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): Program serves African American youth in the impoverished Damascus HS area where a limited number of programs work with youth. Experienced facilitators provide a supportive environment where youth can meet on a regular basis to explore topics important to them, safely interact with their peers, establish relationships with positive adult role models, and be encouraged to reach their fullest potential and to become leaders in their schools and communities. Damascus HS identifies students who might benefit from the program, although it is also open to high-school age youth not currently in school but living in a nearby apartment complex. 15 females and 15 males will meet in separate groups at the apartment complex one evening a week for 11 weeks followed by an on-site dinner. Each group will go on 2 field trips to experience something new and attend an awards dinner at the end of the program. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): Expected outcome, to be measured by pre- and post- surveys, is that 25 of 30 students will report an improved outlook for their future. It would have been helpful if the application had described how facilitators will help achieve this outcome and any curriculum. Program started in Jan. 2017 with 14 female students. PYS reports that it has been very well received although 2 students dropped out due to other obligations. If PYS is unable to enroll enough males in FY18, it plans to offer the program to two groups of female students instead. PYS will partner with 3 local organizations to provide additional services as needed, including emergency services to families; services to single teen mothers; and educational and cultural experiences to financially disadvantaged students. The request is for the entire cost of the program. PYS has no firm plans for future funding for this program, although the organization as a whole engages in annual fundraising events. PYS might consider seeking donations of food for the dinners from local businesses. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost) Cost to County is about $1000 per student for 14-week program. Students are all at-risk youth who will benefit not only from mentoring in small group setting by experienced program staff but also from any additional services provided by local partners. The cost is relatively high because all staff (4 group leaders and a program director) are paid and significant amounts are budgeted for food and field trip costs.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): PYS has been offering this program for several years at Wellness Centers in other County high schools that are operated jointly by Identity, Inc. and PYS. Damascus HS lacks a Wellness Center but asked PYS to offer the program there. Based on financial statements, it appears PYS may be experiencing significant financial difficulties, although its representative stated that he expects its financial situation to improve. No Board members provide financial support for this program.

(314) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Primary Care Coalition of Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $80,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Design and pilot a coordinated referral system for specialty dental care among safety-net oral health providers in Montgomery County. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The program will design and pilot a program to improve oral health care for low-income adults who do not have dental insurance. • The goal of the program is to integrate ad coordinate existing specialty oral health resources, increase the number of pro-bono or reduced rate services, develop standardized protocols and introduce case management. • In the first year of the program, Primary Care Coalition plans to hire a consultant, hold meetings with an advisory group, hire a dental hygienist and coordinate oral health care for 50 patients. • The applicant has not provided any statistical evidence of the need for the service, and would have strengthened the proposal had it done so.

• The total cost for the first year is $149,615 with the potential to provide services for 50 patients. This is a relatively expensive program with some true potential, but not clear promise of long term cost savings. • Primary Care Coalition anticipates receiving funding of $70,000 from foundations in FY18, but long term costs and sources of funding are unclear. • The application would be enhanced by a clearer linkage between the elements of program budget and the proposal.

Primary Care Coalition is well-organized and plays a critical role in addressing the unmet health needs of our community. Working with county government, safety-net providers, hospitals and a network of pediatricians and specialists, Primary Care Coalition reports that it ensures healthcare for 28,000 low- income adults and children not eligible for federal or state health care programs.

(315) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Proyecto Salud Clinic 1

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $62,424 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide care management for vulnerable individuals with chronic conditions. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): The request is for funding to continue the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) project that utilizes a Registered Nurse Care Manager to identify, enroll, and work with patients to address complex medical needs. Each enrolled patient completes a structured assessment, and in consultation with medical staff and the Care Manager, formalizes self-management goals. Patients have frequent communication with the Care Manager to follow up on progress. Most patients in the program are low- income Latino immigrants whose cases are complicated by socio-economic factors, including immigration status. The program proposes to work with 150 patients with multiple chronic conditions with the goal of attaining significant improvements in health status. By using the PCMH model, Proyecto Salud indicated that hospital admissions and hospital stays are reduced. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • This PCMH project was initiated four years ago, and has received County grants for the past three years. The approach is clearly described and measurable outcomes are outlined (65% of patients will significantly improve their biometric indicators, and 75% will self-report improvements in their health status. • The applicant reports that to date the PCMH program has resulted in a 35% reduction in hospital admissions and a 42% reduction in hospital stays. These measures were not included as actual outcomes for the program. However, including them, would strengthen the proposal. • The organization is part of Montgomery Cares and works effectively with other Public Health Clinics in the County. • In its proposal, the Clinic directly recognizes the financial challenges it is facing and articulates steps to improve. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The County cost per patient for the funding of one Care Manager would be $416.16 ($62,424/150 patients). While the proposal requests full funding for the Care Manager’s salary, it is unclear what portion of that funding would be available from patient fees and cost-reimbursement. • Proyecto has lost some in-kind and other support recently and is taking steps to bring in more funds (e.g., taking Medicaid patients). However, additional matching funds brought in by fund-raising activities would greatly bolster the request. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Proyecto Salud was founded in 1998 and has served needy minority populations facing multiple barriers to health care ever since. It operates two clinic sites in Wheaton and Olney, which treat nearly 5,000 patients/year. • The organization projects a $275,000 deficit in FY17, but has ample assets to cover it. It is taking steps to improve its financial position.

(316) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Proyecto Salud Clinic 2

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $115,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide primary medical services to low income uninsured underserved individuals. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

The Proyecto Salud Clinic is requesting funding for one Nurse Practitioner to maintain its capacity to provide primary healthcare services to low income underserved, mostly immigrant community members living in Wheaton and Olney. The funding is needed because Kaiser Permanente which was providing in-kind Nurse Practitioners through its Ambassadors program, has reduced its allocation by 75%. The application did not specify the number of FTE’s provided, so it is difficult to assess the impact of the change. It also did not specify why the in-kind support has been reduced. However, the Clinic indicates that it has hired two additional nurse practitioners and needs more resources. Additional work load data would have further justified the need for the requested position. The Clinic indicates that reimbursements currently received are not sufficient to underwrite its services. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal highlights the desire to provide medical care in the evenings and on Saturdays, by expanding access to those patients who require clinic visits during those hours. Information on demand for services during weekend and evening hours would have bolstered the request.

• The organization clearly outlined its sustainability issues and discussed steps it is taking to improve its funding approach. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The application suggests that funding will enable it to provide care to 1,000 patients. However, it is not clear that one Nurse Practitioner can see that many patients each year. More information on typical workload would improve the application.

• Funding is to sustain the base mission of the organization. Evidence of fund-raising from private individuals and foundations would make for a more compelling case for funding. It appears that the Clinic relies on cost reimbursement, patient fees and in-kind services with limited external fundraising ($2,000) and no funding from its board of directors

(317) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Proyecto Salud Clinic 3

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $37,870 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide patient navigation and facilitation of cancer screenings.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

The Proyecto Salud Clinic is requesting funding for one Patient Navigator to ensure that the clinic meets benchmarks in providing cancer screenings; pap smears, mammograms and colorectal cancer screening FIT tests. The goal of the program is to reduce health disparities in the needy underserved Latino community. Clearly, early detection of cancers is a needed service. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal indicates that with the Patient Navigator, it will be able to screen 65% of female patients between the ages of 40 and 69 for breast cancer at least every two years; screen 80% of women from 24 to 64 for cervical cancer at least every three years; and screen 40% of those 50 and older for colorectal cancer at least once. They project that they will screen 10-15% more patients in FY 18 than they are currently screening. It is unclear how many of these patients would be screened without the Patient Navigator. This information would strengthen the proposal. • The organization is part of Montgomery Cares and works effectively with other Public Health Clinics in the County. • The organization clearly outlined its sustainability issues and discussed steps it is taking to improve its funding approach. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The Clinic suggests that funding will enable it to provide about 4,000 cancer screening in FY18. That would suggest that the County cost per screen would be less than $10, certainly a reasonable cost to increase early detection of cancers. • More information on other sources of funding for this position would enhance the proposal; for example, information on what portion of funding is reimbursed, and evidence of funding from private donors and the organization’s Board of Directors.

(318) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Proyecto Salud Clinic 4

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $36,810 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide coordination of patients’ referrals to pro-bono and charity medical specialty services.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

The Proyecto Salud Clinic is requesting salary funding for one Referral Coordinator to assist patients in setting up and completing necessary visits to pro-bono and charity medical specialty providers. The Clinic’s needy, largely immigrant patients frequently do not complete referrals because of communication issues, expired eligibility, and other issues related to patients’ socio-economic challenges. By helping patients follow through on specialty care, health disparities can be reduced and help outcomes can be significantly improved. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal indicates that with the Referral Coordinator will be able to assist with 600 specialty care appointments each year. It anticipates that 75% of those patients will successfully follow through on appointments and follow-up activities. In the first year of the program, While the Clinic provides before and after data for its first partial year, it is a bit difficult to understand; it appears that it has increased follow-through from 59% to 67%, but the numbers may be even more significant. • The organization is part of Montgomery Cares and works effectively with other Public Health Clinics in the County. • The organization clearly outlined its sustainability issues and discussed steps it is taking to improve its funding approach. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The Clinic suggests that funding will enable it to provide services for 600 referrals in FY18. That would suggest that the County Cost per referral would be $61,35, an acceptable cost if outcomes are good. • More information on other sources of funding for this position would enhance the proposal; for example, information on what portion of funding is reimbursed, and evidence of funding from private donors and the organization’s Board of Directors.

(319) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rainbow Community Development Center (RCDC)

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $10,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide emergency assistance for rent, utilities and temporary homelessness Public Benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population will be served by proposal: project justification) The organization provided the following assistance during CY16

• Rental assistance to households 12 Amount $2,489 • Utility assistance to households 14 Amount $3,191 (RCDC also assists households who have been evicted and works with their case workers until a permanent solution is found.) Expected Outputs • Eviction stopped for households 50 • Utility cutoff prevented or restored for households 40 • Homeless placed in shelters 10 ______Strength of the Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal is well written and provides necessary details that are needed to make a realistic assessment of the proposal. • RCDC plans to raise $45,000 from donations from foundations, fund raising events, and individuals, and is seeking only a fraction of its costs from the Council. Consequently, its activities are sustainable. • There are no overhead costs and all funds will be used for providing direct assistance. Costs and Benefit Analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): The per unit cost of assistance to be provided is reasonable as the organization’s operations are labor intensive.

Strength of Organization (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding):

• RCDC has been providing food and emergency assistance since 2014 and as a result, has acquired rich practical experience in helping the needy households. • The sponsoring church houses the organization and pays the salary of the executive director who manages the program with the help of volunteers. • RCDC also provides food assistance to prevent hunger, which helps households receiving assistance to use their resources for paying rent or utility bills.

(320) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rainbow Place Shelter for Homeless Women

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Needs; Established Amount Requested: $40,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide overnight winter shelter and whatever support needed to transition from homelessness for adult homeless women. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): This shelter program for homeless women operates from November 1-March 31st each year. Without Rainbow Place Shelter, many of its clients would have to spend the winter on the streets or in the woods of Montgomery County. The funds requested would pay for one full-time and one part-time on- site Case Manager to provide clients with assessment, treatment, housing referrals and connections to additional community services. In past years, they have had to refer most clients to case management off-site, which meant many of them did not receive case management due to transportation issues or difficulty accessing services due to mental illness. On-site case management will mean more clients will receive the help necessary to move them on to more stable housing. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • A clear need was established; strong case management is essential to client success. • Last year 73 women were sheltered and received in-kind donations; 42 received case management; and 22 transitioned to more stable housing. According to the Mid-Year Report, Rainbow Place is on track to achieve their FY17 goals. • The FY18 goals are very aggressive; it is expected that the additional Case Managers will enable the shelter to achieve these goals. • The shelter just hired a new Director of Development to help develop new funding streams. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Request is 11% of total program budget. • Stabilizing homeless women in permanent housing is cost-effective in the long-term.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Since 1982 they operated under the auspices of a local church—they just obtained their 501(c)3 designation in 2016. • They rely heavily on volunteers and in-kind donations and a very supportive community. • They partner and collaborate with other nonprofits whenever possible. • In addition to the County, Rainbow Place Shelter receives funding from foundations, churches, corporations, individuals, the State of Maryland, the City of Rockville, and the City of Gaithersburg. • 100% of their Board of Directors contributed financially to the shelter.

(321) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rebuilding Together Montgomery County 1

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $70,000 Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide critical home repairs to low-income homeowners in Montgomery County through the Critical Needs program. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • This program provides free critical home repairs to address conditions that pose health and safety hazards, code violations and others that create an immediate risk of displacement. • In the absence of repairs, many would be homeless or forced to leave their long-term residence. For the elderly, the program also addresses conditions that may jeopardize health, accessibility and safety. • To be eligible for this service, the individual must own and occupy their home, and be at or below 50% of the median income level for the County. • The target population is elderly, disabled or the working poor and the average annual income is $16,000.

(322) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rebuilding Together Montgomery County 2

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $20,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide handyman services that address smaller yet vital repair needs to low-income homeowners in Montgomery County. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): Rebuilding Together provides free handyman services to low income residents, mostly senior or disabled. This organization seeks funds to address small, but vital repairs needed by homeowners who are unable to do the repairs themselves or pay for them. The repairs involve safety violations, habitability and removal of hazardous environmental conditions. The program seeks to assist the homeowner with limited resources (average income of recipients is $16,000) in the upkeep and maintenance of their homes in order to prevent bigger and costly repairs in the future. This program directly assists the homeowner by providing a safer and more livable space and indirectly improves the overall conditions of neighborhoods. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): The program seeks to fund the hiring of a full-time handyman who can work on small repairs. With a small grant, they began this project in September 2016 and have already served 74 homeowners on small repairs. The program organizes in partnership with other non-profit organizations, many skilled and unskilled volunteers to work on several home repair projects throughout the year. It serves a wide variety of geographic areas within the County, including other non-profits in providing small repair services. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): The organization is seeking approximately 23% of the project funding ($20,000 of $86,943). The work of this project is critical in preserving homeownership for a vulnerable population of low income homeowners. Services are provided before a small repair can escalate into a more costly issue and one that may result in permanent displacement. The organization services are in high demand. Its ability to fund a full-time handy man is needed to enable the organization to address small repairs quickly and more efficiently. The funds sought will be used to decrease the waiting period of clients on the waiting list. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): This organization has been providing home repairs for 26 years. Creating this specific Hawk Handyman service is a new venture. The organization is constantly revisiting ways to improve funding and seek support from other sources. It is considering a fee-for-service program. The organization has partnered with Adventist Health Care to help homeowners who are returning home from hospitals who need minor home repairs. Other funders include: Department of Housing and Community Development; Private Corporations, The Petit Family Charity.

(323) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rebuilding Together Montgomery County - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic need; Established Amount Requested: $31,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide free critical home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility modifications to low-income homeowners throughout Montgomery County.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

• See evaluation on prior page

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

• See evaluation on prior page

(324) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Red Wiggler Foundation, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $70,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide opportunities for youth and adults with and without developmental disabilities to work, learn, and grow healthy food.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Red Wiggler provides meaningful employment for adults with developmental disabilities and healthy food for the community. As an added benefit, many youth are exposed to agriculture and trained by adults with disabilities. • 8.6% of county residents with disabilities are unemployed, almost double that of residents without disabilities Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Red Wiggler currently provides employment, education and food for over 325 adults and 170 youth with developmental disabilities and 430 individuals without disabilities • Red Wiggler also provides programming for youth through their school programs as educational field trips and out of school time as service learning opportunities. • The program has been funded by the county for the past 4 years. This funding request will support staff and growers’ salaries • Outputs and outcomes were clear. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Meaningful employment is provided for the disabled, and healthy food is grown and provided to the community; adults with disabilities and youth with and without disabilities are trained to farm healthy foods and learn healthy eating habits. • Community members with and without disabilities come together to work, learn, and grow healthy food. • Each year 30% of the vegetables grown at Red Wiggler are delivered to low income residents. Strength of the organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Red Wiggler’s programs have been running successfully for 21 years. Funding is received from various sources, i.e. corporations, foundations, individual donors and special events. • A large number of volunteers are utilized. Volunteers are a critical component to Red Wiggler’s operation. • The organization coordinates with many agencies and nonprofits, i.e., MANNA (for food distribution), The ARC of Montgomery County, and Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (for referrals, among others. • Red Wiggler is a sustainable farm but funding by the county will continue to enhance its ability to attract private funds.

(325) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young Children

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $64,431 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): One-time funding to cover gaps in general operating expenses for the full-day therapeutic nursery program at The Lourie Center. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • First and only full-day therapeutic nursery program in state of Maryland per proposal. • #1 need of the MD Dept. of Education is for full day therapeutic programs for 3, 4 & 5 year olds. • Waiting list for program is twice as long as targeted enrollment. • Target population is specific – serves pre-school aged children from households at or below 200% or 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines who have been expelled or are at risk of expulsion from daycare/preschools due to social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. • Mental Health and Education goal is to achieve school readiness for typical kindergarten. • Program helps county meet safety net, educational and mental health needs of young children and their families. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Partners with Child Welfare Services, Early Head Start, MCPS, Infants and Toddler’s Program, P.E.P., local shelters, mental health professionals and hospitals. • Only program targeting this at-risk population. • One-time request to cover funding gap. Maryland state agencies are attempting to work through this issue with Federal government to achieve improved reimbursement rate and alleviate future shortfalls. • Expects 12 students to enroll in program and transition to Kindergarten. Last year 7 enrolled. All met their educational and social-emotional goals. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Long-term societal costs for medical and mental health for children with severe delays in their social and emotional functioning are high (estimated $30,000- $200,000 per child) compared to the cost of this program per child. • Financial and human costs related to cycles of abuse and neglect (drug & alcohol abuse, crime, teen pregnancy, high school dropout rate) can be significantly decreased by investment in early childhood programs. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Organization is 35 years old; 4,000+ children and caregivers served annually • Strong history and partnerships in community • 4 core programs: Therapeutic Nursery, Early Head Start, Parent-Child Clinical Services, Lourie Center School (Level 5 Special Ed).

(326) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young Children

Program Area/Org Maturity: Health/Behavioral Health; Amount Requested: $44,638 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funding for mental health crisis intervention to de- escalate young children’s aggressive and self-harming behaviors, parent coaching and professional continuing education. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): ● Funding will be utilized to train school staff in best practice non-violent, mental health crisis intervention programs. Key staff will be trained as “Master Trainers.” ● Implementation of crisis intervention will directly support children and family services (birth to age 12) by Lourie Center staff in all programs. Approximately 300 will be directly served by training. ● Serves pre-school aged children from households at or below 200% or 300% of Federal Poverty Guidelines who have been expelled or are at risk of expulsion from daycare/preschools due to social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. ● Mental Health/Education goal is to achieve school readiness for typical kindergarten. Program helps county meet safety net, educational and mental health needs of children and their families. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): ● Funding request will help to create a sustainable model of crisis intervention. Establishing multiple “master trainers” will ensure expertise remains at Lourie, reduces costs to send staff for training. ● Program will link Lourie Center staff to other organizations in the state and around the country who are “International Training Sites” in order to share lessons learned and provide ongoing program improvements. ● As center trains Master Trainers and works to become an International Training Site, will be required to offer trainings each year. These will be offered to community for a reasonable fee, and generate positive income to be reinvested in the Center’s crisis intervention services. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): ● Self-sustaining after two years according to the organization. ● Investment in training of staff will lead to income generating Master Trainers who can train teachers from other schools/camps/programs and less staff turnover. ● Long-term societal costs for medical and mental health for children with severe delays in their social and emotional functioning are high compared to the cost of Lourie Center programs. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): ● Organization is 35 years old; 4,000+ children and caregivers served annually. ● Strong history and partnerships in community. ● 4 core programs: Therapeutic Nursery, Early Head Start, Parent-Child Clinical Services, Lourie Center School (Level 5 Special Ed).

(327) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rockville Economic Development, Inc. Category/Program Area: Economic/Workforce Amount Requested: $100,000 Development; Established

Project Description: To provide business counseling, training and technical assistance to start-up and existing women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Public benefit  Through training, individual counseling, facilitated peer group support and specialized resources Rockville Economic Development, Inc. helps more than 1,500 women per year. In Montgomery County, it anticipates serving up to 700 women-owned small businesses  80% of participants have low to moderate incomes and half report incomes of less than $35,000 per year.  Three new programs will be rolled out in FY2018: International trade, advanced technology and procurement. Strength of Proposal  Provide support to help women to a path of economic independence and financial self-sufficiency. Work with women entrepreneurs already established in business.  Thus far in FY17, of 244 clients counseled, 15 businesses were started, 47 jobs created/retained  700 women entrepreneurs will receive training and counseling assistance in FY2018. In the prior year, 542 were served  FY2016 9 business were started, 49 jobs created, sales increased by $585,000; for FY 2017 to date, 6 business were started, 16 jobs created, sales increased $6,000 Cost-benefit analysis  The organization’s FY17 $50,000 grant request received full funding. For FY18 it has doubled its request, in part to fund the three new programs identified above.  majority of funds will be used for salaries ($75,000) to serve 700 women entrepreneurs (almost 30% increase from previous year; funding will help hire a business counselor, procurement counselor, office assistant and training/marketing manager  244 clients counseled, indicate that 15 business were started, 47 jobs were created/retained, sales increases were $161K, and capital infusion was $411K  It’s a bit difficult to determine which funds will fund Montgomery County clients. The proposal narrative indicates total costs of $607,085, the program budget indicates total funds of $294,000 and the organization’s total budget is nearly $1 million. Strength of organization  Since 2010, the organization has been providing business counseling, training and technical assistance to women entrepreneurs  Track record of success  The organization is well-funded and has expanded to provide services in Frederick and Prince Georges County  Small Business Administration credibility, 2013 SBA resource partner designation and 5-yr. grant

(328) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rockville Help Incorporated

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $10,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide emergency financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utilities, and prescriptions to families in need in Rockville, MD

Public Benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population will be served by proposal: project justification) The organization provided the following assistance during 2016

• Rental assistance to households 45 Amount $12,034 • Utility assistance to households 59 Amount $10,40 • Prescription assistance 7 Amount $832 • Transportation and storage assistance 11 Amount $1,162 Expected Outputs • Emergency financial assistance to households 150 • # of food deliveries for 3-5 days to households 1,400 ______Strength of the Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The proposal is well written and provides all necessary details that are needed to make a realistic assessment of the proposal. • Rockville Help anticipates $14,000 donations from foundations, churches and individuals. • The organization depends mostly on volunteers for its activities and therefore is seeking only modest grant. Costs and Benefit Analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

The per unit cost of assistance to be provided is quite low as the organization depends on the services of volunteers. Strength of Organization (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding):

• Since 1949, Olney Help Inc. has been providing food and emergency assistance to needy residents, particularly single parents, elderly and people with disabilities. • The organization relies mostly on volunteers from area congregations. It has 35 volunteers, who manage administrative chores, deliver foods and manage other operations. • Rockville Help works in close cooperation with other congregations, country government organizations, and local shelters.

(329) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rockville Science Center, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Community Development; Amount Requested: $58,440 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): To increase hours of operation and activities offered by the Maker Space in the Rockville Memorial Library. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The proposal targets both school age youth and senior residents of Montgomery County. • One goal is to allow students to see future opportunities in STEM careers. • Additional information on the goals underlying the involvement of senior residents would have been helpful to a more complete understanding of that aspect of the project. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The Rockville Science Center (RSC) is an interesting project in search of sustainable funding and a permanent location. RSC currently is supported by several corporate and business partners. • With limited start-up funding and numerous volunteers, RSC has developed a range of STEM programs and Maker Space activities that have been or are in the process of being offered at the Rockville Memorial Library. Activities include, the annual Rockville Science Day, Science Cafes for seniors, Young Adult Science Cafes, summer camps, field trips, robotics and FIRST Lego League teams. Recent and planned programs are offered in robotics, electronics, soldering, 3D design, remote control vehicles, and other science seminars. • Most of the staffing is by volunteers; the grant request would support hiring of administrative staff to allow the volunteer project director to put more focus programmatic activities and fundraising. • RSC has only been operating in the Rockville Memorial Library since November 2016. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • RSC plans to operate a minimum of 20 hours each week, serving at least 30 people each week. • In exchange for space in the Rockville Memorial Library, RSC agreed not to charge participation fees for their programming. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The RSC mission is to inspire a passion for lifelong exploration of science by cultivating an understanding of the scientific foundations of everyday life. • Most of the RSC activity has been accomplished to date with minimal funding, relying heavily on volunteer support. • The activities of RSC are and will be an important addition to available STEM activities in the county offered at no charge.

(330) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Rosaria Communities Foundation, Inc. - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disability; Amount Requested: $20,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provides professional staff and services to grow operations, which promotes independent living opportunities for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):  While the need for the housing and services provided by this program is intuitively apparent, the proposal provides minimal information about that need, including the number of adults with special needs that require housing, gaps in service, statistics, etc. More information would have strengthened the proposal.  Because this program is so closely affiliated with the Catholic Archdiocese and Church parishes, the proposal would be greatly bolstered by stating that services are available to persons of all faith, as limiting service is in conflict with funding policies.  Additional details about the program (the programs, staffing, etc.) will help provide more context into its operations. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding):  An additional output identifying the number of residents expected to be served would add clarity to the proposal.  The outcomes do not reflect how impact will be measured – they appear to be more like outputs vs. outcomes.  The program budget that was provided was the overall operating budget instead of the program budget on the template requested by the County. Therefore, it is difficult to determine how funds will be spent.  More details concerning the relationship to the Archdiocese (especially financial) will help provide some context as to how these homes are acquired and funded. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):  There is limited information to determine cost relative to impact, since the outcomes are unclear. The costs seem minimal (considering this is a construction program) but a complete picture of funding will be helpful.  Additional strengthening of the organization’s outcomes will help determine how the organization will ensure impact in the community. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project):  The collaboration with the Archdiocese appears to be integral to the success of the program, and the nature of that relationship should be explained.  The organization has received County funding for quite some time, and appears to be seeking other funding sources.

(331) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Scotland Storm Community Development, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Newer Amount Requested: $80,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide free educational and athletic after-school and summer activities to underserved youth from the historic Scotland Community in Potomac, Maryland. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Organization has been operating since 2013; goal is to address the achievement gap • During the school year, Scotland Storm offers sports and tutoring M-TH at Cabin John MS for grades 1-12. Students can join summer before 1st grade and are ineligible to join after 8th grade. • Average attendance is about 40 students a day during the school year and in the summer. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Proposal would be stronger if program methodology and implementation were described in more detail. Better prepared financials would also strengthen the proposal. • Outcomes numbers were a little unclear as they were much lower than the average attendance rate. Organization reports it is working on strengthening outcome measurement. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The total budget is $210,000; asking for about 38% • The total cost for the services provided appear relatively high compared to simalar organizations. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The organization has demonstrated that it is able to secure additional funding from individuals and foundations. • The organization and program budget are the same. • More evidence of community involvement in the program would bolster the request. Proposal would be stronger if organization demonstrated the community has a desire for the services and/or are represented on the Board of Directors.

(332) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Silver Spring Green Inc for One Montgomery Green; the successor organization of the merger between GreenWheaton and Silver Spring Green Program Area/Org Maturity: Economic/Workforce Amount Requested: $75,000 Development; Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Bring diverse perspectives from businesses, residents and government to catalyze Montgomery County’s transition to a sustainable economy. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Encourages businesses, government and citizens to adopt sustainable practices and facilitates recognition of organizations that have done so • Plans to provide county residents and visitors with easier access to a list (map) of organizations committed to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices

(333) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Silver Spring Saints, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Amount Requested: $20,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide critical funds to continue to provide scholarships to less fortunate kids and provide new and reconditioned helmets. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): The Silver Spring Saints provide football and cheerleading programs for youth ages 5-14 in the Four Corners area of Silver Spring. The program engages both children and their family members and is run exclusively by volunteers. Outcome goals include dedication, teamwork, and respect. There is a strong focus on safety, and much effort and significant expenditure is directed at ensuring that athletes are protected from head injury and other risks. The program anticipates serving 230 children in FY 18. The program is one of several serving children in the eastern part of the County and its athletes participate on sports leagues with at least one other similar programs that has also been a County grant recipient. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): This program is an outgrowth of predecessor programs that have been in existence for 65 years. Operating funds are gathered through a combination of participation fees and fund-raising, along with in-kind contributions such as practice field access and volunteer involvement. The Saints are unique in requiring that each participating family contribute a minimum of 5 hours of non-coaching time. In addition, they engage about 50 volunteer coaches and 10 volunteer administrators, all of whom have received a background check and are required to participate in safety training and coaching clinics. The budget request covers an array of expenses, including costs for purchasing and re-conditioning helmets and uniforms. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): The Saints have requested a grant of $20,000. The budget request submitted actually includes $22,000 worth of items, including field rental, helmet reconditioning, referee fees, and training equipment. At $20k, the request works out to be approx. $87 per participating athlete. The total organizational budget is approx. $66,000, so at $20k, the County grant would equate to 30% of the total budget. Most revenue for the Saints comes from registration dues, with additional income from fund-raising events and individual donations. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): The program is exceptional in that it requires both financial contributions and volunteer time to be contributed by each participating family. The Saints runs a modest program that appears to carefully expend available resources. There are no paid staff members; all administrative and coaching support comes from a dedicated group of volunteers. It is expected that the receipt of County grant funds would allow the Saints to redirect some of its current funding to support additional scholarships for needy athletes.

(334) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Other; Newer Amount Requested: $40,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide over 100 FREE arts and entertainment programs and events for the community throughout the year in downtown Silver Spring.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):

Funding would cover programming, marketing and outreach, performance, and venue fees. Organization supports 100+ free family-friendly programs throughout the year such as the Silver Spring Blues Festival; dance workshops; Twilight and Tuesdays and Wednesday Night Starz to showcase performers; and free performances. Less measurable benefits such as more family-friendly activities, feelings of engagement, and promoting diverse perspectives also exist.

Funds would support the Silver Spring Blues Festivals and Blues Week, 50 Veterans Plaza performances, and 10 film and lecture series. Silver Spring Town Center expects to reach more than 10,000 individuals through these venues. Proposal indicates activities will support community pride, free arts programming, business revenues, and citizen engagement. Outcome section would be stronger if it included more specifics about what qualitative and quantitative data from such a vast array of constituents would look like (surveys, focus groups, etc.).

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):

The $40,000 funding request represents Proposal would be stronger if Silver Spring Town Center had additional external funding sources and was less reliant on funding from the County. Proof of good standing form is from 2014 and needs to be updated, as per grant requirements.

Program is only group in County that provides these specific services but it does collaborate with other organizations such as Silver Spring Village, Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, Docs in Progress, Gender Rights Maryland, Foundation to Restore Equality and Education in Syria, Fenton Village, and Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation. Other funding comes from Arts & Humanities of Montgomery County, MD State Arts Council, sponsorship income, exhibitor income, other grants, and individual contributions. The proposal would be strengthened had the organization submitted the required mid-year report on the County funding it received last year

(335) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Silver Spring Village, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $42,888 Newer Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide needed services and programs to enable senior citizens in Silver Spring to live independently, and engaged in the community.

Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The proposal clearly makes the case for the need for Silver Spring Village which serves zip code 20910 with approximately 3,800 residents who are 65 or older, of which 48% are minorities and 16% live in poverty, with housing equally split between owner occupied and rental units. • With a membership of 150, 98 volunteers and a purposeful outreach with the help of a paid diversity consultant, Silver Spring Village’s membership is increasingly representative of the larger community. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Silver Spring Village clearly states their commitment to ensure the health of seniors by offering the following services: escorted transportation, social support, household assistance, medical note taking, referrals to professional services • Partnerships include Habitat for Humanity, Gwendolyn Coffield Community Center, Silver Spring Town Center, Silver Spring Library, Holy Cross Hospital • Silver Spring Village has a clear articulated strategy for membership and volunteer outreach with special targets for the minority, low income community Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): The requested amount of $42,888 reflects the expense of staffing of 1.6 FTE’s and the significant community activities that require coordination. In FY16 Silver Spring Village volunteers provided 725 rides, 523 friendly visits, 403 home services tasks, and 122 community programs

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • In operation since 2013, Silver Spring Village has strategically developed a model which reflects the urban, diverse community of downtown Silver Spring. • With a well thought out membership structure for individuals, couples, associates and volunteers, and an aggressive donor campaign, Silver Spring Village raises $64,332; more than other Villages. • Through the efforts of paid diversity consultant Silver Spring Village has drafted “Connecting across a Diverse Community, A Silver Spring Village Discussion Guide.” This document will be shared with other villages.

(336) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: So What Else, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Newer Amount Requested: $25,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide holistic summer camp opportunities free of charge to low-middle and low income Montgomery County residents Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): for 350 youth in 12 week day camps (9AM – 4PM) in lower socio-economic areas of Montgomery county focused on service learning, healthy living, fitness and environmental stewardship – located in managed community centers, county recreation centers, subsidized housing community centers. Operates own camps and provides supplemental activities to camps operated by other organizations. Applicant reports that demand for programming is growing Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): Operated for seven years, the organization has a large volunteer program including students. Most fiscal resources are not from county. Target population and service areas defined; youth 7-17 yrs.; 90% qualify for FARMS; community areas have no summer enrichment programs. Outputs/outcomes, measures, and number expected to achieve outcomes is clearly provided; achievements from prior programs provided; will collaborate/coordinate with other non-profits and county services Budget reasonable for number to be served ($100,000 total program budget) Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): Costs are reasonable for program

Strength of Organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Summer Partner organizations reach a wide range of students in targeted areas (Community Services Foundation, apartment communities, White Oak Recreation Center, Rockville Housing). • Mission to provide learning, recreation to underserved youth; promote volunteerism in community; to mobilize youth to pay it forward through community service, • Program components: o Feed the Mind: Nourish Now, a food recovery non-profit, provides healthy food (snacks and lunch) for underserved youth – up to %100 of campers in some communities, o Green Path Academy/Harvest Collective: environmental and STEM program – Environmentalists come to camps to educate on issues and develop projects with participants o Community Services Foundation: provide sites, resources and support staff • Leverages funds from other sources; has a strategic plan to address program growth; annual fundraisers • Significant adult/youth volunteer program including AmeriCorps volunteer and VM; • Organization has capacity to implement program; also provides after-school programming

(337) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Spanish-Speaking Community of Maryland, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Basic Needs; Established Amount Requested: $30,000 Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Continue providing free, year-round consultations with case workers to address the essential needs of low-income Montgomery County families and immigrants. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Majority of residents served are from the southern part of the County and the great majority have very low incomes and speak little English. • Comprehensive services address a wide-range of challenges including legal advice for immigrants and seniors, job application assistance, citizenship classes, support for parents in intervening in schools and health care referrals. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • The organization is known as “La Comunidad” and has served about 5500 Montgomery County residents in the past year. • La Comunidad is expanding its private fundraising efforts and has recently received new grants from foundations. • Proposal would benefit from more information about the demographics of the specific population served, in addition to the description based on County data. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • This request would support additional staff time for case workers and thereby expand ability to meet needs of their clients. • Initial consultation is free on the phone, by appointment or on walk-in basis. • Follow up services are offered on a sliding scale, with costs below those generally available in the area. Data on the specifics about these reduced rate services, to whom they are offered and the range of rates would enhance this proposal. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • La Comunidad was founded in 1967 with the mission of serving the Spanish-speaking population. La Comunidad continues to be run by a member of the founding family. • Long history of collaboration with service providers in the County including food centers, health clinics, mental health services and the schools.

(338) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Spirit Club Foundation, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Newer Amount Requested: $25,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Funding to support the Foundation’s mission to empower people with disabilities to have access to exercise and fitness programs. Public Benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Proposal states that people with disabilities are 58% more likely to be obese than the general population. • According to government agency reports (CDC), adults with disabilities are 3 times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Will provide 360 exercise and nutrition scholarships to 65 low income people with disabilities. • Will develop 4 new partners to provide exercise and nutrition programming. • Will host 12 community events to promote awareness and participation in exercise and nutrition for people with disabilities. • Organization lists a number of partner organizations where program participants may use their scholarships. • The project focus is Kensington Brookeville, Takoma Park, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Germantown, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery Village. • The proposal would have been stronger with more detail on how the projected outputs and outcomes will actually be tracked on a daily basis • In 2016, organization provided 300 scholarships. Cost-benefit Analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Budget request is 28% of total project cost. • Funds would be allocated to two staff positions – executive director and administrative assistant. • Organization has a fundraising plan for 2017 with a goal of raising total project costs of $87,980. Strength of Organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Spirit Club Foundation was established by Jubilee after seeing a need for better opportunities for health and fitness engagement by persons with disabilities. • The Foundation is the fundraising arm of Spirit Club LLC [not a 501(c)3] which provides health and fitness services. • The organization received FY17 County Executive and County Council funds.

(339) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Sports Plus Group, Inc.

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $26,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Provide increased social, pre-employment and sports programs for children and teens with autism while preparing participants for independent adult life. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • The program seeks to teach participants affected by autism and other developmental disabilities how to independently play and achieve high level physical activity that their bodies need, to engage each other and work as a team. Organization has documented participants’ improvement in social development and athletic skills. • The target population is identified by the organization as children living in Dickerson, Germantown, Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring, although they have participants from other parts of the County. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Partnerships with various organizations such as Jewish Social Service, Jewish Foundation for Group Homes, Maryland Soccer Foundation, The Maryland Soccerplex indicates the project is well established and outreach to children with autism seeking life training skills will be addressed. • Sport Plus Group programs of this caliber have won local and national awards, been the subject a study by the University of Colorado and have been identified as a national demonstration program by the Aspen Institute. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The proposal seeks 14% of the project operating costs. • The organization has done well in marketing their services/outreach to various sources of funding such as the J.G. Murray Foundation, Carl Freeman Foundation to seek funding for their services and developmental programs. • The organization’s recruitment of volunteers, including those with special needs and those with extensive athletic experience from public and private schools, helps keep the cost to the participants minimal and cost effective. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Sports Plus is an organization that has provided services to the Montgomery County community by engaging in a strong outreach program of reaching out to donors and foundations for funding opportunities. • They have identified a specific target population that helps their participants learn how to independently play and achieve high level physical activity and also workplace skills. • Their program is well known and has gained the attention of various reputable organizations such as the Aspen Institute and the University of Colorado.

(340) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Youth Development; Amount Requested: $25,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): To support utility costs, critical to the health and safety of Montgomery County pregnant and parenting teens and babies. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): The proposal requests funding for the utilities at St. Ann’s, which is home to the St. Ann’s Teen Mother-Baby Program. This program provides education, health care, life skills and parenting training for at-risk teenage mothers, and provides high quality child care for their children in an inclusive program all on one campus. The proposal provides a clear justification of the need.

Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): The proposal indicates that roughly 3 teen Montgomery County mothers and their two babies were served by the program in the past year. The cost if only considering utilities is high, but if the cost is for the services provided by the overall program, it is quite reasonable for comprehensive services. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): St. Ann’s has a 156-year history. The organization has changed with the times and has a broad and diverse group of funders.

(341) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: St. Camillus Catholic Church Food Pantry

Category/Program Area: Basic Need; Established Amount Requested: $25,000

Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Purchase rice, beans, masa, flour, oil and rolled oats for emergency food distribution through the St. Camillus Church Food Pantry. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Provide food packages with shelf stable products to families seeking food support on a weekly basis, predominantly in the Silver Spring area. • The number of families seeking emergency food continues to grow by approx. 10 additional families per week, or a 10% increase annually • In 2016 distributed 11,000 food packages, or approximately 600 per month • The majority of clients come from the community, as opposed to being predominantly church parishioners. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • Proposal, outcomes and budget are clear and well written • The organization relies heavily on volunteers and donations – with indications of continuing to engage in partnerships with local businesses, the faith community and others to increase donations. • Organization works with other nonprofits in the county to help create a coordinated effort and as a referral service to address requestors indicating chronic need. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • The program is completely managed by volunteers and all costs go directly to purchasing food for distribution. • The cost per package is approximately $12 and is intended to support a family of 4 for 2-3 days • The requested amount of $25,000 appears to be $1,000 higher than their actual need to run the program (as described in the proposal); this is most likely a clerical error.

Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • The Food pantry engages over 150 volunteers to collect and distribute food. The organization has engaged with multiple partners including Manna Food Bank, Capital Area Food Bank, DHHS Down County Food Network, USDA Beltsville Agricultural Resource Center, White Oak Shop Rite, Panera Bread, Csion, and other local faith entities and networks. • The Food Pantry is housed in donated space from St. Camillus church, and has food pick on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. • The organization has received public funding including: 2015: $7100 – HHS and $17,000 – County Exec, 2016: $17,000 – County Exec, 2017: $17,000 – County Exec and $8,000 – County Council • The organization does not have a Board but does have an Advisory Council

(342) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: St. Joseph’s House, LTD - County Executive

Program Area/Org Maturity: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $15,000 Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): Operational funding for home-based care provider for students intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification):  There is some information concerning the need for the program, but by providing additional statistics, the applicant could underscore the limited support that low income families receive for children with intellectual or development disabilities.  The target population is identified, but a greater argument could be established concerning the financial situation of Forest Glen residents. There are additional reasons that families have difficulty caring for these children due to limited services/supports available. Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding):  There is only one outcome and it is quite vague and the tool used to assess the outcome can be strengthened. Additional outcomes should showcase the impact of this program on the student’s life, as well as the caregivers and other family members.  St. Joseph’s provided its annual budget in lieu of the requested program budget; so it is not possible to assess how funds will be spent.  Some of the financial information provided was for a related organization instead of St. Joseph’s, and it is not possible to ascertain the financial picture for the organization.  There are a number of other funding sources being considered by this organization; and it appears that the Board of Directors will become more involved. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost):  A true cost benefit analysis could not take place because: 1) the outcome was unclear, and is not written to measure program impact, 2) the budget information did not paint a clear enough picture concerning how funds will be used.  The previous fiscal year’s outcome report did indicate that the program had positive impact in the lives of those served. Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project):  There appears to be collaborations/partnerships with other organizations and they are trying to leverage non-county funding.  There is a plan for sustainability, given the other funding sources and ability to fundraise.  Additional consideration of the program’s impact, especially given the small number of individuals served, might lead the organization to consider additional program collaboration with similar organizations that serve this target population.

(343) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Stepping Stones Shelter

Program Area/Org Maturity: Economic/Workforce Amount Requested: $70,000 Development; Established Project Description (from applicant spreadsheet): To provide employment counseling to homeless and formerly homeless families to enable them to find jobs and increase their income. Public benefit (identified and demonstrated need; target population well served by proposal; project justification): • Target population is in need of these services in order to move out of homelessness; some have no income • Many have barriers to employment and need ongoing counseling to find and keep jobs • More than 125 families will participate which translates into several hundred people Strength of Proposal (clear description; measurable and relevant outcomes, including results achieved to date; achieved outcomes; integration/coordination/teaming with other nonprofits and County services; clear budget description; plan for future funding): • This is a strong team proposal with The Dwelling Place and The Career Catchers • Clear and concise description of need, rationale for program and plans for what each partner organization will bring to the project • Based on internal assessment, revised existing project to extend service timelines for continued support services after client/family leaves shelter as a means of reducing or eliminating a return to homelessness and enrolled past and current clients into extended program • The request for increased funding supports this more comprehensive service • Can access service for a minimum of three years to manage any problems regarding housing, employment, etc. Cost-benefit analysis (cost of service or activities; impact on recipient relative to cost): • Request is for 93% of project budget (increased cost is to support longer service timelines) • Service is provided over several years in order to help families stay employed; regular check-ins to help avoid crisis situations that can lead to homelessness • Receives funding from United Way for this program • Strong partnerships and impact on recipient is clear – if project services are successful, family avoids return to homelessness Strength of organization (organizational capacity; how long has agency delivered proposed or similar services and/or received public funds; number of staff, volunteers and partner organizations in program; how have they leveraged non-county government funding; capacity to carry out project, board strength and support): • Shelter is 35 years old, has strong relationships with a variety of county agencies and other nonprofits • Utilizes large cadre of volunteers in providing support services • Has been providing shelter services for several years • Has received prior county funding; expanding program based upon documented need

(344) Montgomery County Council FY18 Evaluative Comments Information Sheet

Name of Organization: Sunflower Bakery, Inc.

Category/Program Area: Older Adults/Disabilities; Amount Requested: $44,540 Established Project Description: Expand Sunflower’s engagement with businesses to secure employment for graduates, provide 16-week, in-house internship, employee development and job matching. Public benefit  serving young adults with learning differences to prepare them for successful pastry-arts employment within Montgomery County  MC Commission on People with Disabilities Annual Report 2016: 56.8% of individuals in the labor force age group with disabilities are employed, while 82.7% without disabilities are employed.  Focus on one-on-one job skilled training, development and help finding employment.  85% of graduates are securing employment within 6 - 12 months of program completion Strength of Proposal  project has proven successful based on evidence provided from previous year’s outcomes with nearly 85% of graduates securing employment with 6-12 months of program completion  project works with numerous non-profit service providers, disability organizations and other county agencies and public/private schools to provide a unique service to individuals with learning differences  Source of funding from individual contributions, donor advised funds, and corporate contributions  Application would have been stronger if average length of employment was included Cost-benefit analysis  $39,656 of this grant would be for salaries  $3,034 of this grant is for fringe benefits  $1,850 of this grant would be for supplies, printing for outreach to employers and transportation for employer and student interviews  benfit of this program outweighs the cost; benefits of this project are far-reaching and will prepare young adults with the skills to gain and maintain employment  businesses will be connected with the skillfully trained employees they need to keep Montgomery County thriving Strength of organization  program has been existence for 7 years and has collected data to demonstrate success  Board of Directors assists with writing manuals, planning, fundraising, and community outreach  teens volunteer to work in the Summer Teens Program alongside participants  organization budget shows diverse funding sources, including a portion of funding from the organization’s own sales  has established a new corporate giving program and increased resource development from funders and increased earned revenues from net sales and program fees

(345)