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Community engagement coordinator reports $2.3 million in grant awards, internship program expansion and rising senior programs
Summary
The city’s community engagement department reported more than $2.3 million in grants since its inception, described an expanding internship program and growing senior services and asked council for continued support.
The community engagement coordinator reported to the council that the department has secured more than $2.3 million in grants since its creation, distributed direct community supports and expanded internship and senior programs.
The three-person department—led by the community engagement coordinator with staff members Angela Mejia and Jose Chavez—detailed a range of activities including grant research and applications, emergency shelter support, youth civic engagement and senior social programs. The coordinator said the department has arranged 296 nights of emergency shelter for families and individuals in the current fiscal year and supported five families with deposit assistance through a housing-stability program.
The presentation highlighted the city’s internship program: the city initially invested $60,000 to start the program and later secured a state grant from California Volunteers that expanded the effort to more than $500,000. The department’s goal is to serve 45 interns by December 2025; to date 26 interns have completed the program, with placements across departments including the fire department and recreation. The youth council has grown from two to seven members and is set to receive a $10,000 subgrant from the Hartnell College Foundation.
Senior programs have expanded: the coordinator reported monthly senior socials and nutrition, art and chair-yoga classes, with attendance at socials growing from about 30 to an estimated 80–100 attendees; the coordinator said capacity constraints have emerged at popular events. The coordinator also described cooling stations during high heat days, distribution of care packages and partnerships with local nonprofits such as the food bank and Meals on Wheels.
Council members praised the department’s outreach and volunteers; staff requested continued support as they compile program calendars, update social media and finalize grant-handling details. The coordinator noted that administrative funds associated with grants help reimburse staff time spent administering programs and that full grant details are available on the city website.
