Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development Family Prosperity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Urban League reports ARPA‑funded Family Prosperity Initiative and building investment served dozens with training, stipends and wraparound supports
Summary
The Urban League briefed the council on two ARPA awards — $1 million for a Family Prosperity Initiative and roughly $500,000 toward building capital — reporting $349,657.39 distributed to participants, 51 enrollments, high completion rates and supports including childcare, mental‑health sessions and issued laptops.
Representatives of the Urban League told the City Council that ARPA awards for a capital investment and a Family Prosperity Initiative funded a multi‑component workforce program and helped secure ownership of the League’s office building.
The League said a capital contribution reduced its outstanding debt on a $3.8 million investment and that the city’s support will free up operating dollars for programs. Candy (last name not specified), speaking remotely, described the Family Prosperity Initiative as a holistic workforce program delivered through the League’s three empowerment centers and said it aimed to lift families out of poverty by combining credentials, life coaching and asset building.
Project staff described LevelUp Academy as the signature, outcomes‑oriented track. Anthony Wiley and others said the program combined industry paths in IT, phlebotomy and construction with mandatory financial literacy, life coaching and case management. Program staff said they gave direct participant assistance and tracked outcomes tied to credential completion and placement with area employers.
Staff reported that ARPA funding enabled distribution of $349,657.39 directly to participants. They said 190 community members applied, 59 completed interviews, 51 participants were enrolled in the program and 51 computers were distributed. Staff reported an 88% certification completion rate, 94% program completion rate, 112.4 hours of life coaching, 108 hours of financial literacy instruction, 140 hours of childcare provided and 43 mental‑health sessions delivered to participants.
Candy thanked council members and city staff for monitoring and technical help with the grant process. The presentation emphasized a shift away from one‑off job fairs toward deeper, accountable training and supports and the Urban League noted ongoing partnerships with employers and funders to sustain elements of the program. The city council did not record a vote or formal directive during the informational presentation.
