DeKalb Township moves to renew employment-services contract after provider reports client success

DeKalb Township trustees voted to authorize the supervisor to renew a contract with Passion Pursuit for continued employment services after a presentation by the provider showing program activity and client outcomes.

At a board meeting on April 21, the township introduced Danita Sims, executive director of Passion Pursuit, who summarized the program year. Sims told the board she met 83 new clients during the contract period, manages a weekly job-leads email list with roughly 250 contacts, and reported a no-show rate under 5 percent. “Most clients do not respond back, or have repeat appointments. I’d say maybe only 15 were repeat clients,” Sims said, describing a model of one-on-one resume upgrades and targeted employer connections.

Sims highlighted a success story in which a formerly homeless client received resume coaching, connected with an employer, completed an interview and was hired within about two weeks. She also said local employers have begun contacting the township to be added to the weekly postings.

Board members discussed program volume and per-session cost before approving the renewal. The supervisor described the contract terms presented to the board as $30 per session and recommended continuing the relationship given the reported outcomes. After a motion, second and roll-call voting, the board approved authorization for the supervisor to renew the contract.

The article reflects the board’s discussion and the provider’s summary; the motion authorized contract renewal but did not specify the final contract term or annual total in the public discussion beyond the per-session rate noted at the meeting. The board recorded the vote to authorize renewal and will proceed with formalizing the contract as directed.