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Commission backs staff recommendations for Community Service Grant awards, including $3,000 for Trellis' 'Labors of Love'
Summary
Commissioners approved staff-recommended Community Service Grant allocations by a 7-0 vote: Trellis International (Labors of Love) recommended $3,000 (76 points) and Working Wardrobes recommended $1,000 (51 points); commissioners questioned finances and program details during presentations.
The commission reviewed two new applicants for the 2025–26 Community Service Grant Program and voted 7-0 to forward staff recommendations (Exhibit E) to city council.
Sharon Gentin, representing Trellis International, described "Labors of Love," a volunteer-driven monthly service initiative that assists homeowners with maintenance, minor repairs and accessibility improvements for seniors, veterans and residents with disabilities; she said the program has assisted more than 50 neighbors in Costa Mesa and would partner with local faith groups, nonprofits and businesses. Commissioners asked about Trellis' program expense ratios and client identification; Gentin said the program relies on referrals from code enforcement and senior centers and that financial details could be provided after the meeting. Staff recommended $3,000 for Trellis (76 points).
Bonnie Pomash, CEO of Working Wardrobes, described workforce-development, wraparound services and employer partnerships; staff recommended $1,000 for Working Wardrobes (51 points). Commissioners questioned Working Wardrobes' program expense ratio and outside funding; Pomash explained operations include stores and warehouse logistics that affect expense reporting.
The commission voted to approve the matrix amounts as written (Trellis $3,000; Working Wardrobes $1,000) and the chair confirmed the motion passed by roll call 7-0. Staff said the commission's recommendations will be forwarded to city council for final approval.
