16 Staff Report.Interim Community Center Service Providers with attachments
PREPARED BY: Robert Gray
Chief Building Official
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 05/07/2024
DATE: May 1, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Approve West Valley Community Services, Counseling and Support Services
for Youth, and AWO as Potential Community Service Partners to Provide their
Respective Services at the Interim Community Center.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve West Valley Community Services, Counseling and Support Services for Youth, and
AWO as potential Community Service Partners to provide their respective services at the
Interim Community Center.
BACKGROUND:
On August 15, 2023, the Town Council allocated $866,281 to a Community Center Development
Fund to design and construct near-term improvements to the Adult Recreation Center to
achieve two major purposes. One purpose is to facilitate the use of space for a variety of non-
profit agencies to provide services to the community. The second purpose is to reconfigure the
existing space to make it more open and inviting to the community. This effort is referred to as
the Interim Community Center.
On November 21, 2023, the Town Council provided additional feedback on the Interim
Community Center effort which involves the following steps:
1. (Completed January 25, 2024) Host Community Meeting to receive community input
on:
a. Preferred types of community partners/services;
b. Community partner selection criteria; and
c. Ideas for near-term improvements to the ARC/Community Center.
PAGE 2 OF 4 SUBJECT: Approve Community Service Providers DATE: May 1, 2024
BACKGROUND (continued):
2. (Completed February 15, 2024) Receive the Community Health and Senior Services
Commission’s (CHSSC) recommendation on items relevant to a Request for Interest
(RFI) for community partners, such as the types of community partners and selection
criteria.
3. (Completed March 5, 2024) Return to Council with CHSSC’s recommendation for
Council input and approval on items relevant to the Request for Interest (RFI) for
community partners, such as the types of community partners and selection criteria.
4. (Completed March 29, 2024) Issue the RFI.
5. (We are here) Return to Council with the final selection of community partners.
6. Discuss any potential physical near-term improvements and operational support
needed by selected community partners with Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation (LGS
Recreation).
7. Receive CHSSC’s recommendation on near-term improvements and operational
support for Council’s consideration, taking into account ideas shared at the community
meeting and budget constraints.
8. Return to Council with CHSSC’s recommendation on near-term improvements and
operational support for consideration.
9. Hire an architect to provide cost estimates for the prioritized items.
10. Return to Council with cost estimates for selection of which prioritized items to move
forward for design and bidding.
DISCUSSION:
Based on the direction Council provided on March 5, 2024, staff issued the RFI seeking
Statements of Interest (SOIs) from any non-profit service provider serving Los Gatos, with an
emphasis on those addressing basic needs such as health, wellness, mental health, food needs,
housing, and transportation. The RFI was sent to approximately 30 organizations, promoted on
social media and the Town’s weekly newsletter, and posted on the Town’s website.
Upon the closing of the RFI on April 21, 2024, staff received proposals from West Valley
Community Services (WVCS), Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY), and AWO Skin
Color Race. The following criteria were used in evaluating the service providers:
• The extent to which the provider serves basic needs and serves an unmet need in the
community.
• The extent to which the provider already serves Los Gatos residents and the community.
• The extent to which the provider could expand or enhance services with the additional
Interim Community Center space. This would include an evaluation of how much the
provider needs additional space for their services.
PAGE 3 OF 4 SUBJECT: Approve Community Service Providers DATE: May 1, 2024
DISCUSSION (continued):
• The extent of the provider’s volunteer base and how they can effectively support a
service at the Interim Community Center.
• The extent to which the provider’s service lends itself to being successful in a rotational
shared space at the Interim Community Center.
• Each service provider selected should provide a service that is unique and not
duplicative of other selected service providers. Since service providers can offer a
variety of services, some of their services can overlap, but each must have at least one
unique offering or service.
The SOIs were also preliminarily reviewed to assess space and schedule needs and to determine
whether the services conflicted with current LGS Recreation programs. Services that are more
activity-based or involve events may not lend themselves to a rotational desk space model;
however, a successful path forward could be to integrate these types of services into LGS
Recreation’s ongoing programming. For example, some of AWO’s activity-based services could
be integrated into LGS Recreation’s program offerings, benefiting both providers and the
community.
CONCLUSION:
Based on the evaluation criteria above, staff recommends moving forward with all the
prospective service providers that submitted SOIs.
If Town Council agrees with this recommendation, staff will work with the selected providers
and LGS Recreation to determine space allocations, schedules, and appropriate services. All
provider requests may not be able to be accommodated, and staff will work towards
collaborative solutions. Staff will return to the CHSSC for its recommendations on physical,
near-term improvements for the Interim Community Center with consideration for any needs
of the service providers.
COORDINATION:
The preparation of this report was coordinated with the Town Manager’s Office and the Town
Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The $866,281 allocated to the Community Center Development Fund can be used for near-term
improvements to the Adult Recreation Center/Community Center. Additional funding may be
required to support the operational and administrative needs of coordinating and supporting
the service providers if the providers do not pay those costs directly.
PAGE 4 OF 4 SUBJECT: Approve Community Service Providers DATE: May 1, 2024
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Statements of Interest from Prospective Service Providers
Interim Community Center Service Providers
West Valley Community Services RFI
Introduction: Include a statement of interest and pertinent introductory
information. Include your current service territory and whether or not you
currently serve the Los Gatos.
West Valley Community Services is a private, non-profit, community-based agency that
has been providing direct assistance and referral services in the west valley
communities of Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, Monte Sereno, West San Jose, and
the unincorporated mountain regions for nearly 50 years. We provide a continuum of
basic needs and housing assistance services, including information and referrals, food,
homeless services, affordable housing, rental and utility assistance, and case
management. In addition to distributing basic needs services, West Valley Community
Services focuses on providing case management to each client and ensuring access to
a continuum of services to provide a strong foundation for those threatened with hunger
and homelessness. The mission of the organization is to unite the community to fight
hunger and homelessness.
Experience and Service: Include a detailed description of the experience and
expertise required to provide the proposed community service and how it fulfills
a basic and/or unmet need within the community. Indicate a measurable goal or
desired outcome of becoming a community partner at the Interim Community
Center and a method of tracking progress and evaluating effectiveness in the
community.
Many families and individuals living in the West Valley struggle to put food on the table
and pay their rent in the wake of staggering increases in gas, food, and electricity,
stagnant wages, high rents, and a tight affordable housing market. According to the San
Jose State University 2022 pain index, $2,365 is the median monthly rent in the San
Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area in December 2021, making it the most
expensive metro area to rent in the U.S. Families living on minimum wage and seniors
who are on fixed income feel the rent burden more and get evicted at a faster rate in
Santa Clara county. Poverty creates further barriers to accessing critical services,
including health services, nutritious food, and other necessities, contributing to poor
physical and mental health. Poverty also inhibits socialization and engagement with the
community. For low-income families with limited English language skills or at-risk
seniors, finding where or how to access services is much more of a challenge. In some
cases, these families may not know where to go or may not have reliable transportation
to get the help they need. This can result in significant delays in service delivery, leading
them further into financial crises, unhealthy or risky living conditions, or circumstances
that make them vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
ATTACHMENT 1
For the past 50 years,West Valley Community Services has been the safety net for
families experiencing short-term crises,helping families with food,housing,and
emergency financial assistance in the West Valley.However,the trends have shown
that the circumstances for the many families that access our services have not
changed,and as a result,they continue to need access to basic services to survive.
West Valley Community Services has become one of many clients'first responders.
Through case management,we have successfully connected them with basic services
such as access to health care services,information about health care coverage,free
tax,and public benefits assistance,which helps to reduce poverty.
The West Valley region has a large population of families who are more likely to live in
poverty and are in greater need of services.They also face other unique issues,such
as:
●Lack of accessibility and availability of resources:West Valley Community
Services’service area comprises a broad and diverse socio-economic spectrum.
Amongst the million-dollar single-family homes,there are also homes where the
power or water has been shut off or multiple families rent rooms in single-family
homes.Because of the large number of high-income families living in our service
area who do not have basic needs,many of these services are located outside
the Cupertino-Saratoga-Los Gatos corridor,creating accessibility issues for
low-income individuals.
●Isolation of high-risk individuals:Low-income individuals and families in
affluent communities struggle with low self-esteem,isolation,and less social
involvement.Individuals in need are too embarrassed and ashamed to ask for
help.They cannot also access the resources to help them succeed or maintain a
healthy standard of living.
●Lack of public transportation:The cost of owning and operating a car is
beyond reach for most individuals served at West Valley Community Services.
Given our mass transit system's limited reach or slow speed,people without cars
need help accessing services.
To address these challenges,WVCS programs and services ensure impoverished
households have easy access to public benefits,supportive services,and education
resources that help families build financial and household stability.West Valley
Community Services is our community’s safety net.We ensure that low-income and
homeless individuals and families receive the support and services they need to build
the foundation for a brighter future.
●By providing supplemental food,West Valley Community Services prevents
hunger,improves health and nutrition,and enables clients to spend more of their
financial resources on housing,transportation,medical costs,and other life
essentials.
●By providing case management,information,and referrals,West Valley
Community Services is helping clients find the resources they need to acquire
suitable housing,learn about public benefits,eat more healthily,cover healthcare
expenses,and much more.
●By providing access to a mobile food pantry,West Valley Community Services is
making food pantry service accessible to all close to where they live.The mobile
food pantry has several locations in West San Jose,Saratoga,and Los Gatos.
●By providing emergency rental and utility assistance,West Valley Community
Services is preventing clients from eviction and homelessness.With this help,
clients are prevented from entering the downward spiral that can make returning
to stability difficult or impossible.
If awarded this Service Provider contract,WVCS will provide case management,an
accessible food market that provides weekly groceries,and supportive services for the
homeless.
Qualifications:Name,phone number,and email of the contact person and/or
project manager;qualifications of these individuals and their team that
demonstrate the ability to provide the services described in this RFI successfully;
a list of at least two professional references with names,addresses,emails,
phone numbers,business relationship,and a brief description of the project or
interaction.
West Valley Community Services’staff have significant educational and professional
expertise in working with low-income families,seniors,and the homeless community in
the West Valley region of Santa Clara County.We have held several State,County,and
Town contracts and met all our deliverables.The West Valley Community Services staff
that provide direct services to clients either hold a Bachelor's degree in social sciences
or have at least three years of work experience in social services.Vahnessa Hayes,
who has five years of experience in program management and supervision,will provide
program and clinical supervision.Mateo Lumbraras,the Director of Client Services,has
extensive countywide experience running offsite programs successfully.Sujatha
Venkatraman,the Executive director who holds an MSW and has over 30 years of
experience in community development,program,and contract management,will lead
the strategic program's direction.WVCS leverages the cost of other staff supporting this
program through other grants.
As the Executive Director,Sujatha will work closely with West Valley Community
Services staff and board to ensure appropriate financial and programmatic transparency
to support the organization’s core mission.In addition,all contractual management
obligations,including reporting,are under the responsibility of the Executive Director
and the Finance Director.
Organization:The total number of volunteers and/or staff who will provide the
required services and their role(s)at the Interim Community Center.
We anticipate having one to two staff members and two volunteers at the Interim
Community Center.
Schedule and Space:Include a statement indicating whether a shared rotational
desk space could work for the service(s)provided and the ideal schedule.For
example,Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.Please also
include the ideal scenario of how much space and what kind of space would be
ideal for providing your services at the Interim Community Center.There are no
guarantees that the schedule and space can be accommodated;however,this will
help us understand the needs.Indicate whether storage space is needed and how
much.
Ideally,we would like to have the space for one week to two times a week to provide
case management,an accessible food market that provides weekly groceries,and
supportive services for the homeless.Tuesday from 9:00 a.m.to noon and Thursday
from 2-5 pm.Ideally,We would like a space 200-300 SF for a mini food pantry with a
refrigerator,freezer,and shelves for dry goods(pasta,beans,and rice).Along with
space for one staff member and a volunteer.
April 17,2024
Robert Gray
Chief Building Official
Town of Los Gatos
rgray@losgatosca.gov
Dear Mr.Gray,
Since 2009,Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY)has shown how effective and
powerful school-based counseling can be for everyone involved.Through partnering with
schools and communities,we integrate mental health support into the fabric of the school and
reach students in a familiar,safe environment.
We have grown and now partner with schools throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties,
but our roots with Los Gatos High School remain strong.In fact,we now work with all the high
schools that support the majority of Los Gatos students –Los Gatos High,Saratoga High,Leigh
High,and Westmont High.Our highly qualified,post-graduate therapists provide individual,
goal-oriented counseling;group therapy;proactive mental health education to students;staff
and parent consultations and support;and crisis intervention.
We know from experience that placing competent and caring therapists where students are
located will lead students to accessing the help they need.We also have a good understanding
of what works and what doesn’t in Los Gatos.We understand the intense issues the students in
our community are dealing with.We also know that these issues do not end when the school
day ends nor do they cease during school breaks.We believe that CASSY and the Town of Los
Gatos have a unique opportunity to leverage the community center space for Los Gatos youth
who may need additional support.
In community,
Maric Sayo
Executive Director
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits –544 Valley Way,Milpitas,CA 95035 –CASSYbayarea.org
I.Background of Provider
Agency Philosophy
As a nonprofit agency with experienced leadership,we are both ambitious and pragmatic.Our
mission is to destigmatize mental health and make supporting students’social and emotional
well-being the norm in our local schools.We envision a world where all youth get the support
they need to be successful in school and in life.At the same time,we understand that creating
such a utopia will take a serious commitment from more than our schools and requires our
community’s involvement.
Although every CASSY program is unique,we stick to five core values:
1.We are available to help all students,regardless of their ability to pay.
We serve all students,where free services at school are the only realistic way to reach youth.
We also serve financially stable communities where many families have the resources,but other
barriers such as stigma,transportation,and insurance limits get in the way.
2.We partner with communities that value mental health in the educational process.
The only way to achieve our shared goals is to create a strong working relationship between our
agency and our communities.To do so,we would like to set up shop right at the Los Gatos
Interim Community Center.Together,we will create a mental health resource team that extends
beyond any one school campus for Los Gatos youth.
3.We tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of the population we will serve.
We factor in the unique characteristics of our community when creating any new program,and
this venture will be an innovative idea for CASSY.
4.We hire,train and mentor professional therapists who love working with youth.
We use experienced therapists to tackle our clients’issues rather than using our clients’issues
to train inexperienced therapists.Our model starts with a licensed Clinical Program Manager
who supervises a staff of professional postgraduate therapists.
5.We are committed to making a difference.
We take great pride in improving the lives of the students we support.We view each case
independently to decide the best course of treatment –whether to handle it internally,provide
services on campus,or refer out to another community-based provider.When there is a mental
health crisis at the Community Center,we will be there leading the way.
II.Our Proposed Services and Programs
The specific services we propose to implement at the Los Gatos Interim Community Center will
be aligned with CASSY’s values.
For Students:
Proactive Mental Health Education
An ideal way to improve students’overall mental health is to educate them before they are in
crisis.We provide psycho-educational presentations directly to students and their families.
With the community center space,we can offer presentations to all Los Gatos students who
may benefit,regardless of which school they attend.
Ongoing Counseling –Individual and Group
CASSY provides individual and group counseling sessions on-campus during school hours.There
may be times when a student requests a session after school hours,and the Interim Community
Center would be a convenient meeting space.
For Parents &Community:
Parent Consultation
CASSY therapists are experienced dealing with adolescent behaviors and issues.We offer
parents confidential consultations at the schools we serve;however,some parents cannot meet
during school hours and would like to meet after hours.Having an office at the Los Gatos
Interim Community Center will allow parents to consult with our staff at a convenient location
after school hours –or even during school hours at a location they might prefer for reasons of
confidentiality.
Community Outreach
CASSY provides parent education opportunities by giving presentations and leading discussions
about raising emotionally healthy children.These presentations can be provided at the Los
Gatos Interim Community Center for everyone to attend,regardless of whether they have
students in Los Gatos.
III.Filling an Unmet Community Need
Under our current model,CASSY provides mental health services on campus during the school
day.Some of the concerns we deal with include depression,anxiety,academic stress,family
conflict,and peer relationship issues.However,not all of our student’s issues are appropriate
for the school-based model,thus a room in the neighboring community center would be an
ideal venue for counseling to continue.
We want to give our students the continuity of care they deserve and want to offer counseling
options until the presenting issues are resolved and any negative symptoms are relieved.CASSY
would like to provide continuity of care for our clients outside of school hours,but we do not
currently have a physical location for this support.The Los Gatos Interim Community Center
would provide a much-needed solution.
The Los Gatos Interim Community Center would also be an ideal venue for CASSY to provide
community-wide presentations on mental health topics and be a resource for those who do not
know how to enter into the behavioral system.
IV.Program Evaluation/Expected Data Collection
We offer the following measurable objectives to assess our program:
Quantitative:
●Pediatric Symptoms Checklist (PSC)–The PSC is a psychosocial screen designed to
facilitate the recognition of cognitive,emotional,and behavioral problems so that
appropriate interventions can be initiated as early as possible.CASSY therapists assess
students at the beginning and end of treatment,with the results compiled at the end.
●Progress toward treatment goals –Treatment goals are the building blocks of a
student’s treatment plan.Goals are developed with the student and are designed to be
specific,realistic,and tailored to the needs of each individual youth.
Qualitative:
●Self-report by students –We ask students if they thought counseling was helpful and
whether they would seek counseling again in the future.
●Parent feedback –We request a parent feedback form which gives the parent an
opportunity to evaluate the impact of our services on their child.
●Staff feedback –We invite key staff to complete an end-of-year survey.
V.Qualifications
Contact
Marico Sayoc
Executive Director
msayoc@cassybayarea.org
(408)493-5289
All clinical staff who will be working from the Los Gatos Interim Community Center are
BBS-registered MFTs or MSWs.
Professional References
Dr.Kristy Grasty
Assistant Principal,Los Gatos High School
20 High School Ct.
Los Gatos,CA 95030
kgrasty@lgsuhsd.org
(408)354-2730
In 2009,Dr.Grasty was instrumental in ushering in an award-winning partnership with CASSY to
serve students at Los Gatos High School.
Tylor Taylor
Executive Director,Successful Aging Solutions &Community Counseling (SASCC)
19655 Allendale Avenue
Saratoga,CA 95070
tylor@sascc.org
(408)644-8625
We partnered with Tylor and SASCC on a community-wide mental health fair at Los Gatos High
School in September 2022.The purpose was to provide intergenerational mental health
resources to the entire Los Gatos and Saratoga communities.With space at the Los Gatos
Interim Community Center,we hope to continue with this type of programming.
VI.Organization
CASSY has 40 employees;however,the number of CASSY staff on site would vary,depending on
the type of services performed.For example,individual or group counseling would have one
therapist on site in a private room whereas a community wide presentation may have two to
three staff.
VII.Schedule and Space
CASSY’s ideal space would be one dedicated office for confidential sessions.However,we know
space is limited,so the next best option would be the use of a private office that we could
reserve on an as-needed basis.We also request use of the large multipurpose room –when
available –to provide presentations to the community on mental health concerns.No storage
space is needed;however,if there will be a resource wall,CASSY can provide resources for the
community.
We would be honored to partner with the Town of Los Gatos to support the mental health of
our youth.Please let me know if there are any questions about our proposal or if I can provide
more information.
April 15,2024
Robert Gray
Chief Building Official
Town of Los Gatos
110 E.Main Street
Los Gatos,CA 95030
Dear Robert,
I am pleased to submit this Statement of Interest respectfully requesting to become a
prospective Community Partner with the Town and provide services to the community
at the Interim Community Center,also known as the Adult Recreation Center,located
at 208 E.Main,Los Gatos.AWỌ is the word for skin and color in the Nigerian language
of Yoruba.We’re a social justice non-profit vehemently dedicated to unifying the
glorious shades of HUEmanity.Founded in 2020 in response to the death of George
Floyd,we provide community space where people can ingest accurate cultural
narratives –about themselves,others,and HUEmanity as a collective. We have been
based in Los Gatos since inception and continue to serve the community and its
surrounding areas including Campbell,San Jose,Saratoga,Monte Sereno and
beyond.
The Vision of AWỌ is to achieve a more inclusive and representative world by focusing
on the unheard stories of individuals within society to build a more collective
understanding about ourselves.
To deliver our innovative HUEmanity programs,we use education and awareness
supported by the arts and culture.The art forms we use to support our efforts are
storytelling,music and dance.We are well vast in implementing community
engagement events,public education and awareness events that promote community
conversations,dialogue and different perspectives from black,indigenous,ethnic,
urban,and rural artists and speakers,who come from diverse backgrounds and use
their life experiences to inspire,empower and model how to break down barriers and
bring healing to local communities.
I founded AWỌ and I am the Executive Director.Debra Crenshaw is the Executive
Program Manager.We have a combined work experience of over 60 years in delivering
community engagement events and programming,and school programming in the US,
Nigeria and UK.Our core team of instructors and artists are versatile and work really
well with all ages.They have a combined 100-120 years experience in community
engagement work all across the globe.
AWỌ,through its Wellness for Huemanity Program,proposes an innovative approach
to improve individual and community health &well-being through shared narratives,
engaging interactive activities and experiential learnings related to boosting health and
emotional well-being.Our Wellness for Huemanity Program aims to accomplish health
and social goals such as improving mental wellness,reducing stress and tension and
alleviating pain.In addition to its healing potential,we focus on magnifying the
message of diversity,inclusion,equity,belonging and lived experience.We believe
when people think collectively,can creatively collaborate and are introduced to new
cultures,ultimately,they enhance and expand their understanding,appreciation and
respect of diverse communities and perspectives.Participants will explore their own
identities and intersect with those around them.Services will help individuals recognize
the role diversity,equity,inclusion,belonging and lived experiences play in enhancing
community cohesion and building strong local communities.For the first time and in a
structured setting,if this opportunity is given,we will be providing not just a one time
experience per event but a continuum of collective experiences over a period of time
and through weekly or biweekly sessions.This is a next level development for our
community engagement services.With additional space,we automatically expand and
enhance the delivery of our community engagement offerings.
Our program directly addresses factors like:
●Social and Community Context:Such as social integration,social support and
community engagement.
●Neighborhood conditions:Creating safe and inclusive spaces for well-being
exploration and for fostering a sense of community belonging.
●Advocacy and access to healthcare:Connecting participants to relevant healthcare
services and advocating for culturally competent care.
Three specific desired outcomes if we become a community partner at the Interim
Community Center are–community healing,global perspectives and combat loneliness
&relationship building
First,local community members who come from diverse backgrounds (youth,disabled,
high resourced,refugee,elderly,immigrant,etc.)will use their life experiences to
inspire,empower and teach how to gain confidence and use their own voices to break
down barriers,bridge gaps and bring healing to communities through listening sessions,
honest conversations,music-making activities,such as drumming circles,songwriting,
shared narratives or group singing,we can facilitate emotional release,promote
self-reflection,and create a sense of community.Our arts engagement offerings can
also serve as a catalyst for social connection and support,breaking down barriers and
bridging divides.
Second,local community members will see,hear and experience new insights and
global perspectives from local artists,educators,speakers and other community
members who will broaden self-understanding,cultural competency and empathy for
people different from themselves.
Third,our activities create inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can
come together,collaborate,and build relationships based on shared interests.These
experiences promote social cohesion,combat loneliness,and provide a support
network that can positively impact overall well-being throughout The Town and its
surrounding areas.
To track progress,we will carry out a lot of social documentation work including
collecting,publishing and archiving oral stories,capturing observations and reactions
through photography and videography of the program in progress and collection of
written surveys by participants.All these help us assess the process and also provide
ideas and inspiration for future programs.
Yes,a shared rotational desk space could work.Depending on the group size and
activity type during any one session,there could be anywhere between 1-5 staff and/or
volunteers.It would be good to have a space that is no less than 600 square ft.A safe
storage space of no less that 150-200 square feet is ideal too so if there is a possibility
that this can be available,that’ll be great.Friday (4-10pm),Saturday 9-3pm and/or
Sunday from 1-6pm will be ideal schedules.
1.Board Member:Tomara Hall,349 Cereza Place,San Jose,CA 95112,
209-408-9791,tomarahall7@gmail.com
2.Community Volunteer:Marie Tagne 510-684-3087,meyoum@gmail.com
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Warmest regards,
Folake Phillips
Founder &Executive Director
AWỌ:Skin.Color.Race.
AWỌ is a Registered Charity:87-3912985 Address:1484 Pollard Road
Los Gatos #242,Los Gatos,CA 95032 |Tel:408-601-0364 |
Web:www.AWOcenter.org
From:Folake Phillips
To:Clerk
Subject:Public Comment Item #16
Date:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 12:34:10 AM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello,
Kindly add my comments below for inclusion in a desk item. Thank you.
MY COMMENTS
My name is Folake Phillips. I am the founder and executive director. I am pleased, on behalfof our nonprofit AWỌ, to have submitted a Statement of Interest respectfully requesting to
become a prospective Community Partner with the Town and provide services to thecommunity at the Interim Community Center, also known as the Adult Recreation Center,
located at 208 E. Main, Los Gatos. We are doubly pleased that the Town of Los Gatos isseeking to expand its offerings and support to the community and its nonprofits. We have been
based in Los Gatos since inception in 2020 and continue to serve the community and itssurrounding areas including Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Monte Sereno and beyond. The
Vision of AWỌ is to achieve a more inclusive and representative world by focusing on theunheard stories of individuals within society to build a more collective understanding about
ourselves.
To deliver our innovative HUEmanity programs, we use education and awareness supportedby the arts and culture. The art forms we use to support our efforts are storytelling, music and
dance. We are well vast in implementing community engagement events, public education andawareness events that promote community conversations, dialogue and different perspectives
from black, indigenous, ethnic, urban, and rural artists and speakers, who come from diversebackgrounds and use their life experiences to inspire, empower and model how to break down
barriers and bring healing to local communities. Myself and Debra Crenshaw, our ExecutiveProgram Manager have a combined work experience of over 60 years in delivering
community engagement events and programming, and school programming in the US, Nigeriaand UK. Our core team of instructors and artists are versatile and work really well with all
ages. They have a combined 100-120 years experience in community engagement work allacross the globe. Currently, we are actively in search of a local music therapist to join our
team.
I must share a story that touched me and is a contributing factor to why we remain driven.With permission from her to share, a community member who has lived here in Los Gatos for
over 30 years suffered in silence, felt isolated and was greatly discriminated against after herhusband passed away well over 15 years ago. This woman migrated from Ethiopia and is a
homeowner. She was treated badly and mostly by people she knew. Neighbours and someformer "friends''. At the height of the harassment, threats and some loss of her property as
experienced from these so-called neighbours, she said she really felt lonely, unsafe andsuffered from anxiety for so many years. She felt there was no outlet or resources closeby and
didn't really trust anyone at that point. I would probably feel the same way. I felt so sorry tohear she had gone through so much and was navigating it all without any support. This should
never have to happen to anyone amongst us. There is so much tension in the land at this timeand the pandemic's effects are only just rising to the fore. We want to help the often unheard
amongst us. Those whose untold stories and sufferings go unnoticed for a myriad of reasons.
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We want to address existing gaps in our community with a systemic lens. We want to be a partof the solution.
AWỌ, through its Wellness for Huemanity Program, proposes an innovative approach to
improve individual wellness, community health and quality of life through shared narratives,engaging interactive activities and experiential learnings related to boosting health and
emotional well-being. Our Wellness for Huemanity Program aims to accomplish healthand social goals such as improving mental wellness, reducing stress and tension and
alleviating pain. In addition to its healing potential, we focus on magnifying themessage of diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging and lived experience. We believe when
people think collectively, can creatively collaborate and are introduced to newcultures, ultimately, they enhance and expand their understanding, appreciation and respect of
diverse communities and perspectives. Participants in our program will explore their ownidentities and intersect with those around them. Services we provide will help individuals
recognize the role diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and lived experiences play inenhancing
community cohesion and building strong local communities. For the first time and in astructured setting, if this opportunity is given, we will be providing not just a one time
experience per event but a continuum of collective experiences over a period of time andthrough weekly or biweekly sessions. This is a next level development for our Town, and for
our community engagement services to the community. With additional space, if given the chance,
we automatically expand and enhance our service offerings and reach those amongst us thatoften fall through the cracks. I hope we can collaborate with you. Thank you in advance of
your consideration.
Warmest Regards, Folake Phillips
Founder and Executive Director AWỌ1484 Pollard Road Suite 242
Los Gatos, CA 95032M: 408-221-3430
E: folake@awocenter.orgW:www.awocenter.org