Hi George,

The CDBG Task Force [in Charlottesville, Virginia] reviews RFP's [requests for proposals] and recommends projects to be funded to the Planning Commission and then City Council does the final approval.

Members of the CDBG Task Force are Lelia Brown, Patricia Edwards, Nathan Harris, Joyce Henderson, Elva Holland, Herman Key, Kenneth Martin, Darcy Phillips, Herbert Porter, Cindy Stratton, and David Simmons.

Yes, Abundant Life did complete an RFP. There is no executive summary. Applicants answer specific questions. I can give you a general description of the program, which was submitted by them.

Charlottesville Abundant Life Ministries (CALM) JobKEYS program is an intensive job-and-life skills training initiative targeted to the working poor and to individuals transitioning from welfare to work, who live in the Prospect Avenue community of Charlottesville. JobKEYS aims to equip participants with both the "soft" skills and technical skills they need to secure permanent, full-time employment at a decent wage. Simultaneously, the program's curriculum takes into consideration other aspects of the participants life - their finances, educational goals, and family relationships that have significant bearing on their ability to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Most importantly, Job KEYS surrounds the participants in a web of practical and emotional support that facilitates their successful completion of the program and of their personal goals.

22 low-to-moderate income individuals were served by the program in the 1998-1999 granting period. 6 were full participants in the 1997-1998 JobKeys program; 6 were full participants in the 1998-1999 program; 6 attended the Fall 1998 Introduction to PCs classes (but did not enroll in JobKEYS); and 4 others are enrolled to take the Spring 1999 Intro course.

In the 1998-1999 granting period, they graduated 10 of the 12 "full" JobKEYS participants. "Full" participants are those enrolled in all four of JobKEYS' components: Computer classes, Job seminars, Life Skills Classes, and Mentoring. The first two components were funded by CDBG and the latter two by private sources. To graduate, participants must show satisfactory attendance records at all classes and seminars, complete homework assignments, and pass their computer exams.

This information came directly out of their final annual report to the City. I do not know why they did not return for funds. I think they found other funding, and maybe they wanted to add more spiritual teachings in their work, which of course CDBG could not fund. I will add that I remember the CDBG Task Force really deliberating over this RFP. They knew the organization meant well, but the faith based aspect was very touchy. The Abundant Life Center really worked hard to show us that they separated the church and state aspects. We received some criticism from local groups for assisting this organization. In the end all turned out well. When HUD recently monitored us, they monitored this particular program and felt it was a worthwhile program that was successful. We have spoken to some of the graduates and they are very happy they went through the program and have good meaningful employment. This is the end result that makes it all worthwhile.

Hope this helps you.

Claudette Grant (electronic mail, March 31, 2000).