Community Needs Assessment and Community Action Plan California Department of Community Services and Development - 2022/2023 Community Services ...
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2022/2023
Community Needs Assessment and
Community Action Plan
California Department of
Community Services and Development
Community Services Block Grant
1|PageContents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Federal CSBG Programmatic Assurances and Certification ........................................................................... 3
State Assurances and Certification ................................................................................................................ 3
Compliance with CSBG Organizational Standards ......................................................................................... 4
What’s New For 2022/2023? .......................................................................................................................... 4
Checklist ............................................................................................................................................................ 6
Cover Page and Certification ............................................................................................................................. 7
Public Hearing(s) ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Part I: Community Needs Assessment ............................................................................................................ 10
Community Needs Assessment Narrative .................................................................................................... 11
Community Needs Assessment Results....................................................................................................... 18
Part II: Community Action Plan ........................................................................................................................ 29
Vision and Mission Statement ...................................................................................................................... 29
Tripartite Board of Directors ......................................................................................................................... 30
Service Delivery System .............................................................................................................................. 33
Linkages and Funding Coordination ............................................................................................................. 34
Monitoring .................................................................................................................................................... 41
Data Analysis and Evaluation....................................................................................................................... 43
Additional Information (Optional) .................................................................................................................. 45
State Assurances and Certification .............................................................................................................. 51
Organizational Standards ............................................................................................................................. 52
Appendices...................................................................................................................................................... 54
2|PageIntroduction
The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) has developed the 2022/2023
Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and Community Action Plan (CAP) template for the
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) network. Each agency must submit a completed CAP,
including a CNA to CSD on or before June 30, 2021. In an effort to reduce administrative burden
during the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, CSD has made changes to the CAP template.
The changes are detailed below in the “What’s New for 2022/2023?” section. Provide all narrative
responses in 12-point Arial font with 1.5 spacing. When the CNA and CAP are complete, they should
not exceed 52 pages, excluding the appendices.
Purpose
Public Law 105-285 (the CSBG Act) and the California Government Code require that CSD secure a
CAP, including a CNA from each agency. Section 676(b)(11) of the CSBG Act directs that receipt of a
CAP is a condition to receive funding. Section 12747(a) of the California Government Code requires
the CAP to assess poverty-related needs, available resources, feasible goals and strategies that yield
program priorities consistent with standards of effectiveness established for the program. Although
CSD may prescribe statewide priorities or strategies that shall be considered and addressed at the
local level, each agency is authorized to set its own program priorities in conformance to its
determination of local needs. The CAP supported by the CNA is a two-year plan that shows how
agencies will deliver CSBG services. CSBG funds are by their nature designed to be flexible. They
shall be used to support activities that increase the capacity of low-income families and individuals to
become self-sufficient.
Federal CSBG Programmatic Assurances and Certification
The Federal CSBG Programmatic Assurances are found in section 676(b) of the CSBG Act. These
assurances are an integral part of the information included in the CSBG State Plan. A list of the
assurances that are applicable to CSBG agencies has been provided in the Federal Programmatic
Assurances section of this template. CSBG agencies should review these assurances and certify that
they are in compliance.
State Assurances and Certification
As required by the CSBG Act, states are required to submit a State Plan as a condition to receive
funding. Information provided in agencies’ CAPs will be included in the CSBG State Plan. Alongside
Organizational Standards, the state will be reporting on State Accountability Measures in order to
ensure accountability and program performance improvement. A list of the applicable State
Assurances and the agency certification for them are found in the State Assurances section of this
template.
3|PageCompliance with CSBG Organizational Standards
As described in the Office of Community Services (OCS) Information Memorandum (IM) #138 dated
January 26, 2015, CSBG agencies will comply with implementation of the Organizational Standards.
CSD has identified the Organizational Standards that are met through the completion of the CAP and
the CNA. A list of Organizational Standards that will be met upon completion of the CAP can be found
in the Organizational Standards section of this template. Agencies are encouraged to utilize this list as a
resource when reporting on the Organizational Standards annually.
What’s New For 2022/2023?
Two-Part Layout. The 2022/2023 template has been divided into two parts:
Part I: Community Needs Assessment (CNA); and
Part II: Community Action Plan (CAP).
The CNA portion has sections for the needs assessment narrative and the results. Surveys and
analysis documents may be attached as appendices. The CAP portion encompasses all the usual
topics such as Vision and Mission Statement, Tripartite Board of Directors, Service Delivery System,
Linkages, Monitoring, etc.
Revised Public Hearing Section. In addition to including the statue for the public hearing
requirement, CSD has incorporated new guidelines for issuing the Notice of Public Hearing and the
draft CAP, and documenting low-income testimony delivered at the public hearing. The Low-Income
Testimony and Agency Response document will be required as an appendix. See the section on
Public Hearing(s) for more details.
CNA Helpful Resources. Part I: Community Needs Assessment contains resources on conducting a
needs assessment, influence of COVID-19 on the process, and updated links to state and national
quantitative data sets.
Revised and Reduced Narrative Sections. Every effort has been made to reduce the administrative
burden of conducting a CNA and preparing a CAP during an active pandemic. Although these tasks
are fundamental to CSBG and should not be overlooked, CSD is aware of the reduced capacity and
other circumstances under which many of the agencies are functioning. CSD has removed questions,
utilized check boxes when possible, and made some questions optional. Many questions about the
federal and state assurances have been removed. However, agencies are still required to certify that
they are in compliance with the assurances. In the sections pertaining to the Tripartite Board of
Directors and Linkages, for instance, agencies may indicate whether there are changes to the
response in the 2020-2021 CAP or whether they would like CSD to accept the 2020-2021 CAP
response without adaptations. Please keep in mind that these flexibilities are made because of the
COVID-19 pandemic and may not be utilized in future years.
4|PageAdditional Information. CSD has added a section to address disaster preparedness and agency
capacity building. While this information is not directly mandated by statue, it is important to know
agencies have disaster response plans in place and are making efforts to increase their own
capacities. Responses to these questions are optional.
Federal and State Assurances Certification. Pertaining to the federal and state assurances, CSD
removed questions where possible. If compliance to an assurance could be demonstrated without a
narrative, the question was removed. However, agencies will still be required to certify that the
Federal CSBG Programmatic Assurances and the State Assurances are being met. Agency
certifications are found in those sections.
CSBG State Plan References. Information for the CSBG State Plan comes largely from CAPs
submitted by agencies. To help agencies understand their roll in preparing the CSBG State Plan,
CSD has indicated which questions contribute to the development of the annual CSBG State Plan.
5|PageChecklist
☒ Cover Page and Certification
☒ Public Hearing(s)
Part I: Community Needs Assessment
☒ Narrative
☒ Results
Part II: Community Action Plan
☒ Vision Statement
☒ Mission Statement
☒ Tripartite Board of Directors
☒ Service Delivery System
☒ Linkages and Funding Coordination
☒ Monitoring
☒ Data Analysis and Evaluation
☒ Additional Information (Optional)
☒ Federal CSBG Programmatic Assurances and Certification
☒ State Assurances and Certification
☒ Organizational Standards
☒ Appendices
6|PageCOMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT (CSBG)
2022/2023 Community Needs Assessment and Community Action Plan
Cover Page and Certification
Agency Name CommUnify
Name of CAP Contact Dr. Leonie H. Mattison and David Jimenez
Title Chief Operating Officer and Business Analyst
Phone 805.964.8857 ext.#1130/1142
Email lmattison@CommUnifySB.org; djimenez@CommUnifySB.org
CNA Completed MM/DD/YYYY: 03/06/2019
(Organizational Standard 3.1)
Board and Agency Certification
The undersigned hereby certifies that this agency complies with the Federal CSBG Programmatic and State
Assurances as outlined in the CSBG Act and California Government Code, respectively for services provided
under the Federal Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Community Action Plan. The undersigned further certifies the
information in this Community Needs Assessment and the Community Action Plan is correct and has been
authorized by the governing body of this organization. (Organizational Standard 3.5)
Bob Freeman
Board Chair (printed name) Board Chair (signature) Date
Patricia Keelean
Executive Director (printed name) Executive Director (signature) Date
Certification of ROMA Trainer/Implementer (If applicable)
The undersigned hereby certifies that this agency’s Community Action Plan and strategic plan documents the
continuous use of the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) system (assessment,
planning, implementation, achievement of results, and evaluation).
David Jimenez David Jimenez Digitally signed by David Jimenez
Date: 2021.06.16 16:13:48 -07'00' 6/16/2021
NCRT/NCRI (printed name) NCRT/NCRI (signature) Date
CSD Use Only
Dates CAP (Parts I & II) Accepted By
Received Accepted
7|PagePublic Hearing(s)
California Government Code Section 12747(b)-(d)
State Statute Requirements
As required by California Government Code Section 12747(b)-(d), agencies are required to conduct a
public hearing for the purpose of reviewing the draft CAP. All testimony presented by low-income
individuals and families during the public hearing shall be identified in the final CAP. Agencies shall
indicate whether or not the concerns expressed by low-income individuals and families have been
addressed. If an agency determines that any of the concerns have not been addressed in the CAP,
the agency shall include in its response document, information about the concerns and comment as
to their validity.
Public Hearing Guidelines
Notice of Public Hearing
1. Notice of the hearing and comment period must be published at least 15 calendar days prior to
the public hearing.
2. The notice may be published on the agency’s website, Facebook page, social media channels,
and/or in newspaper(s) of local distribution.
3. The notice must include information about the draft CAP; where members of the community
may review, or how they may receive a copy of, the draft CAP; the dates of the comment
period; where written comments may be sent; date, time, and location of the public hearing;
and the agency contact information.
4. The comment period should be open for at least 15 calendar days prior to the hearing.
Agencies may opt to extend the comment period for a selected number of days after the
hearing.
5. The draft CAP must be made available for public review and inspection at least 30 days prior
to the hearing. The draft CAP can be posted on the agency’s website, Facebook page, social
media channels, and distributed electronically or in paper format.
6. Attach a copy of the Notice(s) of Public Hearing as Appendix A to the final CAP.
Public Hearing
1. Agencies must conduct at least one public hearing on the draft CAP.
2. Public hearing(s) shall not be held outside of the service area(s).
3. Low-income testimony presented at the hearing or received during the comment period must
be memorialized verbatim in the Low-Income Testimony and Agency’s Response document
and appended to the final CAP as Appendix B.
4. The Low-Income Testimony and Agency’s Response document should include the name of
low-income individual, his/her verbatim testimony, an indication of whether or not the need was
addressed in the draft CAP, and the agency’s response to the testimony if the concern was not
addressed in the draft CAP.
8|PageGuidance for Public Hearings During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unique challenges to fulfilling the public hearing requirement. CSD
asks that agencies adhere to state and county public health guidance to slow the spread of the virus
and ensure public safety. The health and safety of agency staff and the communities you serve is
paramount. If a public hearing cannot be conducted in person, CSD encourages agencies to utilize
other formats or methods that will still adhere to the state and county public health guidance. If
conducing a public hearing through other formats or methods is still not possible, agencies must
contact their Field Representative at CSD at least 30 days prior to the submission of the CAP for
additional guidance. Agencies will be required to provide documentation to support their constraints
to meet the public hearing requirement.
Public Hearing Report
Date(s) of Public Hearing(s) 05/26/2021
Location(s) of Public Hearing(s) Virtual via Zoom
Dates of the Comment Period(s) 04/26/2021 – 05/26/2021
Where was the Notice of Public
Hearing published? (agency website, Agency website and social media
newspaper, social media channels) channels
Date the Notice(s) of Public Hearing(s)
was published 05/11/2021
Number of Attendees at the Public
Hearing(s) (Approximately) 7
9|PagePart I: Community Needs Assessment
CSBG Act Section 676(b)(11)
California Government Code Section 12747(a)
Helpful Resources
In 2011, NASCSP published a Community Action to Comprehensive Community Needs Assessment
Tool that supports planning and implementing a comprehensive CNA. The tool lays out design
choices, planning steps, implementation practices, analysis, and presentation options.
The National Community Action Partnership has resources such as an online Community Needs
Assessment Tool and information about conducing a needs assessment during the COVID-19
pandemic. The Partnership also has a Data Hub designed specifically for the community needs
assessment process.
To provide a comprehensive “picture” of the community needs in your service area(s), agencies will
collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Links to several national and state
quantitative data sets are given below. Local and agency data also provide information about the
needs of the community.
National and State Data Sets
U.S. Department of U.S. Department of
U.S. Bureau of Labor
U.S. Census Bureau Housing and Urban Health and Human
Statistics
Poverty Data Development Services
Economic Data
Housing Data & Report Data Portal
National Low-Income Housing National Center for Education
Baseline Census
Coalition Statistics
Data by County
Housing Needs by State IPEDS
California Department California Attorney California Department California Governor’s
of Finance General of Public Health Office
Demographics Access RSS Data Various Data Sets Covid-19 Data
California Department of Education California Employment Development Department
School Data via DataQuest UI Data by County
10 | P a g eCommunity Needs Assessment Narrative
CSBG Act Sections 676(b)(3)(C), 676(b)(9)
Organizational Standards 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
State Plan
1. How did the agency share the CAP, including the CNA, with the community, stakeholders,
partner organizations? (Check all that apply.)
☒ The agency’s website
☒ Posted on the agency’s Facebook page
☒ Electronic reports were sent
☐ Printed copies were distributed
☒ Social media channels
☐ Other
2. Describe how your agency collected and included current data specific to poverty and its
prevalence related to gender, age, and race/ethnicity for your service area. (Organizational
Standard 3.2, State Plan)
CommUnify’s Community Needs Assessment Steering Committee utilized a variety of local, state
and national data sources to document poverty in Santa Barbara County and its prevalence related
to gender, age and race/ethnicity, including:
• Community Action Partnership Data Hub
• American Community Survey (US Census Bureau)
• U.S. Census Bureau
• KidsData (2012-16)
• Cottage Hospital Health Indicator Profiles
• Kids Network Children’s Scorecard (2018)
• Maternal Infant Health Assessment Survey (2010-12)
• University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Community Indicators Project (2017)
Demographic data related to gender, age and race/ethnicity was collected from the Community
Action Partnership’s Data Hub, the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey. This
information was compared to the age and race of consumers served by CommUnify and reported in
11 | P a g ethe CSBG Annual Report for 2018. Data were subsequently compared to survey and focus group
data across geographic regions to ensure a representative sample of low-income residents were
included in the needs assessment process.
3. Describe the geographic location(s) that your agency is funded to serve. If applicable, include a
description of the various pockets, high-need areas, or neighborhoods of poverty that are being
served by your agency.
Santa Barbara County is home to more than 440,000 residents over 2,700 square miles. The
County is bordered by San Luis Obispo County to the north and Ventura County to the east and
south. The County is geographically stretched and includes isolated rural communities and
agricultural enterprises, small to mid-sized cities and suburbs, beach communities and ranches,
Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc Federal Prison, and the Chumash Reservation.
To ensure the most effective service delivery, CommUnify addresses the county in four regions: 1)
the North County region, including the cities of Santa Maria, Guadalupe, and Cuyama; 2) Lompoc,
including Vandenberg Village; 3) Santa Ynez Valley, including Solvang and Buellton; 4) the South
County region, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.
4. Indicate from which sources your agency collected and analyzed quantitative data for the
CNA. (Check all that apply.) (Organizational Standard 3.3)
Federal Government/National Data Sets Local Data Sets
☒ Census Bureau ☐ Local crime statistics
☐ Bureau of Labor Statistics ☐ High school graduation rate
☐ Department of Housing & Urban ☐ School district school readiness
Development ☐ Local employers
☐ Department of Health & Human ☐ Local labor market
Services ☒ Childcare providers
☐ National Low-Income Housing Coalition ☐ Public benefits usage
☐ National Center for Education Statistics ☒ County Public Health Department
☐ Other online data resources ☐ Other
☐ Other
Agency Data Sets
California State Data Sets ☒ Client demographics
☐ Employment Development Department ☒ Service data
☐ Department of Education ☒ CSBG Annual Report
☐ Department of Public Health ☒ Client satisfaction data
☐ Attorney General ☐ Other
☐ Department of Finance
☐ State Covid-19 Data
12 | P a g e☐ Other
Surveys
☒ Clients
☒ Partners and other service providers
☒ General public
☒ Staff
☒ Board members
☒ Private sector
☒ Public sector
☒ Educational institutions
5. If you selected “Other” in any of the data sets in Question 4, list the additional sources.
6. Indicate the approaches your agency took to gather qualitative data for the CNA. (Check all
that apply.) (Organizational Standard 3.3)
Surveys Focus Groups
☒ Clients ☒ Local leaders
☒ Partners and other service providers ☐ Elected officials
☒ General public ☒ Partner organizations’ leadership
☒ Staff ☐ Board members
☒ Board members ☐ New and potential partners
☒ Private sector ☒ Clients
☒ Public sector ☐ Staff
☒ Educational institutions
☐ Community Forums
Interviews
☒ Local leaders
☐ Asset Mapping
☐ Elected officials
☐ Partner organizations’ leadership ☐ Other
☒ Board members
☐ New and potential partners
☐ Clients
7. If you selected “Other” in Question 6, please list the additional approaches your agency took to
gather qualitative data.
8. Describe your agency’s analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data collected from low-
income individuals and families. Include a description of the data collected. (Organizational
Standards 1.1, 1.2, 3.3; State Plan)
13 | P a g eQuantitative Data: Includes information from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community
Survey, KidsData, Maternal Infant Health Assessment Survey (2010-12) and University of California
Santa Barbara (UCSB) Community Indicators Project (2017), as well as community and
stakeholder survey data, and local partner surveys/reports. We identified repetitive themes to
identify the needs of the community.
Qualitative Data: Includes information gathered through Key Informant (expert) interviews, focus
groups and success stories. We identified repetitive themes to identify the needs of the community.
9. Summarize the data gathered from each sector of the community listed below and detail how
your agency used the information to assess needs and resources in your agency’s service
area(s). Your agency must demonstrate that each sector was included in the needs
assessment; A response for each sector is required. (CSBG Act Sections 676(b)(3)(C),
676(b)(9); Organizational Standard 2.2; State Plan)
A. Community-based organizations
CBO staff participated in partner focus groups and completed over 60 stakeholder
surveys. Organizations represented a cross-section of organizations including human
services, housing, education, mental health, basic needs, and workforce development
services.
B. Faith-based organizations
A focus group composed of representatives from local faith-based organizations was
held in November 2018 to explore the needs of low-income individuals and families in
Santa Barbara County. Stakeholder surveys were also distributed.
C. Private sector (local utility companies, charitable organizations, local food banks)
Stakeholder surveys were distributed to local Chambers of Commerce in Santa
Barbara County, including Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc and Santa Maria.
D. Public sector (social services departments, state agencies)
Stakeholder surveys were distributed to staff employed at a variety of Santa Barbara
County offices including the Department of Social Services, Department of Human
Services, Behavioral Wellness, Education Office, Probation Department and others.
Professional representatives from the public sector also participated in a focus group.
14 | P a g eE. Educational institutions (local school districts, colleges)
Stakeholder surveys were distributed to First5 and local school districts throughout
Santa Barbara County, including Santa Barbara Unified School District, Carpinteria
Unified School District, Goleta Union School District, Lompoc Unified School District,
and Santa Maria-Bonita School District. Stakeholders from local community colleges
and universities, including the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Santa
Barbara City College (SBCC), also Alan Hancock Joint Community College District
also participated.
10. “Causes of poverty” are the negative factors that create or foster barriers to self-sufficiency
and/or reduce access to resources in communities in which low-income individuals live. After
review and analysis of the data, describe the causes of poverty in your agency’s service
area(s). (Organizational Standard 3.4, State Plan)
Despite its reputation as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara County currently has the third
highest poverty rate in the state according to the California Poverty Measure (Public Policy Institute
of California, 2018) which takes into consideration the cost of living, expenses such as housing,
medical and child care, as well as the availability of safety net benefits. In fact, the Living Wage
Calculator, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, estimates that a family with
two adults (one working) and two children living in Santa Barbara County must earn $67,370
annually in order to live above the Federal Poverty Guideline. Thus, families with annual incomes
falling between $25,750 and $67,369 in Santa Barbara County are often among “the working poor”
who, despite economic struggles, are often not eligible for many “safety net” benefits.
A number of key factors contribute to poverty in Santa Barbara County including:
• High cost-of-living;
• lack of affordable housing;
• lack of affordable child care, especially for infants and toddlers;
• lack of access to health/dental care, particularly for undocumented populations; and,
• a significant percentage (15%) of local jobs pay less than poverty guidelines.
11. “Conditions of poverty” are the negative environmental, safety, health and/or economic
conditions that may reduce investment or growth in communities where low-income individuals
live. After review and analysis of the data, describe the conditions of poverty in your agency’s
15 | P a g eservice area(s). (Organizational Standard 3.4, State Plan)
Regional economies and employment vary greatly from the south county region, which has a highly
skilled and educated workforce employed in professional, technology/scientific, retail and
management sectors, to the mid and north county regions known best for its agriculture and
employing lower skill/lower wage earners.
These various factors contribute to a complex picture of poverty in Santa Barbara County which
leads to a variety of documented poverty-related conditions, including:
• Employed workers who are paid non-living wages (too many part-time/temporary positions);
• Lack of education required to obtain necessary skills (hard/soft) to work in current economy;
• Generational poverty (lack of intergenerational upward mobility);
• Lack of affordable childcare, especially for infants and toddlers;
• Lack of affordable health insurance for undocumented workers;
• Multiple families living in one household;
• Homelessness; and,
• Lack access to safety-net resources for “working poor” and immigrant/undocumented
populations.
12. Describe your agency’s approach or system for collecting, analyzing, and reporting customer
satisfaction data to the governing board. (Organizational Standard 6.4, State Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
CommUnify’s Board of Directors adopted a Customer Satisfaction Policy and Procedure in 2018
which outlines the process for collecting, analyzing and reporting customer satisfaction data from
consumers on a quarterly basis utilizing five key questions:
• Do you feel welcome and treated with respect when seeking or receiving services from us?
• Have you received quality services?
• Have we met your expectations?
16 | P a g e• Are you informed of other services the agency offers?
• Additional comments or recommendations?
Responses from these questions are summarized on both departmental level and agency levels,
then reported to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. Customer satisfaction data is used as
part of the ongoing ROMA process to evaluate program and agency performance, as well as
utilized in assessing community needs.
17 | P a g eCommunity Needs Assessment Results
CSBG Act Section 676(b)(11)
California Government Code Section 12747(a)
Table 1: Needs Table
Complete the table below. Insert a row if additional space is needed.
Needs Identified Level Integral Currently Agency
to Addressing Priority
Agency (Y/N) (Y/N)
Mission
(Y/N)
Families lack affordable housing Family Y Y Y
Community lacks enough affordable housing Community
units
Families are not aware of health/dental services Family Y Y Y
in our community
Family Y Y Y
Families lack mental/behavioral health support
Families lack financial/budgeting support Family Y Y Y
Family Y Y Y
Families are at risk of child abuse
Community Y Y Y
Our community lacks utility assistance for
vulnerable populations - undocumented
Community Y Y Y
Our community lacks coordination between
agencies providing services to promote youth
safety.
18 | P a g eNeeds Identified: List the needs identified in your most recent CNA.
Level: List the need level, i.e. community or family. Community Level: Does the issue impact the community,
not just clients or potential clients of the agency? For example, a community level employment need is: There
is a lack of good paying jobs in our community. Family Level: Does the need concern individuals/families who
have identified things in their own life that are lacking? An example of a family level employment need would
be: Individuals do not have good paying jobs.
Integral to Agency Mission: Indicate if the identified need aligns with your agency’s mission.
Currently Addressing: Indicate if your agency is already addressing the identified need.
Agency Priority: Indicate if the identified need will be addressed either directly or indirectly.
19 | P a g eTable 2: Priority Ranking Table
Prioritize all needs identified as an agency priority in Table 1. Insert a row if additional space is needed.
Agency Priorities Description of Indicator(s)/Service(s)
programs, services, Category
activities (CNPI, FNPI, SRV)
1. Affordable Housing 2-1-1: Referrals and linkages SRV 7c: Number of
individuals referred to
housing services.
-
Weatherization Services: FNPI 4.g. Number of
repairs, energy efficiency, etc. households who
experienced improved
health and safety.
FNPI 4.h. Number of
households with
improved energy
efficiency and/or
energy burden
reduction.
-
Utility Assistance: funding
SRV4i: Utility
and education
Payments (LIHEAP)
SRV4j: Utility Deposits
SRV4k: Utility Arrears
Payment
-
20 | P a g eHome Repairs: repairs and SRV4q: Home Repairs
safety (structural, appliance,
heating systems, etc.)
-
Family Self-Sufficiency:
FNPI 4a: # of
Comprehensive case
households
management in employment,
experiencing
education, housing, etc.
homelessness that
obtain safe temporary
shelter. FNPI 4b:
Number of households
that obtain safe and
affordable housing.
FNPI 4c: Number of
households that
maintain safe and
affordable housing for
90 days.
FPNI 4e: Number of
households that will
avoid eviction.
2. Health & Dental Services 2-1-1: Linkages and referrals SRV 7c: # of
individuals referred to
health/dental services.
-
Senior Nutrition: Nutrition
FNPI 5f: Number of
Education for seniors.
seniors (65+) who
21 | P a g emaintained an
independent living
situation.
FNPI 5ff: Nutrition
Education Sessions
-
AFLP: Expecting/parenting FNPI 5b: Number of
females receive positive individuals who
development services demonstrated
improved physical
health and well-being.
SRV 5g: Maternal/
Child Health
SRV 5n: STI/HIV
Prevention Counseling
Sessions
SRV 5mm Parenting
Classes
-
Family Self-Sufficiency:
Comprehensive case FNPI 5b: Number of
management in employment, individuals who
education, housing, demonstrated
health/dental, etc. improved physical
health and well-being.
-
22 | P a g eSRV 5d: Vision
Children’s Services:
Screening
Comprehensive education,
health and family support SRV 5bb: Adult Dental
services. Screening/Exams
SRV 5cc Adult Dental
Services
FNPI 5b: Number of
individuals who
demonstrated
improved physical
health and well-being.
SRV 5a:
Immunizations
SRV 5b: Physicals
SRV 5c:
Developmental Delay
Screenings
SRV 5d: Vision
Screenings
SRV 5dd: Child Dental
Screenings and Exams
3. Mental/Behavioral Health 2-1-1: Linkages and referrals SRV 7c: Number of
individuals referred to
mental/behavioral
health services.
-
23 | P a g eYOBG: Males 13-18 involved in FNPI 5c: Number of
the juvenile justice system individuals who
receive prosocial services and demonstrated
support. improved
mental/behavioral
health and well-being.
SRV 5kk: Mentoring
Sessions
SRV 5ll: Life Skills
Sessions
-
Family Wellness: FNPI 5d: Number of
Comprehensive behavioral individuals who
health services for children, up improved skills related
to 5 years old, who are enrolled to the adult
in our Head Start program.
FNPI 5e: Number of
parents/caregivers who
demonstrated
increased sensitivity
and responsiveness in
their interactions with
their children.
SRV 5u. Mental Health
Assessments
SRV 5v. Mental Health
Counseling
-
24 | P a g eFamily Self-Sufficiency: FNPI 5c: Number of
Comprehensive case individuals who
management in employment, demonstrated
education, housing, improved
health/dental, etc. mental/behavioral
health and well-being.
SRV 5k: Coaching
Sessions
-
FSP-TAY: Comprehensive
FNPI 5c: Number of
support services to transition
individuals who
aged youth
demonstrated
improved
mental/behavioral
health and well-being.
4. Financial/Budgeting Support 2-1-1: Referrals and linkages SRV 7c: Number of
individuals referred to
financial aid/assistance
services.
-
OCAP/Financial FNPI 3h: Number of
Empowerment Program: individuals who report
Families receive financial improved financial
literacy education. well-being.
25 | P a g eAFLP: Expecting/parenting FNPI 3h: Number of
females receive life skills individuals who report
training. improved financial
well-being.
-
FNPI 1b: Number of
Family Self-Sufficiency:
unemployed adults
Financial literacy training and
who obtain
comprehensive case
employment up to a
management in employment,
living wage.
education, housing, etc.
FNPI 3h: Number of
individuals who report
improved financial
well-being.
-
FNPI 3h: Number of
Children’s Services: individuals who report
Comprehensive education and improved financial
family support services. well-being.
5. Risk of Child Abuse 2-1-1: Linkages and referrals SRV 7c: Number of
individuals referred to
family support
services.
-
26 | P a g eAFLP: Expecting/parenting FNPI 5d: Number of
females receive positive individuals who
development/support services. improved skills related
to the adult role of
parents/ caregivers.
FNPI 5e: Number of
parents/caregivers who
demonstrated
increased sensitivity
and responsiveness in
their interactions with
their children.
SRV 5k: Coaching
Sessions
SRV 5mm: Parenting
Classes
-
Family Self-Sufficiency:
FNPI 5d: Number of
Comprehensive case
individuals who
management in employment,
improved skills related
education, housing,
to the adult role of
health/dental, etc.
parents/ caregivers.
SRV 5k: Coaching
Sessions
SRV 5mm: Parenting
Classes
27 | P a g eChildren’s Services: FNPI 5d: Number of
Comprehensive education and individuals who
family support services. improved skills related
to the adult role of
parents/caregivers.
FNPI 5e: Number of
parents/caregivers who
demonstrated
increased sensitivity
and responsiveness in
their interactions with
their children.
SRV 5k: Coaching
Sessions
SRV 5mm: Parenting
Classes
Agency Priorities: Rank your agency priorities.
Description of programs, services, activities: Briefly describe the program, services or activities that your
agency will provide to address the need. Identify the number of clients to be served or the number of units
offered, including timeframes for each.
Indicator/Service Category (CNPI, FNPI, SRV): List the indicator(s) or service(s) that will be reported in
annual report.
28 | P a g ePart II: Community Action Plan
CSBG Act Section 676(b)(11)
California Government Code Sections 12745(e), 12747(a)
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 11, Chapter 1, Sections 100651 and 100655
Vision and Mission Statement
1. Provide your agency’s Vision Statement.
People Living Sustainable and Independent Lives.
2. Provide your agency’s Mission Statement.
We provide education and supportive services in partnership with the community so Santa Barbara
County residents can improve their economic security, become self-sufficient, and retain their
dignity.
29 | P a g eTripartite Board of Directors
CSBG Act Sections 676B(a); 676(b)(10)
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 11, Chapter 1, Section 100605
State Plan
1. Describe how your Advisory or Governing Board is involved in the decision-making process and
participates in the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of programs to serve
low-income communities. (CSBG Act Section 676B(a))
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
CommUnify Board members are ROMA-trained and involved at all levels in decision-making related
to programmatic and fiduciary responsibilities, including:
• Development Process
o Needs Assessment
▪ CNA Steering Committee
o Review of Agency Mission
▪ Regular Review/Update of Mission Statement
• Planning
o Long-Range Strategic Planning
▪ Board Strategic Planning
o Annual Planning
▪ Planning Committee
• Implementation
o Fiduciary Responsibilities
▪ Finance Committee
▪ Audit Committee
o Program Updates
30 | P a g e• Evaluation
o Planning Committee – Review/monitoring of Strategic Plan goals/objectives
o Review of Annual CSBG Report
o Review of ROMA Logic Model Performance by program
2. Describe your agency’s procedures under which a low-income individual, community
organization, religious organization, or representative of low-income individuals that considers
its organization or low-income individuals to be inadequately represented on your agency’s
board to petition for adequate representation. (CSBG Act Section 676(b)(10), State Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
Consistent with Sections 4.3 and 4.5 of CommUnify’s Bylaws (Reviewed July 2016), low-income
sector Board members will appoint the candidates who, by means of democratic selection
procedures adequate to ensure that low-income individuals and families are represented from
across the county. As specified, one of these Board seats will be held by the Head Start Policy
Council Chair or designee. The remaining members need not be low-income themselves. Currently,
CommUnify Board Members representing the low-income sector include:
• Gabriella Gonzalez, Head Start Policy Council Chair;
• Karin Dominguez, Santa Maria Unified School District Project Lead – THRIVE Santa Maria
• Robert Freeman, CEO CenCal Health
• Josephine Torres, Santa Barbara Resident and former Head Start participant
• Sanford Riggs, Housing Authority for the County of Santa Barbara, COO
3. Describe your Advisory or Governing Board’s policy for filling board vacancies in accordance
with established bylaws. Include the recruiting process, democratic selections process for low-
income board members, and the timeframe established by your agency to fill vacancies. (State
Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist in the following cases:
31 | P a g eA. The death, resignation, or removal of any Director;
B. The declaration by resolution of the Board of a vacancy in the office of a Director who has
been declared of unsound mind by an order of court, or convicted of a felony or has been found
by final order or judgment of any court to have breached a duty under Article 3 of Chapter 2 of the
Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law;
C. The vote of a majority of the Directors to remove a Director;
D. The increase of the authorized number of Directors; or
E. The failure of the Board, at any meeting of the Board at which any Director or Directors are
to be elected, to elect the number of Directors to be elected at such meeting, or by failure to elect
the full authorized number of Directors or for any other cause.
A vacancy or vacancies in the Board may be filled by a majority of the Directors then in office,
whether or not less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director.
Each Director so elected shall hold office until the end of his or her term and until his or her
successor is elected and qualified, or until he or she resigns or is removed from the Board. A
Director may succeed himself or herself in office.
32 | P a g eService Delivery System
CSBG Act Section 676(b)(3)(A)
State Plan
1. Describe your agency’s service delivery system. Include a description of your client intake
process or system and specify whether services are delivered via direct services or
subcontractors, or a combination of both. (CSBG Act Section 676(b)(3)(A), State Plan)
While each department currently utilizes a separate intake process, CommUnify is currently working
to implement a universal intake form to streamline and promote integration of agency programming
through a centralized intake process. By coordinating access to multiple types of services,
CommUnify seeks to empower customers, promote greater economic stability and promote
resiliency.
2. List your agency’s proposed programs/services/activities that will be funded by CSBG. Include
a brief explanation as to why these were chosen and how they relate to the CNA. (CSBG Act
Section 676(b)(3)(A), State Plan)
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding is currently utilized to support CommUnify’s
Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). The Family Self-Sufficiency Program was implemented in
2019 to promote economic security through intensive case management and support services
designed to assist low-income individuals overcome critical barriers to independence. As identified
in CommUnify’s most recent Community Needs Assessment, this program is designed to directly
address a wide array of customer needs identified in the Community Needs Assessment as barriers
to economic security including affordable housing, child care, medical/dental care and financial
literacy. CSBG funds are used for FSS staff salary/benefits, case management services and direct
services to customers, as well as administrative staff salaries, equipment, and other administrative
expenses.
33 | P a g eLinkages and Funding Coordination
CSBG Act Sections 676(b)(1)(B) and (C), (3)(C) and (D), 676(b)(4), (5), (6), and (9)
California Government Code Sections 12747, 12760
Organizational Standards 2.1, 2.4
State Plan
1. Describe how your agency coordinates funding with other providers in your service area. If
there is a formalized coalition of social service providers in your service area, list the coalition(s)
by name and methods used to coordinate services/funding. (CSBG Act Sections 676(b)(1)(C),
676(b)(3)(C); Organizational Standard 2.1; State Plan)
CommUnify participates in a wide range of collaborative groups, coalitions, task forces and
committees which strive to improve the coordination and quality of services including:
• Children’s System of Care Cross-Agency Group (FYS Director)
• Child Abuse Prevention Council (FYS Director)
• Central Coast Teen Pregnancy Prevention Collaborative (FYS Director/Direct Staff)
• Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention & Response (FYS Director)
• Lompoc Valley Partnership for Youth (FYS Director/Program Manager)
• School Readiness Task Force (Children’s Services Director)
• Mental Health CBO Coalition (CEO)
• South Coast Task Force on Youth Safety (CEO/FYS Director)
• Dental Access Resource Team – DART (Mental Health/Disabilities Direct Service Staff)
• Early Childhood Mental Health and Special Needs Collaborative (Clinical Services Director)
• Santa Barbara County Grants Consortium (Grant Writer) – Plan/facilitate agencies interested
in collaborating on a variety of grant proposals.
• SB County Child Care Planning Council (Children’s Services Director)
• Kids Network (Children’s Service Director/FYS Director/Program Managers)
• Adult and Aging Network (CEO/Community Services Director/Program Manager)
• Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (FYS Director/Program Manager/Coordinator)
34 | P a g e• First Five Santa Barbara County (Children’s Services Manager): Plan/oversee annual Prop
10 funds.
• Complete Count Santa Barbara Steering Committee (CEO)
• County of Santa Barbara Housing Authority Program Coordinating Committee (Community
Services Director and Assistant Director)
• Isolated Senior Committee (CEO)
• Santa Barbara Foundation’s Collaboration for Social Impact Committee (CEO)
• County of Santa Barbara’s Equity Advisory & Outreach Committee (CEO)
2. Provide information on any memorandums of understanding and/or service agreements your
agency has with other entities regarding coordination of services/funding. (Organizational
Standard 2.1, State Plan)
CommUnify has established MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) and professional service
agreements with a host of other community-based organizations, County Departments, education,
human services, businesses, faith-based and nonprofit organizations outlining cooperative working
relationships, in-kind services and fee-based services. Copies of MOUs are available upon request.
3. Describe how services are targeted to low-income individuals and families and indicate how staff
is involved, i.e. attend community meetings, provide information, make referrals, etc. Include
how you ensure that funds are not used to duplicate services. (CSBG Act Section 676(b)(9),
California Government Code Section 12760, State Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
CommUnify uses information gathered in our Community Needs Assessment to identify the top
priority needs for low-income individuals and families, as well as the broader community. Once
identified, CommUnify further analyzes these needs by geographic region, targeting the greatest
needs in specific communities within north, south and mid-county areas.
CommUnify provides leadership/managers/direct services staff opportunities to collaborate with the
local partners identified above to promote the sharing and streamlining of services countywide and
prevent the duplication of services. This multi-level, multi-sector approach promotes more cost-
effective approaches for fostering self-sufficiency in low-income families.
35 | P a g e4. Describe how your agency will leverage other funding sources and increase programmatic
and/or organizational capacity. (California Government Code Section 12747, State Plan)
CommUnify has developed a diversified funding base comprising a variety of federal, state, local,
foundation and private funding sources.
CommUnify is expanding its efforts to identify new funding sources at the local, state and federal
levels, as well as conducting a search of national foundations to expand and strengthen current
services.
We are also actively recruiting volunteers in a variety of positions within our Senior Nutrition
Program to reduce the financial burden faced by CommUnify each year to raise adequate funding
to support ongoing operation of the Healthy Senior Lunch program. We currently have 25 active
volunteer delivery drivers for Senior Meal Delivery. We have three proposals out for our “Adopt a
Route” volunteer team meal delivery program: Deckers Brands, Montecito Bank & Trust, and
Vandenberg Air Force Base. In addition to these efforts, we have received an in-kind donation of
airtime on KEYT/KCOY/KKFX for a PSA promoting the meal delivery program and seeking
volunteers, wrote and submitted press releases and received editorial coverage about the program,
and have partnered with other agencies (Center for Successful Aging, Meals on Wheels Santa
Maria, Bucket Brigade, etc.) to build greater volunteer capacity, expand outreach, and pool
resources.
Of course, other less favorable strategies for addressing a reduction in federal funds include, but
are not limited to: lowering overhead costs; reducing the scope of services; and reducing the
number of consumers served.
5. Describe your agency’s contingency plan for potential funding reductions. (California
Government Code Section 12747, State Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
CommUnify has established a policy for maintaining a minimum of 30-days operations funding in a
cash reserve, our short-term contingency plan. We currently have more than 2x cash on hand and
expect to be well over 1.5x our planned reserves over the planning horizon.
36 | P a g e6. Describe how your agency documents the number of volunteers and hours mobilized to support
your activities. (Organizational Standard 2.4)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
Currently we have an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of volunteer recruitment and onboarding. For
Senior Meal Delivery, each program manager keeps track of volunteer hours donated and reports
them back to our Volunteer Coordinator on a monthly basis. The Volunteer Coordinator keeps track
of all other volunteer jobs and hours donated and then turns that information into a report which is
then submitted to Fiscal. Children’s Services tracks their volunteer hours internally and submits
them to Fiscal separately. Fiscal allocates in kind labor hours through a journal entry into our
system at the same rate of pay that we hire our staff for an equal position. We have recently
contracted with Volunteer Hub to assist us with the on-boarding, scheduling and tracking of
volunteers.
7. Describe how your agency will address the needs of youth in low‐income communities through
youth development programs and promote increased community coordination and collaboration
in meeting the needs of youth. (CSBG Act Section 676(b)(1)(B), State Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
CommUnify offers a wide array of youth development programs including California Student
Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP), California Personal Responsibility Education
Program (CA PREP), Information and Education Program (I&E), Adolescent Family Life Planning
(AFLP), Los Compadres Program, Enhanced Family Reunification Program, New Heights, Full-
Service Partnership for Transition Aged Youth (FSP-TAY) and coordinated the South Coast Youth
Safety Partnership (SCYSP). Our Family and Youth Program Staff also participates in the newly
formed Santa Barbara County Youth Advisory Board. Highlights from our diverse set of services
include:
• Increasing accessibility to post-secondary education for low-income students via tutoring,
mentoring and counseling.
• Providing youth with health and preventative education to prepare them to be safe and
37 | P a g eself-sufficient adults.
• Case-management for at-risk youth to help them become self-empowered and address the
psycho-social issues impeding a path to success.
• Wraparound independent living and wellness rehabilitation services for youth.
• Facilitating the transportation to and supervision of visitations between separated families.
• Expanding the mobilization and alignment of community resources to improve the safety
and quality of life for our youth, their families, and the community.
The vision of our SCYSP is to have safe and caring communities that provide opportunities for
youth to fulfill their educational, employment, and personal potential. SCYSP believes that gang-
related challenges in our community are best addressed locally and collectively.
8. Describe how your agency will promote increased community coordination and collaboration in
meeting the needs of youth, and support development and expansion of innovative community-
based youth development programs such as the establishment of violence‐free zones, youth
mediation, youth mentoring, life skills training, job creation, entrepreneurship programs, after
after-school child care. (CSBG Act Section 676(b)(1)(B), State Plan)
☐ No change to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP.
☒ Adaptations to the response in your agency’s 2020-2021 CAP are described below.
CommUnify’s Community Needs Assessment included multiple youth focus groups identifying the
need for greater coordination between agencies providing services to promote youth safety,
including safe zones, violence prevention measures and expanded opportunities for youth
development activities. CommUnify operates 2-1-1 Santa Barbara which provides resource
information and referrals for youth services throughout the county, as well as leads the South Coast
Youth Safety Partnership (SCYSP), a hub for multi-sector youth service coordination. CommUnify’s
Strategic Plan outlines the organization’s plans to enhance coordination between SCYSP’s
member organizations through the implementation of a local strategic plan which outlines
goals/strategies for enhancing services through local partnership, including a local “referral system.
In addition, 2-1-1 Santa Barbara will create a web page listing for services/programs in mid-county,
as well as a Resource Guide. CommUnify will also advocate to create Youth Service Centers which
co-locate youth service providers under one roof, offering a “safe zone” for all youth in north, mid
38 | P a g eYou can also read
