CAMBODIAN FAMILY (4)-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In addition, all 80 of those enrolled will receive some additional service, such as food donations, gas cards, bus passes, or some other service of economic benefit to the family. Our efforts address the Santa Ana Empowerment Corporation (SAEC) goal "to upgrade the skill level of Zone residents consistent with local workforce needs, while promoting hiring linkages between Zone job seekers and the local business community. " All clients receiving employment services will submit documentation verifying their eligibility to work and their residency in the FEZ zone. Copies of these documents will be maintained in client files. (2) Basic Education. Another SAEC goal is: "To have an inclusive, educated population providing strong role models for future generations." Under this goal, SAEC set objectives that include: "Provide education opportunities for adults disadvantaged by language barriers." The Cambodian Family has for over 25 years provided Vocational ESL classes to limited-English speaking residents who now live within FEZ boundaries. These classes have been offered in partnership with Santa Ana College, which pays the salaries of the instructors. However, state funding cutbacks have shortened the school year for our adult students. The Cambodian Family must find new resources to continue instruction during the month of June, spring break, and some other occasions. We propose to provide English language training to at least 25 FEZ residents during these time periods. We are requesting that the City of Santa Ana provide FEZ funds to support these activities. The 25 FEZ residents served under basic education will all be limited-English speaking adults. They will include parents of young children and others who are not currently seeking work but who nonetheless have family responsibilities and are likely to seek employment in the future. They need English language skills to function effectively in our society. Copies of school registration forms will be maintained for these FEZ residents. (3) Child care. The SAEC established the goal "To increase the amount of available child care to Empowerment Zone residents." The Cambodian Family currently partners with the Santa Ana Unified School District to provide Pre-Kinder classes at our site, as well as childcare for parents who attend ESL classes. Our Early Childhood programs are important for economic development in that they allow parents to go to work without having to place their young children in unsafe or otherwise inadequate childcare programs. Our programs have been supported by "Proposition 10" funds from the Children and Families Commission of Orange County. Unfortunately, those funds are now being eliminated because of the state budget crisis. We are requesting that the City of Santa Ana use FEZ funds to support 50% of one childcare worker, who will care for a minimum of 15 children of the FEZ zone while parents are in class. The Cambodian Family, and its partner TCCDC, have a long-term commitment to the residents of our Santa Ana neighborhood. Our proposed efforts will greatly contribute to the stability of many families in the FEZ zones of Santa Ana. We will comply with all documentation and reporting requirement of the City. We especially look forward to continuing our relationship with the City of Santa Ana. EXHIBIT A-I Page 2