ORANGE COUNTY CHILDREN'S THERAPEUTIC ARTS CENTER 15 - 2010

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S. Discuss how Internet access will be available to program staff. List computer programs/applications used by agency staff. OCCTAC provides internet access to WIA program staff, as well as to all WIA participants. Technology is an essential component of our program since many older youth are highly interested in careers involving technology. The participants have access to the computer lab as well as to those located in the WIA offices, where the staff is available to assist them. Currently, we use the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Power - point, Excel, PageMaker, Photoshop and Imperisoft, a web -based registration system for student registration, attendance and our donor database. 6. Describe what makes your facility youth friendly and suitable for the proposed activities/services. The current OCCTAC space is 8,000 square feet and is located on the first floor of the building with an open outdoor space available to the staff and participants. Our hours of operations are longer (in the evenings) and suitable in meeting the needs of the WIA participants, who have additional activities and commitments. The WIA staff has their own office with enough room to tutor and/or meet with participants. Most of the activities and work experience takes place at the OCCTAC location the participants can plan their activities accordingly. The OCCTAC Administrative and support staff have been with the organization in most cases for more than 5 -years and are dedicated, helpful, friendly and experienced. They welcome the opportunity to work closely with the WIA participants! II. About Your Organization A. Description of the Proposer 1. Discuss the current number of full time and part time personnel employed, average annual operating budget and sources of revenue. 2. How long has your organization been serving Santa Ana youth? 3. What kind of impact has your services made to the youth in the community? OCCTAC is staffed by highly qualified bilingual credentialed teachers, artists and therapists certified to provide services to youth with and without disabilities. There are 5 -Full-time staff and between 40 and 45 -Part-time staff (some seasonal) who are employed in various classes and programs at the Center. Since 2009, we educate and empower youth in Orange County's most at -risk, underserved and diverse community through innovative programs that build self esteem, leadership skills, self discipline, good study habits and creative expression. As noted before, our variety of programs integrate both at -risk youth and youth with disabilities in a nurturing, community-based environment that teaches respect, cultural diversity, disability awareness and inclusion. The Center has had a tremendous impact on Santa Ana youths and their families. It is a catalyst for change and provides students and families access to new opportunities, and community leadership! As stated before, OCCTAC is committed to empowering youth to reach their fullest potential academically, emotionally and artistically. Through our innovative approach which combines the arts, academics, and creative therapies, participants are engaged and involved in a variety of programs at OCCTAC. B. Experience 1. Briefly outline all youth programs that your agency has operated during the last 2 years. Include discussion of past performance as related to WIA performance goals. Organizations with no experience in providing WIA services should explain unique advantages or value associated with their proposal. During the fiscal year of 2007/2008 our WIA participants attained employment/entered education at a rate of 68.75%. The following fiscal year of 2008-2009, our WIA participants, attained employment/education at a rate of 62.50%, attained certificate/credential at a 50% rate, attained Literacy and Numeracy gains at a rate of 75%. 13 EXHIBIT A