THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THESE ACTIONS.
This action supports the Commission Value: “Approaching human services collaboratively and compassionately with special emphasis on the most vulnerable,” and the Commission Goal: "Deliver evidence-based services to the public, and connect customers and their family members to sustainable support, with special emphasis on financial supports.” Funding will expand the FCP to serve additional Broward County residents.
The Western Union Company (Western Union) entered into a legal settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Divisions and the Attorneys General in several states due to violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, including willfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and abetting wire fraud. As part of that settlement, Western Union agreed to provide funds for programs promoting financial literacy. The State of Florida Office of the Attorney General (OAG) identified several agencies in Florida to receive these funds, including all local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). The allocation for the Broward County CAA is $62,375.
The OAG approved the proposal submitted by the Broward County CAA through the Family Success Administration Division (FSAD) and incorporated it as part of the grant award agreement. Under the agreement, Broward County’s CAA will utilize grant funds to expand its FCP services by providing laptop computers and emergency financial assistance for active FCP clients. The grant will also provide funding for a new FCP Coach to attain certification in financial social work, and will provide temporary staff to assist with expansion of the FCP. The program will be integrated into existing service delivery systems and will not result in additional administrative costs.
The goal of the expansion is to keep customers engaged in the FCP by removing technological barriers to financial education and alleviating the impact of an unforeseen financial emergency that may cause a customer to withdraw from the FCP.
A minimum of 30 FCP customers will participate in the FCP expanded services. These customers must develop and accomplish at least two financial goals; attend monthly financial coaching sessions or group workshops for at least three months; and participate in the MyBudgetCoach financial coaching platform. Customers who complete the requirements will receive a laptop computer to help them manage their finances.
The grant agreement is in the OAG’s format and the OAG will sign last following Commission approval. The grant agreement incorporates the application submitted by FSAD in its entirety. It does not include provisions for termination, governing law, or venue. However, it is a grant agreement between two Florida government agencies. The Office of the County Attorney has approved this agreement as to form. |