The Department received notification of funding from California Department of Community Services and Development on November 25, 2013. As the County's Community Action Agency, the Department's Community Services Bureau regularly receives Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to operate self-sufficiency programs under the advisement of the County's Economic Opportunity Council (EOC). The funding amount is based on the County’s low-income population which meets federal poverty guidelines. This initial award for the 2014 program year is a partial allocation based on the partial grant award received by the State from the federal government for CSBG. During the course of the program year, as more funds are released by the federal Department of Health and Human Services to California, the state routinely amends contracts to increase funding. The Board approved a contract amendment to accept additional funds from the State on June 3, 2014. This amendment is to extend the term end date from December 31, 2014 to February 28, 2015.   

If not approved, the Department will be hampered in its ability to meet the needs of the community and to establish partnerships with community based agencies and public organizations.

The Employment & Human Services Department Community Services Bureau supports three of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes - Outcome 1: “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School,” Outcome 3: “Families that are Economically Self-sufficient,” and, Outcome 4: “Families that are Safe, Stable, and Nurturing.” These outcomes are achieved by offering comprehensive services, including high quality early childhood education, nutrition, and health services to low-income children throughout Contra Costa County.