The Board approved receipt of the 2016 Community Services Block Grant on December 15, 2015 (C.33). 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. The award approved on December 15, 2015 was a partial allocation based on the partial grant received by the State from the federal government for CSBG through the federal department of Health and Human Services. On March 29, 2016, the Board approved receipt of additional funding (C.50). On July 12, 2016 (C.54) the Board approved receipt of rest of the 2016 allocation from the State. This board order is to accept a contract amendment to extend the term of the contract from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 to new term January 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017.

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.