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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgreements/Contracts - New Hope DV/SAM K2O-023 Memorandum of Understanding HopeSource And Grant County New Hope WHEREAS, HopeSource and Grant County, dba New Hope have come together to collaborate and to make an application for OVW Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking grant; and WHEREAS, the partners listed below have agreed to enter into a collaborative agreement in which HopeSource will be the lead agency and named applicant and the other agencies will be partners in this application; and WHEREAS, the partners herein desire to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding setting forth the services to be provided by the collaborative; and WHEREAS, the application prepared and approved by the collaborative through its partners is to be submitted to the Office on Violence Against Women on or before February 6, 2020; 1) Description of Partner Agencies HopeSource is a Community Action Agency with over 50 years' experience operating programs that stabilize families in crisis, providing needed services to low-income individuals and families in the communities we serve. These services include housing solutions for vulnerable populations and victims of domestic violence utilizing emergency sheltering, housing through a Housing First model, eviction prevention, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing supported by wrap-around case management and referral to partners providing care for the primary presenting needs of mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, medical health needs, legal assistance, employment assistance, and transportation. New Hope provides survivor -centered trauma -informed advocacy services according to WAC 388.61A.1015. Services based in trauma -informed care culture currently include safety planning, forensic interviewing, multi -disciplinary team approaches, family advocacy, and the development of a sexual assault response team. New Hope victim advocates include participants in program planning, long term support, and economic independence for long term stability decisions. Individualized goal - setting and stability plan development include referrals to community resources, academic tutoring, life skills, health literacy services, conflict resolution, computer literacy, and community involvement through volunteer and mentorship activities. ll) History of Relationship HopeSource and New Hope have worked collaboratively since 2016 serving veteran victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2018 HopeSource and New Hope joined together to also provide services to youth aged 14-24 in Grant and Adams county providing housing search & placement, transitional housing, short term housing assistance, support services, and life and work skills training leading to self-sufficiency. HopeSource Housing Advocates and New Hope Advocates participate in weekly meetings to review new client referrals and assess client progress towards housing goals, stability planning, safety planning, and self-sufficiency. The existing program, operation, fiscal, and management structures are already in place with both New Hope and HopeSource to ensure an early and successful project start. Existing and stable outreach relationships are robust in Grant and Adams Counties with domestic violence, homeless, mental and physical health providers, substance abuse counselors, veteran service providers, landlords, and mainstream community organizations and no new partners are needed to provide required services. The organizations are committed to reducing the effects of domestic violence, dating violence sexual assault and stalking through commitment, collaboration, and compassion. Ill) Development of Application HopeSource and New Hope have worked collaboratively since 2016 to provide advocacy services, housing search, and placement services and support services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. HopeSource and New Hope are in constant communication working to coordinate and enhance the services each is uniquely positioned to provide. Upon the release of the OVW Solicitation for services in December 2019, the agencies have worked together to develop the application sharing data, services, outcomes and performance measures. HopeSource has taken the lead on the grant, providing grant writing and organization resources integrating advocacy related grant content and narrative provided by New Hope. The organizations have shared the application development workload equally. IV) Roles and Responsibilities NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by and between the partners as follows: HopeSource will provide Housing search and housing placement support services and One on One Coaching to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking including: • Housing placement and housing case management utilizing Transitional Housing as the primary Housing Model, supported by Housing First principles • Empowerment through One on One Coaching in Life Skills and Work Skills including basic budgeting skills, education in establishing credit and reducing debt, organization and time management and employment preparation New Hope will provide domestic violence community-based services, to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking including: • Sexual assault services in accordance with community sexual assault program standards • Victims of crime services in accordance with crime victim services • Children's advocacy center services in accordance with National Children's Alliance accreditation standards • Direct services that are individualized and survivor -centered HopeSource and New Hope will collaborate in the following manner: HopeSource and New Hope will work together to develop program processes and procedures to ensure cohesive and transparent delivery of services to clients. HopeSource and New Hope will utilize the Regional Coordinated Entry System to identify and track clients needing services and agree to support the progressive engagement model of light, medium and heavy service designed to deliver only what is needed in order to move a household forward and recognizes that some circumstances require more encouragement and support than others to break free of barriers. Victim safety, autonomy, and confidentiality are held in the highest regard and regular discussions as a collaborative team on the complexities that arise over these 3 topics strengthen New Hope's and HopeSource's ability to respond to client needs in highly respectful ways. V) Timeline The roles and responsibilities described above are contingent on HopeSource receiving funds requested for the project described in the OVW grant application. Responsibilities under this Memorandum of Understanding would coincide with the grant period, anticipated to be 10/01/2020 through 09/30/2023. VI) Commitment to Partnership 1) The collaboration service area includes Grant County and Adams County, Washington. 2) The partners agree to collaborate and provide Transitional Housing, Short Term Housing Assistance, Support Services, and Empowerment to Self Sufficiency Services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking pursuant to the program narrative of the grant application attached to this agreement. 3) Compensation for New Hope's contribution to this project will be provided as outlined in the finalized OVW budget detail worksheet to be included with the complete application. A detailed Service Agreement that includes processes for payment, invoicing, and documentation will be drafted and executed upon award of the grant. 4) We, the undersigned have read and agree with this MOU. Further, we have reviewed the proposed project and approve it. By Susan Grindle, CEO, HopeSource l� I� By�� Cindy Carter, Chair, Board of Grant County Commissioners Date Date J, cc: Agencies and Interested Parties