Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a funding Agreement with the California Department of Aging, Grant Agreement No. DC-2223 for technology, connectivity, and digital literacy resources for seniors retroactive to February 1, 2023, for the term of February 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 in the amount of $149,478; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign all amendments to the Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a funding Agreement with the California Department of Aging, Grant Agreement No. DC-2223 for technology, connectivity, and digital literacy resources for seniors retroactive to February 1, 2023, for the term of February 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 in the amount of $149,478; and
b. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign all amendments to the Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Digital Connections Program supports the California Department of Aging’s Digital Inclusion initiative and provides one-time funding designed to support older adults and individuals with disabilities that are impacted or at risk of isolation and loneliness in their communities.
The purpose of the program is to ensure the digital divide is closed for program participants and that they may experience an improved quality of life as they are able to connect and interact with their community and resources in a more dynamic way.
Monterey County Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) plans to utilize the Digital Connections Program funding to provide tablet devices, basic literacy skills training, and broadband connection to eligible members of the target population. This includes adults 60 years of age and older, and individuals 18 years of age and older with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, unpaid informal/family caregivers of the target population, may be eligible for broadband services provided under the Connectivity Fund only.
This state agreement was received after the start term of the agreement and therefore is retroactive back to the effective date of February 1, 2023.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
AAA plans to contract with Loaves, Fishes and Computers to provide the digital literacy training, technical support and assistance.
County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
This funding agreement allocates $149,478 to the Department of Social Services, Area Agency on Aging in providing technology, connectivity, and digital literacy resources to support older adults and individuals with disabilities that are impacted by the digital divide, social isolation and loneliness. The term of the agreement goes through December 31, 2023. The Department is assessing the appropriation needs and will be going to the Budget Committee and the Board of Supervisors to increase appropriations for FY 2022-23. Increase appropriations needed for FY 2023-24 will be requested as needed.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This Agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of improving health and quality of life outcomes by access to resources and individualized assistance to residents of Monterey County.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Marleen Bush, Management Analyst x3342
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director, x4430
Attachment: Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report