Committee Hearing, March 28, 2011

Thank12 you.13 The Chair recognizes Councilman14 Goode.15

Thank you,16 Madam President.17 Good afternoon, Mr. Bullock.18

Good afternoon,19 Councilman.20 COUNCILMAN GOODE:21 Congratulations and welcome back.22

Thank you.23

In your24 testimony, your Class 200 allocation is25 140 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 roughly $5 million?2

That's correct.3

What is the4 largest contract that you will award in5 Fiscal '12?6

Well, actually,7 we contract quite a bit with other City8 agencies and nonprofits. So I would say9 that our biggest contractors would be the10 Department of Recreation for about 552 --11

What's the12 largest non-City agency? What's the13 largest --14

The largest15 non-City agency would be North16 Philadelphia Human Services at $200,000,17 which is a nonprofit.18

Okay. And19 is that a renewable contract? Or would20 that be bid?21

It has not been22 bid. It's been renewable, you know, for23 several years now.24

How many25 141 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 years have they held the contract?2

Maybe about five3 years.4

Okay. Can5 you briefly describe the contract6 requirements?7

For North8 Philadelphia Human Services?9

Mm-hmm.10

They provide us11 with case-management services for our12 clients in North Philadelphia. They also13 do, um... I'll just take a moment real14 quick.15 So they provide case-management16 services and emergency services to about17 200 low-income families in North18 Philadelphia. And some of these services19 involve entitlements, like, LIHEAP20 Crisis, and other direct-support21 services.22

Okay. Are23 there any subcontract opportunity for24 for-profit companies within that25 142 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 contract?2

Within the North3 Philadelphia Human Services contract?4 No.5

Okay.6

They provide the7 services themselves.8

Okay. Is9 that firm currently in compliance with10 the City's living-wage-and-benefits11 standard?12

I'm not sure. I13 would have to check with that.14

Okay. Will15 the firm be required to be in compliance16 with the living-wage standard for Fiscal17 Year '12.18

We expect so,19 yes.20

Okay. And21 who is directly responsible for22 monitoring wage-and-benefits standards23 for your department's contractors?24

We have appointed25 143 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 an OEO officer who works with the OEO to2 make sure that we're in compliance.3

No, I'm4 actually speaking about the wage-and-5 benefits standard, not the business6 diversity.7

Not the minority8 participation rates?9

No, the10 living-wage-and-benefits standard.11 There's a requirement that nonprofit12 firms receive that receive at least13 $100,000 a more a year pay at least 15014 percent of the federal minimum wage to15 their employees.16 I don't believe that that's17 been implemented in the past, but through18 a Charter amendment that was done, it now19 applies to all contracts, including those20 contracts. And so, we want to make sure21 that it is absolutely being implemented22 and enforced for Fiscal Year '12, which23 would probably be the first yore that it24 would be required under the Charter25 144 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 amendment.2 Just two other questions. The3 Administration is currently --4

Well, I will just5 add that I will make note of that,6 Councilman, and be sure that we're in7 compliance with that.8

Thank you,9 thank you very much.10 Just two other quick questions.11 One, the Administration is currently12 realigning its workforce development13 system. There's talk of merging the14 Philadelphia Workforce Development15 Corporation with the Workforce Investment16 Board.17 MOCS has a couple of workforce18 development programs. How is MOCS19 involved in that conversation?20

Well, we're very21 involved in that conversation. In fact,22 currently, through our Work Watch23 Program, which is a workforce development24 program, we're working on a partnership25 145 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 with PWDC at the current moment, which2 has been organized by our funder, the3 Bureau of Employment and Training4 programs.5

So how do6 you anticipate the transition? I know7 the Workforce Development Corporation and8 the Workforce Investment Board are9 expected to merge. How would MOCS --10 would MOCS programs stay under MOCS, or11 would those programs go to a new entity?12

MOCS programs13 will still stay under MOCS. And we plan14 to work with the other workforce15 development corps to serve as a capacity16 builder and a collaborator.17

Okay, thank18 you.19 Last question. I think this is20 probably the first year I haven't seen21 any money from the Empowerment Zone; is22 all of that money gone now?23

It's all gone.24

Okay, all25 146 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 right. Thank you.2 Thank you, Madam President.3

The4 Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.5

Thank you,6 Madam President.7 Good afternoon.8 Can you -- I'm referring back9 to your testimony that you submitted. I10 see $6 million from the DCED Fund?11

Yes.12

And I think13 that's $1.9 million from welfare. And14 the Human Services Fund, a 100,000. And15 then there's the foster grandparents,16 which is 500; is that a State-related17 agency?18

Foster19 grandparents?20

Yes.21

No, that's22 federal.23

That's24 federal.25 147 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

That's a federal2 grant.3

So of the4 $9 million you receive, $500,000 only5 comes from outside of the State?6

No. Actually,7 the 6 million for the Community Services8 Block Grant comes from out of the State9 as well. And the feds, they funnel it10 through the State, and then it's given to11 us through a DCED. So that's kind of how12 that works.13 But that's a federal grant14 that's administered by the State.15

But it's16 from the Department of Community and17 Economic Development, DCED.18

That's correct.19

All right.20 And then you have welfare. Is there a21 reason why -- and you're a nonprofit?22

Well, we're a23 City agency. We actually serve a dual24 role as a City agency and a community25 148 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 action agency, which is why we receive2 CSBG in the first beginning.3

Are you a4 501(c)(3) at all?5

We are not, no.6

You are not.7 So it seems that most of these are8 federal and then State-funded.9

That's correct.10

Is there a11 reason why you don't go after any other12 pools of money? Are you restricted in13 any way?14

That's a good15 question. And, no, we are not restricted16 in any way from going after additional17 pools of money. In the past, we have not18 done that, but it's my intention to start19 to do that.20

I mean, I'm21 just curious, in light of the fact that22 you can anticipate cuts from the federal23 government.24

That's correct.25 149 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

The Governor2 has all but said that he is going to make3 severe cuts at the State level. And to4 narrowly have those two sources, it might5 be time to diversify your funding by way6 of other philanthropic organizations7 whose mission also is to alleviate8 poverty, 'cause without that, you're9 going to take, you know, maybe not this10 year, but definitely as we go forward and11 they tighten these budgets, it seems as12 though you're in the direct line path and13 those 24 percent of people living under14 the poverty guidelines are in the direct15 path of that.16

I agree17 wholeheartedly, Councilman. You know, I18 would say pretty much that you're on the19 money.20

Is your21 board looking at that at all? Do you22 have a board of directors?23

We do have a24 board, yes.25 150 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

Are they2 looking at that diversification issue?3

We are.4

If I may,5 who's on your board of directors?6

I can give you a7 list. We have a list of 37 board8 members, and we have a --9

Can you10 provide that to the President?11

Absolutely.12

I mean, that13 would be interesting. Based on your14 board, it tells how you can kind of look15 into different spheres of and potential16 revenue sources.17 Can we look at some of the18 production? MOCS provides services to19 34,000 people?20

That is correct.21

That are 12522 percent below the poverty guideline,23 correct?24

That is correct.25 151 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

What2 categories of services are we talking3 about when you say "services"?4

Well, we have5 about nine categories for services:6 employment, education, income management,7 housing, emergency services, nutrition,8 linkages, self-sufficiency, health, and9 various other --10

Can you give11 us a copy of that list?12

Absolutely. And13 I can provide it to you broken down by14 the numbers that we provide the services15 to.16

Can the17 Sergeant-at-Arms get us a copy of that18 possibly? Hello? Hello? Can the19 Sergeant-at-Arms get a copy of that20 possibly?21 (Copy of list distributed.)22

And those23 are nine categories. Can you --24

Nine categories,25 152 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 yes, sir.2

All right.3 So under employment, how many people did4 MOCS get a job for last year?5

Can you repeat6 that, please?7

How many8 people -- how many clients received a job9 under your job-training program?10

We have 323 who11 received jobs last year.12

And where13 did -- do you have a breakdown of where14 they got jobs? I mean, not -- I don't --15 I would not think you had it right here,16 but you can provide us with who the17 employers were?18

Oh, yes, yes.19

All right.20 And I'd be interested in -- how many of21 them were ex-offenders?22

One second,23 'cause I do think we have that info.24 All right, 75 of them were25 153 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 ex-offenders.2

Out the 300?3

Out of the 323,4 yes.5

Okay. It6 would be good -- are you allowed to7 provide a list of those people who8 received those services under the9 ex-offenders and under employment?10 Because I sent you a letter --11 not you, but your predecessor about that,12 and there was some privacy issue that was13 raised, and I've later found out that14 that is -- you can share that15 information.16

Well, you know,17 that would be something that we would18 need to look into. We couldn't share the19 actual files with you, but the --20

Not the21 files but the names.22

But the names.23 I'm pretty sure we could do that.24

So while25 154 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 you're getting us the list of the2 employers, the list of the individuals,3 what would also be helpful to me would4 be -- you talked about bringing families5 into self-sufficiency. How many families6 did you bring from poverty, the 1257 percent below, above that poverty8 threshold last year.9

One sec, please.10 Councilman, that is a number11 that we do not have at the moment. That12 would be something that we would have to13 look into and get back to you.14

If you could15 provide the Chair with that, that would16 be good.17 And there would probably be a18 corresponding -- when you say documenting19 how you did that, they would be, someone20 that was on welfare is now off of21 welfare, or some type of cash assistance?22 Or how do you qualify --23

There's various24 different levels of self-sufficiency and25 155 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 moving towards it.2 So what we typically try to3 measure is the incremental steps towards,4 you know, self-sufficiency.5 So, for example, if we're6 providing, you know, a literacy program,7 which we do, and have individuals who8 start at a certain grade level and we're9 able to, you know, move them up, although10 they may not have moved up enough to, you11 know, gain a GED, we do, you know, count12 those incremental steps towards that13 goal, that self-sufficiency goal.14 So when we talk about self-15 sufficiency, you know, we don't talk16 about, All right, you're not self-17 sufficient today, and now you're self-18 sufficient tomorrow. It really is an19 incremental process moving towards that20 goal. And that's how we measure it.21

So those22 standards of incremental movement towards23 self-sufficiency are standardized by you?24 So you say, this is a "Class A family,"25 156 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 whatever that definition is.2

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.3

So many4 people in a household, so many -- a5 certain level of income. And then you6 say, in six months, a year, now you're at7 B level.8

That's right,9 that's right.10

And so, you11 would be able to share with us what those12 gradual steps are and those people who13 have made those steps.14

Yeah. I can even15 show you -- you know, I would love to16 show you our brand-new database and17 case-management tracking system called18 "e-logic."19

That's Bill20 Green. You could do me 3-by-5 cards or21 electronic 3-by-5 cards or something.22 I'm not that --23

Because this new24 system that we have would measure exactly25 157 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 that and all of the different, you know,2 service categories from education, you3 know, to income level to housing to4 wherever the person was when they met us5 and where they are now.6

So we'll7 allow you some time and you'll come back8 to this body and be able to give us that9 information?10

I would love to11 'cause I'm really excited about it.12

Okay. I'm13 excited now.14 I see you have the Community15 Engagement Unit. I think you answered in16 Councilman Goode's question about your17 largest contract that you do in North18 Philadelphia and what was that again?19 Could you repeat that? The company that20 you engage in in North Philly?21

That's the North22 Philly Human Services.23

And they do24 exactly what?25 158 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

They provide2 emergency services, you know, some of the3 same services that CEU currently provides4 at 990, only they do it in North5 Philadelphia.6

So is there7 a companion organization in West8 Philadelphia that does those kinds of --9 'cause I know Maria often tells us that10 the only poor district in the City of11 Philadelphia is the Seventh, but I happen12 to know a couple of poor people in the13 Fourth that probably could use some help.14 Do you have a companion15 organization that services West Philly?16

Oh, no, there is17 not a companion organization in West18 Philadelphia that we're providing a19 contract to provide those services.20

Well, I'm21 going to ask Councilman Clarke, does that22 come with seniority, or how does that23 work?24

Oh,25 159 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 if it does, I'd like to know why we don't2 have one in South Philadelphia.3

Yeah, you're4 wondering.5 So is there a reason why you6 picked North Philadelphia?7

I would like you8 guys to keep in mind that we're looking9 at potential cuts. But, honestly, I10 couldn't tell you why, because this11 contract actually predates me, and it12 also predates this administration; you13 know, I would say that.14 But it has been a organization15 that provided a good service for us.16

Keep in mind17 that I represent a good part of North18 Philadelphia that needs services.19 However, there's some folk I know in West20 Philly that also need it.21 We sent you a letter -- not22 you. Again, this precedes you probably.23 A letter requesting the breakdown of24 where and what zip codes your clients25 160 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 come from, because it may not be just a2 question of need but a question of3 marketing, because if people don't know4 that you have those services, they don't5 apply for those services, and maybe the6 contracting firm in North Philadelphia7 does a real good job of it and just8 doesn't get to West Philly.9

Right, right.10

But we'd11 like to have it broken down by zip code12 because it is an important part of the13 anti-poverty effort of the City -- South14 Philly, included Madam President, all15 right?16 So could you give us -- we17 really need a breakdown, if not the18 clients' name, at least the zip code of19 origin would be helpful to us.20

Sure, sure, we21 could do that.22 And in the past, we were unable23 to that because we didn't have a database24 or a tracking system, and now we do.25 161 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

Okay. Tell2 me about your Fatherhood Employment3 Program.4

Yes, Fatherhood5 Employment Program. The program is6 geared toward reconnected, noncustodial7 fathers with their children and building8 better relationships not only with their9 children but with their children's10 mother.11 We added an employment12 component to it just last year because13 it's hard to be a good father if you14 can't financially care for that child.15 So we added an employment component to16 help these guys get some job skills, get17 some job training, and get some18 meaningful employment.19

How many20 fathers did you assist and how many of21 them got jobs and what was the payment22 reduction of past-due child support that23 was received as a result?24

Now, the25 162 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 employment piece is new, so the verdict2 is still out as to, you know, how many3 jobs are going to happen throughout this4 year.5 What last year -- give me one6 moment. Last year, we serviced about 4007 noncustodial fathers from last year.8 And one of the issues that we9 had -- the reason we changed the program10 into an employment program is because we11 wasn't sure we were getting into the hard12 outcomes that we wanted, which was an13 increase in payment of child support.14 And that's why we added the employment15 program to it.16 But the verdict is still out17 this year on it.18

Well, what I19 would be interested in knowing is what20 the net impact on child support was. Are21 you familiar with, I think, Act 75 --22 Recommendation 75? I'm sorry. Are you23 familiar with that?24

I'm not familiar.25 163 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

Okay. Well,2 Recommendation 75 has caused a lot of3 arrearages by parents -- not men or4 women, but parents -- that owed child5 support to be wiped out, to just be6 deemed uncollectible.7 I personally find that8 offensive, and I think that as you work9 with this program, to look at those10 arrears and to make sure that those11 people that are trained and then employed12 actually go back and pay their child13 support is a key component of this14 program. And we'll be looking for15 measurements for that.16 All too often, when this17 Recommendation 75 came out, we got a18 flood of calls in my office about, you19 know, "I've been tracking this guy for20 all these years and now they're telling21 me, Oh, well, and they're throwing their22 hands up."23 So any participant in that24 program I want them to actually pay their25 164 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 child support. I think it's important.2

We want the same3 thing, and it is a key goal.4

Well, if5 ain't measured, it ain't managed. We got6 to make sure we measure it.7

Absolutely.8

Under your9 Grandparents Foster Parents, I see you10 have 130 foster grandparent volunteers?11

That's correct.12

How long has13 that program been in existence?14

The Foster15 Grandparents Program came into existence16 in 1965, at the same time that the17 Mayor's Office of Community Services did,18 and it's been a program of ours since the19 beginning part. It's part of one of them20 "Great Society" programs.21

Oh, wow. I22 haven't hear that in a while.23 So, is this 130 for this year24 that you have?25 165 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

That's right 1302 for this year, yes.3

So how many4 young people have benefited from that5 program?6

Last year,7 roughly 6,000.8

6,000?9

Yes.10

And 13011 grandparents helped 6,000 people?12

That is correct.13

Well, I'm14 going to take a look at that be -- and15 what -- help me -- what --16

I got to show it17 to you. It's pretty amazing.18

That's19 amazing.20

Yeah, it is.21

That's like22 casting bread upon water and feeding a23 whole multitude with one fish, 'cause if24 130 can help 6,000, I'd really -- we need25 166 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 to replicate that, and I'd like you to2 provide the Chair with some details about3 that because that's amazing to me.4

Foster5 Grandparents is one of our better6 programs; it receives national acclaim7 year in and year out every year.8

Mm-hmm. All9 right, okay. What new programs has MOCS10 created, or what should we be looking11 forward to in light of our economy? I12 mean, what new innovations over the last13 couple of years have you done?14

Well, you know,15 some of the things that I mentioned in16 the budget testimony was what was new,17 like the Choice Food Cupboard that we've18 done with Philabundance, which I think is19 pretty innovative.20 You know, it basically takes21 the concept of a food cupboard and turns22 it into, you know, a soup and23 market-style shopping experience for24 free. We're doing that down on Sixth and25 167 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 Lehigh.2 I would love to be able to3 replicate that, you know, in other4 Council District as well. But, you know,5 we started in, you know, Councilwoman --6

Yeah, 'cause7 there are, you know, other poor people8 than other --9

I understand.10

-- in the11 Fifth and in the Seventh.12 (Addressing Council President13 Verna.) And there's some in South14 Philly, right?15

There16 certainly are.17

I mean, we'd18 like to see geographically how these --19

Right.20

That's why21 the zip codes of where the participants22 come from is important.23 As I drive through -- and24 Councilman Clarke should be given high25 168 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 praise for his ability to turn North2 Philly around. I see construction there3 all the time. But, you know, every now4 and then, you can on our side of the5 water and help out.6

Right, right.7 Well, not to speak for PhilAbundance, but8 I'm pretty sure that they would love to9 replicate that.10

All right.11 And, finally, do you guys -- out of your12 $9 million, can you give us a breakdown13 of what other City departments you give14 assist to --15

Sure.16

-- by their17 financial --18

Sure. We have19 the Department of Recreation, where we20 help to support six older-adult centers21 across the City.22 We have the Department of23 Health, where we help to support the24 lead-abatement program.25 169 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 We help the Mayor's Commission2 on People with Disabilities.3 We have Mural Arts that we help4 support.5 And I wanted to make sure --6 and the Office of Supportive Housing,7 where we support it by three family8 shelters.9

And can you10 give us a breakdown of what dollars go11 the those respective programs?12

Absolutely.13

All right.14 Thank you, Madam President.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 You're welcome.17 The Chair recognizes18 Councilwoman Blackwell.19

Thank20 you, Madam President.21 I only have one question. With22 regard to -- well, maybe two. How do you23 get your Fatherhood Employment Program --24 how do you solicit the men, or do you?25 170 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 How do they come to you?2

We get a lot of3 referrals from the courts, from Family4 Court, mostly guys who are behind in5 their child support, they get referred to6 us.7 And, you know, we do a lot of8 outreach. We do do open enrollment, but9 we definitely do do more of it, but most10 of our guys come through the courts.11

And12 your Foster Grandparent Program, we have13 one -- we introduced about five education14 resolutions, and one of 'em calls for us15 to supplement counseling in schools. Can16 this program help us in that regard?17

I believe so,18 absolutely.19

It20 says they're in schools now.21

They're in22 schools now.23

All24 right. Then I'll be in touch with you on25 171 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 that.2

All right.3

Thank4 you.5

Thank you,6 Councilwoman.7

Thank8 you, Council President.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 You're welcome.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Green.13

Thank you,14 Madam Chair. And you'll be very pleased15 to hear, I think all of you, that I have16 six minutes before I have to go get on a17 phonecall.18 Congratulations.19

Thank you.20

Welcome, on21 your new position. How long have you22 been in the role?23

It's been since24 October.25 172 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81

October.2

Yes.3

I expect4 you've started to put your mark on the5 department a little bit?6

I'm trying.7

Okay. I was8 a bit surprised to see that your budget9 testimony is, word-for-word, the same10 exact testimony as given by the Acting11 Executive Director last year.12

Okay.13

Is there any14 comment? I mean, is there --15

The programs are16 the same. You know, our programs, you17 know, are what they are. You know, we18 still have the fatherhood program.19

There's20 nothing new --21 (Indiscernible; parties talking22 over each other.)23

No new24 priorities, no new things that you're25 173 3/28/11 COMM. OF THE WHOLE - 110135,6,7,81 doing?2

Right now, we're3 really focused right now on trying to4 prepare for what may be coming down the5 pike next year, which could be, you know,6 budget cuts, so --7

And you know8 it's basically substantially the same as9 the testimony given two years ago --10

That's correct.11

-- to City12 Council.13

That's correct.14