Contracts for Modernization of Older Californian’s Act nutrition services
The Board of Supervisors is modernizing senior nutrition services under the Modernization of Older Californian’s Act (MOCA). This initiative aims to reduce hunger, malnutrition and social isolation among seniors by offering nutritious meals, both for pick-up and delivery, as well as intergenerational activities for over 1,200 older adults in San Bernardino County. The contracts, funded entirely by the state, will run through September 2025. The awarded contracts are as follows:
- Seafood Ranch Grill, Inc.: $697,852
- True Escape Marriage and Family Therapy: $290,000
- Victor Valley Community Services Council: $90,000
Behavioral Health student internship program with Capella University
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is partnering with Capella University. The program is effective through June 2029 and will provide hands-on training to students across various disciplines, including psychology, social work, and marriage and family therapy. This partnership underscores the county’s commitment to the Countywide Vision by allowing students to gain hands-on training and skills in their fields, while maximizing DBH’s public resources and service to the community.
Family Unification Program and Foster Youth Initiative memorandum of understanding
The Board of Supervisors has approved a new non-financial memorandum of understanding between the county’s Children and Family Services, the Office of Homeless Services and the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino.
The agreement adds the Foster Youth Initiative to the existing Family Unification Program, allowing the county to secure additional housing vouchers for eligible youth and families. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides housing support to families at risk of separation due to inadequate housing and to young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.
Board discretionary funds improve local communities
The Board of Supervisors has approved several district-specific projects from Board discretionary funds:
- City of Fontana: $600,000 for homeless support services, including case management.
- Fontana Unified School District: $52,000 for the installation of a walking track and outdoor circuit at Oleander Elementary School to promote student wellness.
- City of San Bernardino: $750,000 to fund baseball and softball field improvements at Gutierrez Park, including lighting, fencing, and infield renovations.
New Animal Care Center project moves forward
The Board of Supervisors adopted the initial study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the new San Bernardino County Animal Care Center in Bloomington.
The new state-of-the-art Animal Care Center is budgeted for $49.5 million and will offer expanded veterinary care, improved housing for animals and increased capacity for adoptions.
Designed with the community in mind, the center will replace the aging Devore Animal Shelter and will significantly improve the county’s ability to enhance animal welfare services and meet the growing needs of the community.
The board has also approved advertising for competitive bids for the construction of the facility, which will be advertised by the Project and Facilities Management Department on Friday, Sept. 27.
Grant award approvals for Head Start programs
The Board of Supervisors has approved the acceptance of a grant award totaling over $33 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the Head Start, Early Head Start, and Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership programs through June 2025. The county’s Preschool Services Department operates the programs, which provide education, health, nutrition, cognitive, social/emotional, physical growth, and development and parent involvement services to approximately 2,000 children aged 0-5. The grant award includes:
- Head Start Program: Approximately $26.4 million in funding to support the service to 1,400 eligible children.
- Early Head Start Program: Approximately $6.3 million in funding to provide services to approximately 583 eligible children.
Additional County Update News – September 26, 2024
- Wildfire recovery efforts: County Local Assistance Centers opens doors to affected residents
- Big Bear Alpine Zoo animals return home after being evacuated and sent to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- County’s commitment to reducing homelessness results in significant progress
- First-ever ‘High School Family Feud: Voter Education Edition’ by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters engaged students beyond the classroom
- Bridging the digital divide: County expands older adults’ access to technology
- YES Program: Empowering justice-involved youth through education
- Preschool Services Department celebrates National Head Start Awareness Month by empowering families and communities for lifelong success
- Food and Nutrition Services approves timely reporting waiver for CalFresh in response to wildfires and power outages
- Land Use Services Department hosts community open houses
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history
- Things to Do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week