MINUTES
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS
CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
September 8, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
6:02 PM, City Hall, Council Chambers, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North,
North Las Vegas, Nevada 89030
ROLL CALL
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairwoman Cato
Member Acosta
Member Alpert
Member Koury
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT
STAFF PRESENT
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Chief of Staff Gipson City Clerk Rodgers Community Services and Engagement Calvo Economic Development and Government Affairs Luke Deputy City Clerk McDowell Deputy City Clerk Rivera Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christison Senior Deputy City Attorney Craft
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Chairwoman Cato
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Sade Ford, 6208 Cotinga St, North Las Vegas shared with the public and committee members her experience with the Nonprofit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone.
Reginald Currie, 5904 Beluga Bay St, North Las Vegas shared with the public and committee members his experience with the Non Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone.
Renee Caseman, 4815 Peaceful Pond Ave, Las Vegas is a Marine Veteran and shared with the public and committee members her experience with the Non Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. She also thanked the organization for what they are doing in the community.
Belinda and Mitchell Bryant, 3717 Ricebird Way, North Las Vegas are both Army Veterans and shared their experience with the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. They both thanked the organization for what they are doing in the community.
Kevin James, 65 Chastain Park Dr., North Las Vegas is a retired Air Force Veteran and shared with the public and committee members his experience with the Non Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. He thanked the organization for what they are and continue to do for the Veterans Community.
Kevin Panet, 7801 Wavering Pine Dr, Las Vegas is an Air Force Veteran and shared with the public and committee members his experience with the Non Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone.
Ruth Ibarra, 6613 Salt Pond Bay St, Las Vegas is a Military Veteran that has been struggling with PTSD. She shared with the public and committee members her experience with the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. She thanked the organization for providing services not only to the Veteran but also their families.
Lennora Valles, 8668 Stokestone St., Las Vegas is a Military Veteran. She shared with the public and committee members her experience with the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. She thanked the organization for what they are doing in the community.
Hunter Cain, 6209 Arlington Ave, Las Vegas shared with the public and committee members his experience with the Non Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. He thanked the organization for what they are and continue to do for the Veterans Community.
Nelson Brown, North Las Vegas is an Army Veteran. He stated that the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone, is a family oriented organization. They understand what Veterans go through when they come back from serving their country. He is very grateful for the services they provide to the Veterans Community.
Bill Emmal, 8175 Arville St. Unit 111, Las Vegas is a retired Army Special Operations Veteran. He is also the Founder and Director of Operation 22 Warriors Foundation. The organization has teamed up with the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. He stated that this is a great organization and he is thankful to also be part of it.
Julie Montero, 5648 Ancient Agora St., North Las Vegas is a Registered Nurse and wanted to share her appreciation for the Non Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. She stated that this organization brought joy and happiness to the community.
James Creel, 5648 Ancient Agora St., North Las Vegas is a Non-Profit Administrator who specializes in compliance, accountability and transparency. He shared with the public and committee members his experience with the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. He stated that the organization is instrumental for the community.
Nelson Ramirez, 3390 Cupecoy Point Ave, Las Vegas is a Navy Veteran. He shared with the public and committee members his experience with the Non-Profit Veteran organization, Forgotten Not Gone. He stated that he met the founders before the organization began. He recommends and asks the committee to please consider the organization for a grant.
Jeff Jones, 1020 Amber Falls Lane, North Las Vegas is an Army Veteran and thanked everyone for their service. He stated that he is a long term North Las Vegas resident. Mr. Jones state that he is dedicated to ensuring historically underserved students and their families achieve economic mobility and lead choice-filled lives.
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1. |
Approve Citizens' Advisory Committee Special Meeting Agenda of September 8, 2022. (For Possible Action; Recommendation - Approve) |
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christison stated that the following organizations have been removed from the agenda due to not submitting their application on time.
· Angels Haven Charity Corp.
· Crescent Community Services Inc.
· Lighthouse Charities
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ACTION: |
APPROVED AS AMENDED |
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MOTION: |
Member Alpert |
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SECOND: |
Member Koury |
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AYES: |
Chairwoman Cato, Members Acosta, Alpert, Koury |
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NAYS: |
None |
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ABSTAIN: |
None |
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ABSENT: |
None |
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2. |
Distribute and Collect Disclosure Forms for Completion by the Committee Members That List Any Affiliation with Grant Applicants. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive) |
Senior Deputy City Attorney Craft answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that as long as she does not have any financial interest from the applicants, she can just disclose the relationship and move forward with the meeting.
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christison stated that the disclosure forms have been provided to each committee member to be filled out.
The following Organizations/Presentations have been removed from the list.
Baby’s Bounty – Program: Baby’s Bounty North Las Vegas Diaper Bank. (Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Kelly Maxwell, 3400 W Desert Inn Rd, Unit 24, Las Vegas is the executive director of Baby’s Bounty, a North Las Vegas Diaper Bank. She provided a presentation for the public and committee members. Baby's Bounty supports and empowers at-risk families by providing education and the essential tools to ensure a good start for every baby. She stated that Baby's Bounty distributes clean clothes, bottles, blankets, diapers, and hygiene items to more than 50 babies in need each month. They also provide brand new convertible car seats, Pack-n-Plays, bathtubs, and other essential items to ensure that they thrive.
Ms. Maxwell answered Committee member Alpert’s question stating that there is a need for diapers after COVID. She also stated that inflation has made it very challenging all around. Ms. Maxwell answered Committee member Alpert’s question stating that in order to qualify for the services the individual will have to visit their website and fill out the form. The individual also be within 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. She also stated that she partners with 120 local agencies as well.
Ms. Maxwell answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that they currently have a location in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas.
Blind Center of Nevada Inc. – Program: Affordable Housing for the Blind and Visually Impaired. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Todd Imholte, 1001 N. Bruce St, Las Vegas is the President of the Blind Center of Nevada Inc. Mr. Imholte provided the public and committee members with a presentation. He stated that at the Blind Center of Nevada, they assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest physical, social, intellectual, and economic potential. To achieve these objectives, they pursue three focus areas: personal development, social interaction, and provident living. They also offer employment and technology training.
Mr. Imholte answered Committee member Alpert’s question and stated that they tried to purchase the property next to their current location. However, they were not unable to, so therefore the second building is located south of the first building.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada – Program: James Clubhouse – Academic Success Programming. (For Discussion; Recommendation – Receive)
LaCresha McManus, 2530 E Carey Ave, North Las Vegas is the director of program services at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. She thanked the committee members for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the program. Ms. McManus provided the public and committee members with a presentation. She stated that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada is part of the nation's premier youth development organization. Their programs, training and services impact more than 20,000 children and teens every year. They are a youth development organization with skilled, caring professionals who understand where every kid is coming from and help them share their path toward a great future. She also stated that great futures start in the Club. With tested, proven, and nationally-recognized programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character & leadership, Clubs offer much more than just safe, supervised child care. Each Clubhouse is a welcoming, fun, inclusive space, where kids can go to build confidence, connect with friends, and develop the skills they need to become happy, healthy, productive adults.
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Ms. McManus answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that the program is consistently looking for grants and funding in order to continue.
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Ms. McManus answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that the education specialists they hired are responsible for the oversight of the education and learning department. Their duties are to oversee the education and leadership program within the clubhouse. The way they determine the success of these programs is by implementing pre and post testing.
Kayla Langley, 2530 E Carey Ave, North Las Vegas is the Grants Specialist at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. She answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that pre-covid they were serving around 9,000 members a year, and post-covid they are now serving around 4,000 members.
Ms. Langley answered Committee Member Koury’s question and stated that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada provided their own distance learning during covid.
CORE, powered by The Rogers Foundation – Program: City of North Las Vegas CORE Expansion. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Lindsay Harper, 701 S 9th St, Las Vegas is the Chief Executed Officer and Founder of CORE, powered by The Rogers Foundation. She thanked the committee members for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the program. Ms. Harper provided the public and committee members with a presentation. She stated that Core believes it is necessary to break the cycle of poverty in order to fulfill our mission to empower, enrich, and educate underserved children to lead choice-filled lives, and research shows it takes long-term engagement to do that. CORE is committed to affirming and celebrating racial, ethnic, gender, age, class, spiritual, national, regional, and personal identities within our organization and in the communities that we work with as a way to achieve equity. They build relationships with everyone in a way that empowers their voice, honors their values, and celebrates their strengths.
Ms. Harper introduced Ashley Berkowitz, the Development Director for CORE.
Ms. Harper answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that Clark County School District is part of their framework when it comes to partnering with schools that are in need.
Ms. Harper answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that she has met the members of the North Las Vegas Education Advisory Committee. She also stated that they build strong relationships with students and their families that is very hard for students to disappear or stop attending the program.
Folded Flag Foundation – Program: Annual Gold Star Family Educational Assistance. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
William P. Foley II, 1550 S. Pavilion Center Dr., Las Vegas provided a video presentation to the public and Committee Members. He stated that the mission of The Folded Flag Foundation is to provide educational scholarships and support grants to the spouses and children of the United States military and government personnel who died as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat or stateside military operations. Scholarships and grants are available to qualifying spouses of fallen heroes and their children under the age of 26 to help provide a pathway to success by covering a wide range of living expense and educational needs, from kindergarten to college/trade school.
Forgotten Not Gone, Inc. – Program: Veteran Trike Brigade. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Kelley Guidry, 4317 San Mateo St, North Las Vegas is one of the founders of the organization called, Forgotten Not Gone, a Veteran for purpose organization that is dedicated to “Stomping Out Veteran Suicide!” Feeling Alone, Forgotten and Abandoned causes too many Veterans to take their own lives daily in the United States. They stated that they proactively engage Suicide Prevention through emotional, physical and spiritual health within a veteran peer support environment. Forgotten Not Gone inspires the military community who were not lost at war but Forgotten at Home to make a decision to live again. The organization is about veterans inspiring veterans to get out, escape the isolation that physical and mental pain may cause us to find comfort in. Breaking the stigma that stops Veterans from accessing VA Healthcare and living life.
Peter Guidry, 4317 San Mateo St, North Las Vegas is one of the founders of the organization called, Forgotten Not Gone, a Veteran for purpose organization. He directed that any veterans in the audience stand up and give themselves a round of applause for serving in the military and doing something about their mental health. They provide and maintain a fleet of velomobile recumbent trikes (3 and 4 Wheel Bicycles, some with electric assist) FREE of charge to ride for our local Veterans and their families to get out of the house and learn to live life. He thanked the committee members for the opportunity to speak on the organization. They are currently requesting the grant in order to help with the maintenance and purchase of new bikes.
Peter Guidry answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that they are currently helping over a couple thousand veterans with their services and programs. Mr. Guidry mentioned that with the requested amount for the grant, they would be able to help three times the amount of veterans they currently help.
Committee Member Alpert stated that he has witnessed the growth that Forgotten Not Gone has had in the last few years. He has had the pleasure of seeing them become who they are now. Peter Guidry answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that the old bikes would be used as parade bikes or leased to individuals. The new bikes will be used for group rides and the old bikes would be leased out to veterans who want to ride outside of the group events.
Foundation for Positively Kids, Inc. – Program: Children’s Mental Health Program. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Melinda Rhoades, 7072 Painted Paradise St., Las Vegas is a licensed clinical social worker and a psychotherapist in the state of Nevada. Ms. Rhoades is the Vice President of Behavioral Health at Positively Kids. The Foundation for Positively Kids is a local non-profit organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was established in 1999 by Fred Schultz, CEO of Positively Kids, to meet the growing need for specialized care for medically fragile and/or developmentally delayed children in Southern Nevada. Positively Kids is committed to providing an environment that will have a positive effect on the growth and development of medically fragile children living in Clark County. Programs offered by Positively Kids strive to embrace each child’s unique needs, while providing the services essential to their well-being. At Positively Kids Behavioral Health Center, they understand that every behavior has an emotional root that needs to be attended to; they engage the primary caregivers in all of their treatment approaches. They can assist in healing the many symptoms that may be impacting children’s optimal well- being and emotional health.
Ms. Rhoades answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that they provide outreach programs in order to engage the local community. They are also listed as a preferred provider in North Las Vegas.
Jobs For Nevada’s Graduates, Inc. – Program: J4NG: Lives Changed. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
René Cantú, 4045 S Buffalo Dr., Las Vegas is the Executive Director of Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates. Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (J4NG) is a nonprofit created by the state of Nevada to help Nevada’s youth of promise to graduate successfully and find a rewarding career pathway. J4NG is a life-changing program for youth. It can dramatically change the path a child is on where the outcomes could be dropout, poverty, and dependence. Typically, youth enter J4NG with multiple roadblocks that may be impeding their success, and gives them the pride, skills, motivation and desire to graduate and build a bright and successful life through education and career preparation. With a 96% graduation rate, an 81% employment rate and a 52% further education rate, the impact is evident not only in the stories we hear, but in the outcomes students achieve. Mr. Cantú stated that their commitment to North Las Vegas is strong and deep. They are currently requesting a grant for $175,000 from North Las Vegas Cares.
Mr. Cantú answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that the funds they are requesting are for Canyon Springs and Cheyenne High School. He also stated that the programs staff spend most of their time in school teaching these programs as elective credits.
Nevada Diabetes Association for Children and Adults – Program: Emergency Medical Assistance Program. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Tasha Thatcher, 6585 High St., Las Vegas is the Development Manager and Community outreach director for the Nevada Diabetes Association for Children and Adults. The Mission of the Nevada Diabetes Association and the California Diabetes Association is to provide a program or service for anyone affected by diabetes in the community. They want to improve the lives of people with diabetes through prevention, education and service. The Association offers camps, diabetes support programs, seminars, workshops, printed materials, electronic resources, emergency diabetes, medical assistance, and advocacy. They have been thriving for over 30 years to help people affected by diabetes live longer, fuller lives by avoiding complications that this disease can cause.
Ms. Thatcher answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and stated that the goal is to expand this service to all of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. They are working closely with the Nevada Minority Health & Equity Coalition (NMHEC) which allows them to access into reaching families that they normally would not be able to.
Ms. Thatcher answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that there needs to be a need for these services. However, they will not turn away any member of the public that needs this type of services. She also stated that they currently do not service North Las Vegas because not many people are aware of the program. The grant they are requesting will help expand their services into North Las Vegas.
Ms. Thatcher answered Committee Member Koury’s question and stated that every 17 minutes, someone is diagnose with diabetes and 20% of the population in Nevada does not know they have this condition.
Opportunity 180 – Program: NLV School Accelerator and TechNLV Community of Practice. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Jana Wilcox Lavin, 732 S 6th St, Suite 200B and D, Las Vegas is the Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity 180. She thanked the committee and the City of North Las Vegas for the opportunity to speak about the program. Ms. Lavin provided a presentation to the public and committee.
Ms. Lavin answered Chairwoman Cato’s question and confirmed that only three schools in North Las Vegas are considered high performance schools. She also stated that the program would help schools that are struggling and need help.
Ms. Lavin answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and she stated that they would happy to provide data and school tours to the new Education Advisory Committee.
Opportunity Village – Program: OV Workforce and Job Development Services. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Chuck Neuwohner, 6050 S. Buffalo Dr. Las Vegas is the Chief Program Officer of Opportunity Village. He thanked staff and the committee members for the opportunity to speak about the program.
Sarah Quinn, 6050 S. Buffalo Dr. Las Vegas stated that Opportunity Village has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the very best version of themselves. Through workforce development, community employment, day services, inclusive housing, arts and social recreation, they are able to find new friends; realize future career paths; seek independence and community integration, and unleash creative passions. Opportunity Village thrives with funding from our social enterprises, signature events, and the generous philanthropy of our donors and community partners. Together, we are successfully empowering, employing, and serving people with disabilities – positively impacting lives.
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Mr. Neuwohner answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and confirmed that the grant they are seeking is to provide additional training for individuals in the City of North Las Vegas. He also stated that there is a training center located in North Las Vegas.
The Just One Project – Program: Farmers Market. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Brooke Neubauer, 1516 Saintsbury Dr, Las Vegas is the CEO and founder of The Just One Project. The mission is to build a stronger, healthier, and connected community through volunteerism while increasing access to food and services. There are three ways that the program helps the community.
Tier 1:
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Tier 2:
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Tier 3:
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Casey Flair, 1124 Dover Glen Dr, North Las Vegas is the Chief Operating Officer for The Just One Project. He stated that the need for food has exponentially grown. Two years ago and at the beginning of the pandemic, they had served 386,000 clients, and in the las two years they have served 680, 000 clients. The programs goals is to remove barriers to bring food into people’s homes.
Marisa Cervantes, 4752 Killington St, Las Vegas, is the Director of Grants and Compliance for The Just One Project. She mentioned that the organization launches a farmers market even in April 2022. They expanded from their on-site to multi locations. The goal is to expand to North Las Vegas and provide the services they offer.
Ms. Neubauer answered Committee Member Koury’s question and stated that they work very closely with their friends at Three Square. They are able to obtain their data in order to determine where the need is.
Mr. Flair added that three of their current pop-up and give locations are in North Las Vegas. They are aware that there is a huge need in this area.
Ms. Cervantes also answered Committee Member Koury’s question and stated that to remove the barriers, they bring the food to the clients. They are mobile and are able to spread out throughout the valley.
Ms. Neubauer answered Committee Member Alpert’s and stated that they do partner with local organization and businesses.
Three Square – Program: Supplemental Food Purchase. (For Discussion Only; Recommendation – Receive)
Amanda Jerzak, 4190 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas is the Director of Procurement & Community Engagement of Three Square. She thanked the committee members for the opportunity to speak about the program. Three Square has provided services to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda and, Clark Counties since 2007. Their mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. They work with a service network of community partners (this includes nonprofit and faith-based organizations, schools and after school and feeding sites) in the community to reach struggling individuals and families at risk of hunger. Ms. Jerzak stated that there are more people in need of food; therefore, they are requesting for grants in order to meet the needs of the public.
Ms. Jerzak answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated Three Square obtains their food through three sources, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Donations from distributes etc., and with their purchase budget. She also stated that food for the holidays is not a focus for their grant.
Ms.Jerzak answered Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christison’s question and stated that during the pandemic, Three Square provided ready food boxes for individuals that were in need. These ready food boxes were provided to seniors or who had health related issues.
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christison thanked the committee members for their time.
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Neighborhood Services Coordinator Christison answered Committee Member Alpert’s question and stated that the applicants were determined by the Grants Department in the City of North Las Vegas. She also stated that the request of all applicants was a little over $7,500,000. Ms. Christison also advised that the next Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting will be held on October 4, 2022 at 6:00 PM. During that meeting, they will be ranking the applicants.
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Cindy Trusse, 3435 W Cheyenne Ave Suite 103, North Las Vegas is the Executive Director/CEO and Founder of Lighthouse Charities. She stated that she applied for a grants through the grant program. Ms. Trusse provided a brief description of the services her organization provides. Lighthouse charities provides a welcoming, safe and supportive environment where recent legal immigrants can access life skills, job readiness classes, ESL instructions, a food pantry, and many more services.
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Chairwoman Jo Cato adjourned the meeting at 8:05 PM.
APPROVED:
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/s/ Jo Cato |
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Jo Cato, Chairwoman
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/s/ Daisy Rivera |
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Daisy Rivera, Deputy City Clerk II
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