City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 2, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: JAMES SPENGLER, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION,
PARKS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of the Release of $75,000 from FY 2024 Contingent Reserves to Pilot Mental Health Services at Recreation Centers.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of the release of $75,000 from FY 2024 Contingent Reserves to provide mental health resources at recreation centers through the Department of Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Activities.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council allocate $75,000 held in FY 2024 General Fund contingent reserves to enable the distribution of funding to the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) budget to pilot varied mental health supports for youth and their families at City recreation centers.
BACKGROUND: During the FY 2024 Budget Development Q&A, City Council requested information regarding the necessary resources to provide mental health services at City recreation facilities. Specifically, the request stated, "In an effort to respond to young people's requests in recent focus groups to "meet them where they are" and "create more safe spaces," what would it look like and cost to pilot an approach and/or position at City park and recreation facilities that is designed to better connect residents to mental health services and if needed provide onsite mental health services? What level of qualifications would be needed for this type of position?" Budget memorandum #012 responded to this question with a budget estimate for a part time Senior Therapist, additional Community Outreach support, and improvements to physical space.
During the FY 2024 Budget's final Add/Delete session, City Council included $75,000 in the non-departmental con...
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