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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBlack Hawk Gaming Association-Grant Application-06.08.2009 .. ,607 - `31- BLACK HAWK COUNTY GAMING ASSOCIATION GRANT APPLICATION COVER PAGE Date Application Received: Grant Number: (Office Use) (Office Use) 1. Name of Organization: City of Waterloo, Iowa 2. Mailing Address: 715 Mulberry Street Waterloo, IA 50703 3. Telephone: (319) 291-4339 Federal Tax ID Number: 42-6005327 4. Email Address: jenningst@waterloopolice.com 5. Contact Person/Phone Numbers: Chief Thomas Jennings 6. Amount of Funding Requested from BHCGA: $10,000.00 7. I have read the "Funding Guidelines & Procedures" document. (INITIAL) ---g:: 8. You must list a title and brief description of the project/program for which funding is requested in the space below. (In addition,a one-page addendum describing your proposal in more detail may be attached). Include in this description how this project will provide property tax relief, capital improvements and/or charitable services. TITLE: Cops 'n Kids Literacy Program PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Waterloo Police Department, in conjunction with Quota International of Waterloo, works to promote literacy among local disadvantaged youth by providing quality books for children, pre—school through 6th grade. Required Signatures: Applicant's Name (PRINT) Timothy Hurley, Mayor Chief Executive Officer (PRINT) Chairperson of Board of Directors (PRINT) Chief Executive Officer (SIGNATURE) Chairperson of Board of Directors (SIGNATURE) PROJECT DESCRIPTION ADDENDUM: The purpose of the Cops `n Kids Literacy Program is simple; it's all about benefiting local children, especially those in low income areas. The Cops `n Kids program allows children who may not have access to books to start expanding their minds and horizons through the gift of books. Equally, if not more importantly, this community charitable service provides an opportunity to have positive interactions between children and the Waterloo Police Officers. PROJECT BUDGET: The budget for the City of Waterloo does not include money for the Cops `n Kids books. All books come to the Waterloo Police Department by way of Quota International of Waterloo. Community groups that have supported the program in the past include the Junior League, John Deere Community Credit Union, Lincoln Savings Bank, Barnes & Noble, Community Foundation and the Exchange Club of Waterloo. NARRATIVE: A. The problem addressed by Cops `n Kids is the steady decline in reading comprehension among younger school-aged children as shown by the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Another concern is the lack of respect and positive relationship between law enforcement and youth. There is a need for building better relationships. B. The goal/objective of Cops `n Kids is to put books into the hands of at-risk children and improve their reading skills. Children who receive books through the Cops `n Kids Program also experience positive interactions with police officers, thus developing a more trusting relationship with law enforcement. It is hoped these positive relationships will help prevent juvenile delinquency and inspire kids to reach their full potential. C. The Cops `n Kids Program functions in a number of ways. All of the Waterloo Police Department squad cars carry children's books in their trunks. These books can be given to children at the discretion of the officers; i.e. domestic violence calls, to groups of children playing in parks, etc. School Resource Officers (SROs) visit Head Start preschools and elementary public schools with low income children. During these visits, the officers read to the students and give each a new book to take home. Officers have handed out hundreds of books during Red Ribbon Week and also at back-to-school events. Cops `n Kids have been included in school Christmas programs with parents present. SROs interact with students about numerous topics and always encourage them to read and work hard in school. Books are also available at the Waterloo Police Department for situations that involve kids. Quota's Cops `n Kids program is currently in the process of establishing a "Get Booked" area at the Waterloo Boys & Girls Club. This area would be used as a location where police officers can make a friendly visit with kids to perhaps enjoy a pizza party or any event that is non-threatening and enjoyable to the Club children. Books in this area can be taken home or enjoyed at the Club. D. Cops `n Kids started in March of 2004. Since then, over 12,000 books have been given to children. This is an on- going program. Quota International of Waterloo has provided all of the books since starting this program. The Waterloo Police Department would like to see this program continued and perhaps expanded. E. The program has averaged a book distribution of over 3000 books in each of the past four years. This translates to approximately 3000 children receiving a book annually. F. The students and teachers are delighted to have the SROs bring books to their schools. Quota Club reports many requests for return visits to schools. Sergeant Bob Hewitt, Director of the SRO program, sees the program as valuable to improving literacy as well as a tool to promote good public relationships. G. Community groups as noted under the Project Budget narrative, may be considered for repeat requests to help fund this program. CITY OF WATERLOO MISSION STATEMENT "Effectively and efficiently utilize the various resources of city government in order to help make Waterloo the best possible place to live, work, do business, play and raise a family for all citizens." CITY OF WATERLOO MAYOR: Tim Hurley COUNCIL MEMBERS: Bob Greenwood, At-Large Steve Schmitt, At-Large Reggie Schmitt, 1St Ward Carolyn Cole, 2nd Ward Harold Getty, 3rd Ward Quentin Hart, 4th Ward Ron Welper, 5th Ward