FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Ann Arnall, Lee County Human Services Department
                (941) 652-7930

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 25, 2002) – At its regular meeting Tuesday (Jan. 29), the Board of Lee County Commissioners will consider setting the amount of funding available for human service agencies in fiscal year 2002-03 at $2,388,624.

That’s a proposed 5.2 percent increase over the prior year.

The funding for local human service organizations is administered by the "Partnering for Results" Proposal Review Panel. The resident panel is responsible for reviewing proposals submitted to Lee County from non-profit human service organizations and submitting funding recommendations to the Board.

The county purchases services in the areas of: Supportive Housing/Living, Economic Opportunity, Activities for Youth, and/or Basic Assistance. Agencies submit proposals in February and the review panel makes funding recommendations to the Board as part of the county’s budget process. The budget is approved in September. This year, the county approved annual funding contracts with 18 local human service agencies totaling $2.2 million.

The program serves low-income, homeless, elderly, developmentally disabled, and handicapped residents of Lee County. To be eligible, agencies must meet the following requirements:

1. Services must be based on unit cost and produce measurable outcomes in one or more of the four areas.
2. Be a 501(c)3 private, not-for-profit agency.
3. Be in operation for one year and provide an independent audited financial statement and management letter.
4. Possess the administrative/fiscal capability to manage the proposed program and maintain adequate records.
5. Provide direct client services to residents of Lee County.