FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Karen Hawes, Lee County Human Services Department
                (941) 652-7930, or
                Diana Childers, 652-7944

HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO NON-PROFITS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 6, 2002) - Local non-profit human services organizations wanting funding next year (Fiscal Year 2002-03) from Lee County will need to go through the "Request for Proposals" (RFP) process that begins Thursday (Feb. 7).

This process - known as the "Partnering for Results" Program - enables the county to purchase "units of service" from agencies in the areas of: Supportive Housing/Living, Economic Opportunity, Activities for Youth, and/or Basic Assistance. Agencies will submit proposals to provide direct services in one or more of the above-mentioned areas.

Total funds available for Fiscal Year 2002-03 is $2,388,624. The minimum contract award will be $15,000. Key dates are:

RFP packets will be released February 7 at the Lee County Department of Human Services, 83 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers, FL; or can be downloaded from the county's web site at: http://www.lee-county.com/NEWS2/default.asp.
Technical assistance workshops will be held on February 12 (10 a.m.) and February 13 (1 p.m.) in room 1B of the Lee County Public Works Building, 1500 Monroe St. in downtown Fort Myers. The RFP process and guidelines will be discussed.
Completed proposals must be received by the Human Services Department by 5:00 p.m. March 14.

The program serves low-income, homeless, elderly, developmentally disabled, and handicapped residents of Lee County. Examples of agencies that have received funds in the past include the Lee Association of Retarded Citizens, Child Care of Southwest Florida, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Senior Friendship Centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Florida.

To be eligible, bidders 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.