Johnson County to Host Recognition Event for Community Partners on 1 July 2013 at 4:30 PM

Recipients of County Funds
Invited to Celebrate Impact
of Funding on County’s Quality of Life

On Monday, July 1, 2013, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors will host the event “Enhancing Quality of Life in Johnson County: A Celebration of Community Partners,” at the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, 855 South Dubuque Street, Iowa City, in second floor conference room 203.

A reception featuring local foods prepared by Shelter House’s Culinary Starts program begins at 4:30 pm; a brief program will start at 5:00 pm.

The event is an opportunity for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to recognize and thank organizations that receive a grant of county funds. Those organizations’ staff, volunteers, boards of directors and individuals who have benefited from the programs are invited to attend.

This event also coincides with a regular Board of Supervisors meeting and, as such, the public is also welcome.

For fiscal year 2014, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors allocated more than $2.3 million through various grant and fund allocation processes to more than two dozen community partners, including social services organizations, libraries, and economic development groups. In addition, in fiscal year 2013, the County allocated a total of $22,000 of emergency or innovative flexible funding to five organizations.

Unlike many grant programs, county funding can be used by organizations for critical operating expenses, helping build financial stability. In addition, county funds can be used to leverage additional money from federal, state or private resources.

Often, the funding to community partners results in a net financial benefit for the County, by helping reduce spending in other county departments. For example, early childhood and youth development programming provided by agencies such as the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, United Action for Youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and 4Cs helps prevent juvenile delinquency and the extensive costs associated with out-of-home placement.

Scott Hansen, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, explained, “County funding makes it possible for Big Brothers Big Sisters to match children in every corner of Johnson County with a supportive, long-term mentor. Funding provided though BBBS boosts children’s school performance, keeps them away from illegal activity, and improves their connection to peers and their community.”

Janelle Rettig, chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, said this event is a great opportunity not only for the Board to thank the recipient organizations, but also for the public to understand the County’s commitment to the quality of life in Johnson County.

“The funds we allocate are an investment in the community,” Rettig said. “Through this allocation process, the Board has the opportunity to address many important issues, from basic human needs, to health, to the enhancement of family and child well-being,” she added.

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The above text was copied from a Facebook announcement of the event. For more, see “Board to host recognition event,” Press Citizen, 27 June 2013.