CONTRA COSTA COUNTY - File #: 25-4108

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally	Action Details	Meeting Details	Video
10/7/2025	1	BOARD OF SUPERVISORS	approved	Pass		Action details	Meeting details	Not available

To: Board of Supervisors

From: Monica Nino, County Administrator

Report Title: Quarter 1 Progress Report on Round 2 Measure X Innovation Fund Projects

☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee

RECOMMENDATIONS:

ACCEPT the first of quarterly progress reports on the eight community-based projects funded in Round 2 of the Measure X Innovation Fund.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact. This is an informational report with no recommended action. All projects are funded by a one-time allocation of Measure X sales tax revenue.

BACKGROUND:

On March 25, 2025, at the conclusion of a formal competitive bidding process, the Board of Supervisors approved the award of Round 2 Measure X Innovation Fund grants totaling $2,027,455 to eight promising projects. Contracts with each grantee were executed by the County Administrator effective May 1, 2025, since which time the projects have been underway. Through August 31, 2025, a total of $557,835 has been claimed by the grantees, leaving a balance of $1,469,620.

Below is a brief overview of each project, the Innovation Funds claimed by September 1, 2025, and a summary of progress towards goals. It also includes reported challenges and their expected effects on outcomes or timelines.

The County Administrator’s Office will continue to monitor progress, do what can be done to support the grantees, and report to the Board quarterly.

1st QUARTER UPDATE

East County Climate Initiative, Rising Juntos/Urban Habitat

Contract Award: $175,000

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $47,257, 27%

The East County ACT initiative targets climate health inequities by training local residents as Climate Ambassadors.

A cohort of 50 Climate Ambassadors was recruited from low-income Black and Latino/e communities in Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch to address climate health inequities. The Climate Ambassadors engaged deeply in grassroots outreach, raising insightful questions and building unity with residents.

The initiative included two training sessions and two planning meetings, where Ambassadors deepened their knowledge of climate change impacts and began developing community outreach strategies.

Key local leaders were identified and interviewed to understand their concerns regarding climate health, ensuring that the project is informed by community needs and priorities. The main concerns of the local leaders, as identified through stakeholder interviews, revolved around balancing project implementation with urgent community crises. These crises included ICE activity and broader socio-political pressures that exacerbate residents' housing, economic, and mental health vulnerabilities. The leaders emphasized the need to address these immediate needs while continuing to advance long-term goals.

The initiative has generated strong community interest and partnerships, with plans for further training, stakeholder interviews, and outreach activities in the upcoming months. First quarter efforts have generated strong momentum, promising partnerships, and broad community interest, signaling sustainability beyond the grant period. The project team is eager to continue advancing the climate equity initiative for lasting impact

The Gemma Project, Gemma

Contract Award: $425,000

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $87,368, 21%

The Gemma Project provides programming for justice-involved women during their incarceration, with an emphasis on facilitating their reentry into society. The project includes monthly meetings with various stakeholders, such as the Sheriff’s Office and the County Office of Education, to ensure a coordinated approach to programming and support services. Initial outreach commenced in July 2025, engaging incarcerated women to assess their needs and interest in the program.

Key Dates	Activities
May 2025	Initiated planning for in-custody programming
September 10, 2025	Sheriff’s facility orientation scheduled
September 27, 2025	Launch of the first modified session

The curriculum for the Day Program has been adapted to a one-day-a-week format, focusing on essential skills such as emotional intelligence, coping mechanisms, and employment readiness.

The project successfully recruited staff with relevant backgrounds in gender-responsive practices. Both Day Program Coordinators have undergone extensive training, including trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing techniques. Their inclusion of justice-involved women in the hiring of the Day Program Coordinators reflects a commitment to a trauma-responsive approach.

Delays in West County detention facility construction and limited classroom capacity impacted the number of participants that can be served initially. The project anticipates serving around 16 women per session once full access is granted in January 2026. The Sheriff’s Office assisted with identifying an alternative location so programming can be offered in a modified manner between September and January.

The Gemma Project has also launched a social media campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by justice-involved women. Since its launch, the campaign has seen a 14% growth in engagement and a 108% increase in shares, indicating a successful outreach strategy.

Looking ahead, the project is well-positioned to begin direct services in September 2025, with plans to refine and test the curriculum in a condensed format. This phased approach will help gather feedback and improve programming as full access to facilities becomes available. The project team is committed to providing high-quality, gender-responsive services to support justice-involved women, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships and continuous improvement of programming.

Microloan Program, St. Vincent de Paul

Contract Award: $147,825

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $60,000, 41%

The St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Micro Loan Program has made significant progress in its initial quarter, focusing on establishing a sustainable framework to support low-income households in Contra Costa County. The program has successfully formed partnerships, conducted educational outreach, and initiated loans, thereby laying a strong foundation for future growth.

SVdP has established partnerships with two credit unions and created the necessary systems for loan management. Additionally, 17 low-income households have received financial education and counseling, fostering trust and financial literacy.

A Micro Loan Committee has been formed, and a bilingual manager has been appointed to enhance outreach and volunteer training. To date, three low-interest loans have been issued, with plans to convert payday loans and expand loan offerings in the coming months.

Antioch Schools Newcomer Inclusion Project, Lincoln

Contract Award: $205,600

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $44,018, 21%

The Antioch Schools Newcomer Inclusion Project aims to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed services to immigrant families in Antioch. The primary focus during the first quarter was on engaging Antioch Unified School District leaders, partners, youth, and families to gather input on community needs and to compile a list of available newcomer-focused resources in the community.

A newcomer survey was successfully completed to gather input on the needs of newcomer families. The survey was distributed at various community meetings. A comprehensive list of newcomer-focused resources available in the community was compiled, which will aid in connecting families with necessary support services.

The project collaborates with several organizations such as Stand Together Contra Costa and the Family Justice Center to provide essential services.

Looking ahead, the project plans to offer resources and support services including direct case management for participating families, parenting groups, and family strengthening work.

Promotoras de Salud, Hijas del Campo

Contract Award: $273,200

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $99,228, 36%

The Promotoras de Salud or Community Health Worker (CHW) program aims to enhance healthcare access for farm workers amidst challenges related to immigration enforcement and Medi-Cal funding cuts.

During the first quarter, the CHW program successfully onboarded five new workers and certified eight individuals, with a focus on outreach and support for health services during the busy summer season. CHWs have been actively involved in field outreach, reaching hundreds of farm workers and their families. They have also participated in workforce development training, focusing on office and phone etiquette, online data tracking, and completing Medi-Cal enrollments online. CHWs participated in five training sessions aimed at enhancing skills in communication, technology, and health service delivery.

A total of 93 outreach events were conducted, reaching over 1,314 clients. Significant engagement was achieved at local farms and community events. The program expanded its food distribution efforts, providing additional services to families and enrolling 41 clients into Medi-Cal. There were 25 referrals made to various health and social services to support clients' needs.

The program faced challenges due to heightened immigration enforcement and fear within the community, which affected Medi-Cal enrollments. There was also difficulty in hiring a bilingual CHW Coordinator, which delayed some planned activities. Despite those challenges, the program exceeded expectations in increasing access to healthcare and health education services. The program was slightly under the anticipated number of insurance enrollments but plans to address this in the next reporting period.

Looking ahead, the program aims to focus on COVID-19 vaccinations and re-enrollment in Medi-Cal, while seeking additional funding for sustainability.

Hispanic Recovery Initiative, Support4Recovery

Contract Award: $400,830

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $67,221, 17%

Support4Recovery’s Hispanic Recovery Initiative aims to provide culturally competent, gender-specific recovery solutions to underserved Spanish-speaking or limited/no English-speaking adult Hispanic residents of Contra Costa County who are affected by substance use disorders and related challenges, such as incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment.

During the first quarter, the men's facility commenced operations in Concord and achieved full capacity within 14 days. The women’s program was briefly delayed when the lease agreement for a residence in Antioch fell through, but a new Antioch residence was secured. Both facilities are currently active and serving clients - the men’s program for 64 days and the women’s program for 34 days. All clients are actively participating in weekly programming, which includes educational classes and therapy sessions. The initiative has also benefited from partnerships with local organizations, which have enhanced the support provided.

The project has successfully enrolled nine clients, with strong participation rates in all activities. Initial progress indicates effective engagement and positive outcomes, including one client who has graduated to a higher level of care.

Despite facing delays in launching the women's program and food bank support, the overall performance of the project has exceeded projections.

Following is a first quarter summary of demographics, placement status, outcomes, and living arrangements:

• The placements during Quarter 1 show a significant male predominance, with males comprising 75% (18 records) of the total placements, while females account for 25% (6 records). This is attributable to the delayed opening of the women’s facility.

• Of the 24 records analyzed, 75% (18 records) are currently active, 16.7% (4 records) are completed, and 8.3% (2 records) are pending, indicating a substantial active caseload.

• Most placements (70.8%, 17 records) are ongoing, while 16.7% (4 records) are successful, and 12.5% (3 records) are unsuccessful, reflecting a positive trend in client engagement.

• Nearly half (45.8%, 11 records) of clients are placed in sober-living or recovery houses, indicating a significant need for structured recovery environments. Other arrangements include clients with residences (25%), homeless (16.7%), and in custody (8.3%).

Future plans for the next quarter include increasing enrollment and formalizing partnerships for assessments.

Library Tech Equity Connection, Tech Exchange

Contract Award: $400,000

Claimed through September 1, 2025: $200,000, 50%

The Library Tech Equity Connection places high school and college students in paid technology internships at libraries and community sites for hands-on tech training. Interns, aged 16-22, will work 20-30 hours per week and contribute to digital inclusion outreach, video tutorials, and train-the-trainer courses. Benefits include a free laptop, certification coaching, and field trips with local tech professionals. The program aims to enhance workforce development and digital equity in Contra Costa County by establishing tech support help desks at Richmond Public Library and Contra Costa Library branches.

From May 1 to August 15, the Tech Exchange project at the Contra Costa County libraries made significant progress. Five interns were recruited and successfully completed their orientation, thereby initiating the Library Tech Equity Connection project and the Serve2STEM pre-apprenticeship curriculum.

The interns have been providing one-on-one technology assistance at three library-based help desks, offering support and troubleshooting to patrons. Additionally, they participated in a STEM field trip, which had several key outcomes:

• Hands-on Learning: The interns were exposed to practical, hands-on learning experiences, which helped them gain a deeper understanding of technology and its applications.

• Professional Role Models: The trip provided the interns with the opportunity to interact with professional role models in technology careers, offering them insights and inspiration for their future career paths.

These experiences were designed to enhance the interns' engagement with technology and support their professional development in the field.

The interns faced a few challenges during their help desk support at the Contra Costa County libraries. One significant challenge was the timing of their onboarding. Recruiting and confirming candidates required additional coordination with school and community partners, which slightly delayed the start of the programming. Despite this, the program was able to fully launch with four interns, ensuring that library patrons receive the support as planned. The feedback from library patrons about the help desk support was quite positive. Early feedback highlights the value of accessible digital navigation support provided by the interns. Patrons appreciated the one-on-one tech assistance and troubleshooting services offered at the three library-based help desks.

Looking ahead, the project plans to recruit additional interns, continue the operation of the help desks, pilot the Digital Navigator Training, and commence the production of multilingual instructional videos to enhance tech support resources.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

Not applicable.