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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT Thriving Grant - OWL360 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS /� CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST vA VoC) TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour Amanda Christofferson,Grants Administrator DATE: Ap;1'f Al ` 2i).Ca . SUBJECT: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program Contracts for Execution STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Jefferson County BOCC committed awards for the Thriving Communities Small Grants program in January. Attached are contracts for the fifteen community organizations that the County awarded funds to. ANALYSIS: The fifteen awardees have provided W9 documentation and the contracts with them will secure the County's interests. These various projects will bring benefit to many communities. FISCAL IMPACT: The County allocated$10,000 in the 2026 budget in order to fund the Thriving Communities Small Grant program. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners make a motion to approve of the awards. REVIEWED BY: Li' 60/al— Josh, Count Administrator Date Y CONTRACT REVIEW FORM Clear Form (INSTRUCTIONS ARE ON THE NEXT PAGE) CONTRACT WITH: Thriving Communities Grant Awardees Contract No: TC Award OWL360 2026 Contract For: TC Grant Award Term: Execution-December 31, 2026 COUNTY DEPARTMENT: Auditors Office Contact Person: Amanda Christofferson Contact Phone: 360-385-9232 Contact email: amchristofferson@co.jefferson.wa.us AMOUNT: $500.00 PROCESS: n Exempt from Bid Process Revenue: $500.00 _ Cooperative Purchase Expenditure: Competitive Sealed Bid Matching Funds Required: _ Small Works Roster Sources(s) of Matching Funds Vendor List Bid Fund # cs n RFP or RFQ Munis Org/Obj CS57121-410571 ✓ Other: APPROVAL STEPS: STEP 1: DEPARTMENT CERTIFIES COMPLIANCE WITH JCC 3.55.080 AND CHAPTER 42.23 RCW. CERTIFIED: El N/A:1 1 4 madtda. (2/1ru;1-�644_41-6"i'L 4/8/2026 Signature Date STEP 2: DEPARTMENT CERTIFIES THE PERSON PROPOSED FOR CONTRACTING WITH THE COUNTY (CONTRACTOR) HAS NOT BEEN DEBARRED BY ANY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL AGENCY. / CERTIFIED: ❑i N/A: ❑ 4ht C—/�t g 1 _4/8/2026 Signature Date STEP 3: RISK MANAGEMENT REVIEW(will be added electronically through Laserfiche): Electronically approved by Risk Management on 4/17/2026. STEP 4: PROSECUTING ATTORNEY REVIEW(will be added electronically through Laserfiche): Electronically approved as to form by PAO on 4/16/2026. DPA JBL reviewed and approved on 4-16-2026 STEP 5: DEPARTMENT MAKES REVISIONS & RESUBMITS TO RISK MANAGEMENT AND PROSECUTING ATTORNEY(IF REQUIRED). STEP 6: CONTRACTOR SIGNS STEP 7: SUBMIT TO BOCC FOR APPROVAL INSTRUCTIONS Do not apply digital signatures until the entire packet is ready to submit. APPROVAL STEPS: STEP 1: COMPLIANCE WITH JCC 3.55.080 3.55.080 and Chapter 42.23 RCW. Department Heads or Elected Officials for departments who are proposing the contract must check one of the two boxes: (1) Check the "Certification" box, demonstrating compliance with that JCC 3.55.080 and Chapter 42.23 RCW;or,(2)Check the"N/A"box,verifying that certification does not apply: (a)For approval of contracts before a contractor is selected;or,(b)For contracts with other government agencies,including interlocal agreements.Department Heads or Elected Officials may delegate this responsibility to certify the Contract Review Form in writing to a person who has been trained to determine compliance with JCC 3.55.080 and Chapter 42.23 RCW.JCC 3.55.080 states: "All persons involved in county purchasing are required to follow the rules regarding conflicts of interest as set forth in Chapter 42.23 RCW,as now or hereafter amended, and, in addition thereto, are expressly prohibited from accepting, directly or indirectly, from any person, company, firm, or corporation to which any procurement or contract is or might be awarded, any rebate, gift, money or anything of value whatsoever,except where given for the use and benefit of the county." STEP 2: CERTIFICATION THAT THE CONTRACTOR HAS NOT BEEN DEBARRED BY ANY FEDERAL,STATE,OR LOCAL AGENCY.Department Heads or Elected Officials for departments who are proposing the contract must check one of the two boxes: (1) Check the "Certification" box, demonstrating that the contractor has not been debarred by a government agency; or, (2) Check the"N/A"box, verifying that certification does not apply: (a) For approval of contracts before a contractor is selected; or,(b) For contracts with other government agencies that do not involve grant funding,including interlocal agreements.Department Heads or Elected Officials may delegate this responsibility to certify the Contract Review Form in writing to a person who has been trained to determine whether contractors have been debarred by a government agency. Contractors who have been debarred by a government agency are not eligible to contract with that agency or Jefferson County. Jefferson County does not want to contract with debarred contractors because they are considered untrustworthy. In addition,where grant funding is involved, debarred contractors usually are not eligible to receive grant money and,if they are given grant funding,the County may be required to repay spent grant funding. At a minimum,checking the certified box requires checking: • Exclusions Section of the Federal Government Services Administration System for Award Management (SAM) at https://sam.gov/content/exclusions; and, • The Washington State Department of Labor&Industries Debarred Contractors List website (https://secure.lni.wa.gov/debarandstrike/ContractorDebarLi st.aspx). In addition,before checking the"Certification"box,the department should ask contractors to verify they have not been debarred by a federal, state or local government agency. The department may satisfy Step 2 by attaching the standard debarment certificate completed by the contractor. However, even if a standard debarment certificate is attached, the "Certification" box still must be checked to satisfy Step 2. STEP 3: RISK MANAGEMENT REVIEW.Risk management review of all contracts is required by the County's relationship with the Washington Counties Risk Pool and by the County's risk management resolution. Risk management review involves determining whether the contract is a valid contract and whether the contract language, including risk allocation provisions like indemnity and insurance requirements,adequately protect the County from risks posed by the contract. STEP 4: PROSECUTING ATTORNEY REVIEW. Legal review of all contracts by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) is required by the County's relationship documents with the Washington Counties Risk Pool and by the County's risk management resolution. Review by the PAO involves determining whether the contract is a valid and unambiguous contract and may include whether the contract language,including risk allocation provisions,adequately protect the County from risks posed by the contract. STEP 5:REVISIONS,IF REQUIRED BY RISK MANAGEMENT OR THE PAO.If required,the department makes revisions suggested by risk management or the PAO.Then,the department resubmits the revised contract to risk management and the PAO. STEP 6: CONTRACTOR SIGNS. Obtain the contractor's signature before submitting to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC)for approval. STEP 7:SUBMIT TO BOCC FOR APPROVAL. 1. Print 3 duplicate originals of the contract for the Commissioners'signature. 2. The submittal should include: a. The 3 duplicate originals,each with PAO's signature approving the contract as to form; b. This Contract Review Form showing approval by Risk Management and the PAO;and, c. An Agenda Request. 3. Send all together in a hard copy packet to Attn:Julie/BoCC Office via interoffice mail to submit to the BoCC Agenda.The Deadline for Agenda Items is Tuesday's by 4:30 p.m.in order to be included on the following Monday's Agenda.If the submission does not meet this deadline,it will be added to the agenda for next Monday regular meeting of the BoCC. OUESTIONS• Questions about contracting and contract review should be presented first to the person in the department responsible for submission of contracts for approval.If questions cannot be answered within the department,then questions should be presented to Risk Management or the PAO's Civil Department. For questions about scheduling Agenda items, posting Agenda items, etc., please email or call Julie Shannon,BoCC Office,x384. 2 AGREEMENT FOR 2026 THRIVING COMMUNITIES SMALL GRANT FUNDING FOR OWL360 This Agreement is by and between Jefferson County, Washington (the COUNTY) and OWL360("OWL360"). WHEREAS, OWL360 is a non-profit corporation registered with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington under UBI number 87-1282294; WHEREAS, the COUNTY desires to support projects that promote a safe, secure, and satisfying way of life for Jefferson County residents and visitors. Sought projects that promote a sense of belonging, so that residents and visitors feel welcomed to share in the many activities, opportunities, and experiences available across Jefferson County; WHEREAS, the COUNTY allocated $ 10,000.00 to a fund a Thriving Communities (TC) small grant program; WHEREAS, the COUNTY published a request for proposals on September 4, 2025 that required each proposal to contain an evaluation plan; WHEREAS, OWL360 submitted a qualified TC proposal to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners(BoCC); WHEREAS, OWL360'S qualified proposal contains an evaluation plan with criteria; WHEREAS, the BoCC staff reviewed and recommended funding all or part of OWL360's qualified proposal; WHEREAS, the BoCC reviewed the staff recommendation for funding all or part of OWL360's qualified proposal; IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and agreements herein it is agreed by the parties as follows: 1. SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED USING THE THRIVING COMMUNITIES AWARD a. OWL360 shall use its capabilities and utilize up to the total amount of Final TC Award for the approved scope of work for the Project described in OWL360's proposal for the 2026 fiscal year,a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A. b. The budget for the Project is described in Exhibit B,attached. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWL360 a. No later than January 31, 2027, OWL360 shall submit a report to the BoCC Staff describing the final results as compared to the requirements in the evaluation plan during the term of this Agreement due. b. OWL360 shall maintain books, records, documents and other evidence that sufficiently and properly reflect all direct and indirect costs expended by it to perform this Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 1 Agreement. These records shall be subject to inspection, review or audit by personnel of both parties, other personnel duly authorized by either party, the Office of the State Auditor, and federal officials so authorized by law. All books, records, documents, and other material relevant to this Agreement will be retained for six years after expiration of agreement. The Office of the State Auditor, federal auditors, the Jefferson County Auditor, and any persons duly authorized by the parties shall have full access and the right to examine these materials during this period. If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the six (6) year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved. Records and other documents, in any medium, furnished by OWL360 to the COUNTY, shall remain the property of the OWL360, unless otherwise agreed. 3. RESPONSIBILITY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY a. The COUNTY shall provide OWL360 $500.00 in funding from the Thriving Communities small grant to be used in support OWL360'S qualified program. b. Said funding is in the amount of the Final TC Award for the 2026 fiscal year. 4. TERM This Agreement shall be for a term of one year, commencing on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31,2026,except for the reports required in Section 2,which are due January 31,2027. 5. NO ASSIGNMENT A parry's interest in this in this Agreement shall not be assigned to any other person. 6. TERMINATION a. This Agreement may be terminated, in whole or in part, by the COUNTY upon thirty (30) days written notice if expected or actual revenue from the grant is reduced or limited in any way, or for non-performance of duties under this Agreement, or for any reason. b. OWL360 may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the COUNTY. If there is termination under this clause, the COUNTY shall be liable to pay only for services rendered prior to the effective date of termination. If termination covers a period for which payment has already been made, OWL360 shall refund to the COUNTY a pro-rated share of the payment based upon the balance of time remaining in the paid period, unless otherwise negotiated. 7. HOLD HARMLESS a. OWL360 shall indemnify and hold the COUNTY, and its officers, employees, agents and volunteers (and their marital communities) harmless from and shall process and defend at its own expense, including all costs, attorney fees and expenses relating thereto, all claims, demands, or suits at law or equity arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from OWL360's negligence or breach of an of its obligations under this Agreement; provided that nothing herein shall require OWL360 to indemnify the COUNTY against and hold harmless the COUNTY from claims, demands or suits based solely upon the conduct of the COUNTY, its officers, employees, agents and volunteers Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 2 (and their marital communities), and; provided further that if the claims or suits are caused by or result from the concurrent negligence of: (a) OWL360's agents or employees; and, (b) the COUNTY, its officers, employees agents and volunteers (and their marital communities), this indemnity provision with respect to claims or suits based upon such negligence, and or the costs to the COUNTY of defending such claims and suits, etc., shall be valid and enforceable only to the extent of OWL360's negligence, or the negligence of OWL360's agents or employees. b. OWL360 specifically assumes potential liability for actions brought against the COUNTY by OWL360's employees, including all other persons engaged in the performance of any work or service required of OWL360 under this Agreement and, solely for the purpose of this indemnification and defense, OWL360 specifically waives any immunity under the state industrial insurance law, Title 51 RCW. OWL360 recognize that this waiver was specifically entered into pursuant to provisions of RCW 4.24.115 and was subject of mutual negotiation. 8. INSURANCE OWL360 shall obtain and keep in force during the term of this Agreement the following insurance: a. Commercial General Liability Insurance. OWL360 shall maintain commercial general liability coverage on a form acceptable to COUNTY Risk Management for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage, with a limits of not less than in the amount of at least $1 million per occurrence, for bodily injury, including death, and property damage; and b. Worker's Compensation (Industrial Insurance). OWL360 shall maintain workers' compensation insurance at its own expense, as required by Title 51 RCW, for the term of this Agreement and shall provide evidence of coverage to COUNTY Risk Management, upon request. 9. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR a. OWL360 and the COUNTY agree that OWL360 is an independent contractor with respect to the services provided pursuant to this Agreement. b. Nothing in this Agreement shall be considered to create the relationship of employer and employee between the parties hereto. c. Neither OWL360 nor any employee of OWL360 shall be entitled to any benefits accorded COUNTY employees by virtue of the services provided under this Agreement. d. The COUNTY shall not be responsible for withholding or otherwise deducting federal income tax or social security or for contributing to the state industrial insurance program, otherwise assuming the duties of an employer with respect to OWL360, or any employee, representative, agent or subcontractor of OWL360. e. OWL360 shall be responsible for all applicable withholdings, deductions, state industrial insurance, tax reports, business licenses, registrations, and all other obligations of an independent organization. Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 3 10. SUBCONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS a. OWL360 Owns Contract Performance. OWL360 is responsible for meeting all terms and conditions of this Agreement including standards of service, quality of materials and workmanship, costs and schedules. Failure of a subcontractor to perform is no defense to a breach of this Agreement. OWL360 assumes responsibility for all liability for the actions and quality of services performed by any subcontractor. b. Subcontractor Disputes. Any dispute arising between OWL360 and any subcontractors or between subcontractors must be resolved with involvement of any kind on the part of the COUNTY and without detrimental impact on the delivery of contracted goods and services. 11. LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE While performing under this Agreement, OWL360, subcontractors, and their employees are required to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations, including but not limited to: a. Applicable regulations of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, including WA-DOSH Safety Regulation; and b. State and Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws. 12. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS OWL360 shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances applicable to the work to be done under this Agreement. 13. CHOICE OF LAW The parties agree that this Agreement is entered into in the State of Washington. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the United States, the State of Washington and the County of Jefferson, as if applied to transactions entered into and to be performed wholly within Jefferson County, Washington between Jefferson County residents. No party shall argue or assert that any state law other than Washington law applies to the governance or construction of this Agreement. 14. DISPUTES a. The parties agree to use their best efforts to prevent and resolve disputes before they escalate into claims or legal actions. Any disputed issue not resolved under this Agreement shall be submitted in writing within 10 days to the County Risk Manager, whose decision in the matter shall be final, but shall be subject to judicial review. b. If either party deem it necessary to institute legal action or proceeding to enforce any right or obligation under this Agreement, each party in such action shall pay for its own attorney's fees and court costs. c. Any legal action shall be initiated in the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Jefferson County, subject to the venue provisions for actions against counties in RCW Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 4 36.01.050. The parties agree that the parties have the right of appeal from such decisions of the Superior Court under the laws of the State of Washington. d. OWL360 consents to the personal jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Washington. 15. DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED OWL360 shall not discriminate on the grounds of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification in the selection and retention of employees,materials, supplies, or subcontractors. 16. INTEGRATED AGREEMENT This agreement together with attachments or addenda represents the entire and integrated agreement between the COUNTY and OWL360 and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements written or oral. 17. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent any record, including any electronic, audio, paper or other media, is required to be kept or indexed as a public record in accordance with the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, as may be amended, OWL360 agrees to maintain all records constituting public records and to produce or assist the COUNTY in producing such records, within the time frames and parameters set forth in state law. OWL360 further agrees that upon receipt of any written public record request, OWL360 shall, within two business days, notify the COUNTY by providing a copy of the request per the notice provisions of this Agreement. This Agreement and any reports submitted by OWL360 are subject to disclosure as a public record under the Public Records Act, RCW Chapter 42.56. 18. RECORDS RETENTION AND AUDIT AUTHORIZATION a. A minimum of six years, OWL360 shall maintain documented proof of payments made, contracts executed and other expenditures authorized under your Agreement with COUNTY. b. Upon reasonable notice, OWL360 shall provide access to the COUNTY or State representatives to audit records related to the funds provided to OWL360 under this Agreement. 19. NO SEVERABILITY The terms of this Agreement are not severable. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of this Agreement to any person or circumstance shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application this Agreement shall not be enforceable. Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 5 20. SURVIVAL Those provisions of this Agreement that by their sense and purpose should survive the term of this Agreement shall survive the term of this Agreement for a period equal to any and all relevant statutes of limitation, plus the time necessary to fully resolve any claims, matters or actions begun within that period. Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, and for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions that survive the term of this agreement include: (a) controlling law; (b) insurance; and, (c) indemnification. 21. AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER a. This Agreement may be not be amended or modified to change the approved scope of services in the Final TC Award. b. Only the BoCC or their delegee by writing (delegation to be made prior to action) shall have the expressed, implied, or apparent authority to sign, alter, amend, modify, or waive any clause or condition of this Agreement. c. Any alteration, amendment, modification, or waiver of any clause or condition of this Agreement is not effective or binding unless made in writing and signed by the BoCC or their delegee. SIGNATURES ARE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 6 JEFFERSON COUNTY WASHINGTON OWL360 Board of COUNTY Commissioners Jefferson COUNTY, Washington By: Signature By: Heidi Eisenhour, Chair Date Name: By: Title: Greg Brotherton,Member Date Date: By: Heather Dudley-Nollette,Member Date SEAL: ATTEST: Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Date Clerk of the Board Approved as to form only: 04-16-2026 . cer, Date Jeremiah B.Luther,DPA Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 7 EXHIBIT A- SCOPE OF WORK OWL360 has been awarded $500.00 (the "Final TC Award"), after recommendation by the TC staff. OWL360 shall use the Final TC Award consistently with its response to the request for proposal submitted. A true and correct copy of the OWL360's response to the request for proposal is attached as Exhibit C. Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 8 EXHIBIT B—BUDGET OWL360 has been awarded$500.00(the"Final TC Award"), after recommendation by the TC staff. OWL360 shall use the Final TC Award consistently with its response to the request for proposal submitted to the BOCC. A true and correct copy of the OWL360's response to the request for proposal is attached as Exhibit C. Applicant: OWL360 Contact: Sonja Frojen,Nicole O'Hara Address: 11240 W Sims Way#319, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Phone: Email: soniaf@ow1360.org,nicoleo@ow1360.org Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 9 Exhibit C OWL360'S PROPOSAL Request for Proposal (RFP)starts after this page Thriving Communities Grant Award Agreement for OWL360'S Page 10 RECEIVED RECEI ED OCT 2 4 2025 OC ` 3 2025 JEFFERSON COUNTY JEFFER ,J NTY October 17, 2025 COhRp�tisS90NERs COMMItSioNE- S JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JOSH PETERS, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 1820 JEFFERSON STREET I PORT TOWNSEND WA 98368 As the Manager of Volunteer Engagement at Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County and formerly the Executive Director of The Boiler Room, a youth-centered community space, I am writing to express my strong support for OWL360's application for the Thriving Communities Grant through Jefferson County. During my years at The Boiler Room, I saw firsthand the profound difference that access to nourishing food makes in a learning environment. When young people are well fed, their ability to focus, absorb information, and retain what they've learned increases dramatically. It's not an abstract benefit; it's something you can see in real time, as attention sharpens and participation deepens. Beyond the educational impact, sharing food also builds community. When people"break bread together," barriers come down and trust grows. It creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose that extends far beyond the classroom or workshop. OWL360's approach recognizes this essential truth: that food is not just fuel but a key ingredient in successful learning and community connection. Their Earn to Learn programs have already supported more than 20 young adults, and the addition of healthy food options during classes will further enhance both learning outcomes and group cohesion. I wholeheartedly support OWL360's request for funding to provide food for their two 2026 cohorts. This modest investment of$1,600 will yield meaningful returns in the form of stronger engagement, deeper learning, and a more connected community. 6Sincerely,\..A.L..... ‘..,,I: Amy Howard Amy Howard 11336 141h Street I Port Townsend WA 98368 Skillmation 1239 Taylor Street Mentoring Port Townsend,WA.98368 Connections http://www.skillmation.orq October 13th, 2025 Josh Peters Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Jefferson County Washington Dear Mr. Peters - Our education and mentoring organization has been working with local youth for 10 years connecting the deep skills and talents of our community with those among us who are curious to learn. About 5 years ago OWL360 came into existence, first with housing for emerging workforce members and then later with The Nest, a gathering and services center for youth and engaged community members. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to work side by side with all of the staff and programs at OWL360 and The Nest. They have top notch administration, employees that are dedicated to the wellbeing of our local youth, and programs that match the needs of the community. Funding their Earn to Learn program will allow them to provide food at these events which will substantially strengthen their attendance numbers and deepen the learning that can happen when a mind is engaged that is not hungry. This is key, and their request confirms what we all know to be true: those who need to set the expectations for their achievements higher often have other basic needs that must be met first. This grant money will do exactly that. I thank you for considering OWL 360 for this grant. I appreciate your support because in awarding this grant, you help make our job mentoring youth in this community easier- and when that occurs, it makes Jefferson County stronger for everyone who resides here. Onward, The Skillmation Steering Team: Ben Bauermeister Martha Trolin Gary Smith Mark Westlund Jacquie Beaubien StrongerTowns is a 501(c)3 Corporation of Washington State located in Port Townsend, WA. Our programs include Skillmation, YEA Music, Community Build,and The Productions Alliance. More info at www.strongertowns.org October 20, 2025 Josh Peters - Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Jefferson County Washington Dear Mr. Peters - Earn to Learn has been very valuable for me as a young adult new to Jefferson County. I experienced an abrupt change in my financial situation that caused an abrupt change in my life path. I had to drop out of graduate school, which threw me off of my plan of becoming an English professor. Earn to Learn has helped me find my footing again and explore career paths that I can get on to build a stable financial base to (eventually) allow me to return to school. The program has helped me build connections and learn about resources and opportunities in Jefferson County, and I really don't know where I'd be without it! The weekly meetings have also provided a valuable source of consistency in the chaos of job hunting. Sincerely, (447— Orion Armstrong orion.s.armstrong(c.gmail.com Thriving Community Small Grant Proposal from 0WL360(EIN 87-1282294) OWL360 is a youth-driven and community informed organization; our goal is to spread resources to young adults in Port Townsend and beyond in south East Jefferson County. The January-April 2026 Cohort of Earn to Learn will take place at the Tri-Area Community Center in Chimacum. The Summer 2026 Earn to Learn Cohort will take place in Port Townsend. Access to nutritious food is essential for student success. Research consistently shows that proper nutrition improves focus, memory, and overall brain function, leading to better academic performance and long-term health outcomes. By funding nutritious food for students, we not only address immediate hunger but also invest in their ability to learn,grow, and thrive. Earn to Learn is a 45-hour, 16-week career pathway workforce development program for 17-24 year olds, allowing young adults to explore, access, and apply their career pathway learning to build skills around financial literacy, resume writing, interviewing, and resource navigation. Earn to Learn students logging 45 hours may earn a $500 stipend. The class meets weekly for 2-hours each week. Over 24 young adults, ages 17-25, have completed the Earn to Learn program in the first two years at OWL360. The program has hosted 5 cohorts total. Some of the feedback from students who have taken this course: • "Very helpful and informative as to finding resources and skills for young adult life on the Olympic Peninsula in the 21st century. Explores job/school/etc prospects and interests and teaches how to pursue them." • "A great program that answered a lot of unknown questions I had as a new adult. We talked about how to make our future goals easier to reach. Also learning about what careers I should get involved with. I was given the support I needed." • "Affirmed my career choice, learned how much I need to make and discovered the plethora of resources available to people my age for employment and financial help." What is the most important thing you learned about yourself? • "That I am stronger than I think I am." • "I have a better vision of what my career is going to look like!" • "I can be who I am and being young is not a bad thing, It's a good thing. My voice does have power, maybe even more." • "That I don't have to live with stress constantly on my back, and that finding the right workspace can even make work seem enjoyable." The class meets weekly on Tuesday evening, between 5:15 and 7 pm, for 16 weeks. Usually students are arriving either after school, or after their workday ends. This creates a need for food resources during the class, to help students focus on the content and on absorbing information. Food also builds class cohesion, and gives an extra incentive for attending class. 25%of young adults ages 18-25 in Jefferson County are disengaged (not working, not in post secondary education/career certification, and not in the military) (source: https://www.measureofamerica.ocg/DYinteractive/#County)This is more than twice the percentage in Kitsap County, and Clallam County. The ability to help young adults launch into sustainable workforce training and highlight work opportunities in our community through local resource sharing, is vital to helping young people stay and thrive in our aging community. The Earn to Learn program addresses the need for robust, accessible workforce development for young adults transitioning into professional life on the Olympic Peninsula. By providing a structured, 16-week curriculum and a financial stipend for completion, the program helps remove financial barriers that often prevent young people from participating in career training. The community impact is multi-faceted: Empowers Young Adults: The curriculum is designed to help participants explore their career interests and build tangible skills needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment. Fosters Economic Growth:The program develops a skilled, local workforce to meet the needs of employers on the Olympic Peninsula, contributing to the region's long-term economic vitality. Builds Self-Confidence:The program's structure and supportive environment, reflected in participant testimonials, help young adults build self-assurance and a belief in their own capabilities. Increases Resource Navigation: By focusing on practical life skills, the program helps young adults navigate employment and financial resources, fostering self-sufficiency. OWL360 takes a holistic approach to serving young people in East Jefferson County. Many executive function skills are discussed and developed through the program. We believe that creating supportive, healthy environments for young people to choose their own path is the most sustainable and authentic way to support their autonomy. Our programs are informed by the needs and interests of young people and managed by experienced professionals dedicated to their success and sustainable independence. OWL360 was established in 2021 with the opening of Pfeiffer House, responding to the need among young people for affordable housing who were fleeing unsafe situations or who were unsheltered. The Nest, a non-profit coffeehouse in Uptown Port Townsend, then opened in 2022, and provides a base for 0WL360's free programming, along with access to resources and community connections. Regarding the evaluation plan, we offer students the opportunity to fill out a mid-cohort evaluation, and also an end-of class evaluation.This gives students the opportunity to give feedback on the classes that were most beneficial, and for them to comment on anything that needs improvement. Many of the former 5 cohort students of this program have commented on the after-work aspect of the timing of the class, and how more substantial food offerings and support would be both beneficial to learning, and an incentive to show up and enroll in the program.We will continue to offer the mid-class and end-of-class evaluation, and could also directly ask students about the food resource during class. As well, translation of Earn to Learn curriculum materials in other languages and additional accommodations for students are available by request. For further clarification or to answer any questions, please reach out to Sonia Frojen, Workforce Development Program Lead (soniafPow1360.org, phone: (234) 303-0759) Earn to Learn Budget The proposed current OWL360 budget for 2 Earn to Learn cohorts (16 weeks each)for 2026 to support healthy food for students, is currently at $30/class.This falls short of being able to offer a more substantial food offering, and to allow some of the food resources to be taken home by the students after class ends. The additional $50/class (x 16 classes) =$800 (x 2 cohorts) = $1600 we are requesting for the Thriving Communities Grant, would be in addition to the $30/class already budgeted within the organizational proposed budget for OWL360 Workforce Development programs. The average class size is 8-10 students;this would allow instead of $3/class/student, $8/class/student for food support for the weekly contact. The total budget of the Workforce Development program within OWL360 for 2026 is—$39,000 (made up of$17,000 staff time, $6000 materials and supplies (food is within this category), and $16,000 student stipends). This additional $1800 would provide the assurance of healthy food options and better outcomes for the students and their learning. The staff time allocated in the 2026 budget involves other Workforce Development programs including the alternative high school program through OCEAN, called Open Doors, and the tier 3 internship program called Uplift. Proposed 2026 Workforce Development program budget: WFD Staff Time 596 HOURS $29/HOUR '17,2 Materials and Supplies 9820 1 $6,185 Stipends 16000 1 _i 6,04 TOTAL $39469 The overall organizational budget for OWL360 is over$600,000. We offer housing, resource navigation, social and emotional support through activities at The Nest, Substance Use Disorder counseling, and mental health counseling. The overall OWL360 budget is available by request, and we've chosen to only include the Workforce Development proposed budget for 2026. Earn to Learn Budget The proposed current OWL360 budget for 2 Earn to Learn cohorts (16 weeks each) for 2026 to support healthy food for students, is currently at$30/class. This falls short of being able to offer a more substantial food offering, and to allow some of the food resources to be taken home by the students after class ends.The additional $50/class (x 16 classes) =$800 (x 2 cohorts) = $1600 we are requesting for the Thriving Communities Grant, would be in addition to the $30/class already budgeted within the organizational proposed budget for OWL360 Workforce Development programs. The average class size is 8-10 students; this would allow instead of $3/class/student, $8/class/student for food support for the weekly contact. The total budget of the Workforce Development program within OWL360 for 2026 is—$39,000 (made up of$17,000 staff time, $6000 materials and supplies (food is within this category), and $16,000 student stipends). This additional $1800 would provide the assurance of healthy food options and better outcomes for the students and their learning. The staff time allocated in the 2026 budget involves other Workforce Development programs including the alternative high school program through OCEAN, called Open Doors, and the tier 3 internship program called Uplift. Proposed 2026 Workforce Development program budget: WFD Staff Time 596 HOURS $29/HOUR Materials and Supplies 9820 1 Stipends 16000 1 TOTAL The overall organizational budget for OWL360 is over$600,000. We offer housing, resource navigation, social and emotional support through activities at The Nest, Substance Use Disorder counseling, and mental health counseling. The overall OWL360 budget is available by request, and we've chosen to only include the Workforce Development proposed budget for 2026.