Commission Set to Review Pasadena Grants for Youth, Social Services and Early Education

Pasadena’s Human Services Commission is set to hear funding recommendations for the city’s Program Year 2026 Community Development Block Grant public service dollars at its Wednesday meeting, with the Department of Housing proposing $132,000 in awards to three nonprofit organizations.

The recommendations, which the advisory commission will consider before forwarding to the City Council for final approval, would direct federal grant money to programs serving low- and moderate-income residents across youth development, social services, and early childhood education. The City Council retains ultimate authority over all funding decisions.

Randy Mabson, a program coordinator with the Department of Housing, is scheduled to present the staff ranking recommendations. According to the presentation materials, 11 organizations submitted applications after a Notice of Funding Availability was released on Nov. 12. Applicants were required to attend mandatory workshops in December and submit proposals by Feb. 2.

Of the 11 applicants, eight received numerical scores based on staff evaluation, while three were deemed ineligible. The three organizations recommended for funding are Flintridge Center, Armenian Relief Society, and Families Forward Learning Center.

Flintridge Center received the highest application score of 87.7 and is recommended for $75,000 to expand its Youth of Promise program. The program would provide wraparound case management, mentoring, academic support, and behavioral health services to 80 low-income youth at risk of justice system involvement. Services would be delivered on school campuses and through after-school programming.

Armenian Relief Society scored 75.7 and is recommended for $32,000 — reduced from its $35,420 request — for its Community Social Service Programs. The project would provide wraparound social services, case management, and tenant education to at least 100 low- to moderate-income residents, with a focus on those impacted by the January 2025 Eaton Fire.

Families Forward Learning Center scored 73.7 and is recommended for its full request of $25,000 for its Family Mental Health Education program. The project would provide early childhood education and family support for low-income children ages zero to five and their parents, combining full-time childcare, parent education, and mental health services.

Five other organizations that submitted eligible applications were not recommended for funding: Union Station, which requested $45,000 for workforce readiness and job training and scored 69.7; Foothill Unity Center, which requested $77,000 for food distribution and scored 69; Dorothy’s Daughter, which requested $75,000 for an intergenerational recovery program and scored 61.7; Grandview Foundation, which requested $45,000 for workforce development and scored 54.3; and Housing Rights Center, which requested $75,000 for fair housing services and scored 52.3.

Three applicants were ruled ineligible: Lineage Performing Arts, The FID Group, and Public Works Group.

If the commission endorses the recommendations, a capacity assessment would follow in April, with City Council approval anticipated in May. Program Year 2026 would begin July 1.

The Human Services Commission is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue, in Pasadena. For more information call (626) 744-7311 or visit https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas/.