The Reno City Council has accepted a $2,555 grant from the Nevada Arts Council for an art education program for senior citizens.

The funding will provide a series of artist-led workshops, which culminate in community performances by adults 55 years and older, focusing on music of the late 1920’s through the early 1940’s.

The grant will be matched by the City of Reno through a variety of in-kind sources including Parks, Recreation, and Community Service staff time, facility use, design services, and program budget. There will not be any financial impact to the City’s general fund.

To learn how the City of Reno is working to support, enhance the lives, and meet the needs of seniors in our community visit www.reno.gov, click  “Government,” then “Parks, Recreation & Community Services,” and “Senior Programs.”

A contract, approved by the Reno City Council on Wednesday, will enable low income residents with disabilities to continue to live independently.

The $26,000 contract with Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living (NNCIL) will provide for accessibility improvements to homes of Reno residents. The funding is through Community Block Grants (CDBG).

NNCIL provides comprehensive services to the area’s disabled population. Each year since 1985 the City has provided CDBG funds to NNCIL for accessibility modifications. Under last fiscal year’s contract, NNCIL installed improvements such as ramps, grab bars, threshold ramps, porch lifts, handheld showers, ADA toilets, and widened doors. Additionally, they provided 272 individuals and businesses with technical assistance with ADA compliance.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources.”

The Reno City Council accepted a $20,000 donation from the Children of Light Foundation to support program operations at the Community Assistance Center (CAC).

The funding will be used during fiscal year 2010-2011 in the following way:

• $5,000 will furnish the local match for an AmeriCorps member to staff the Community. Resource Center on a part-time basis. The AmeriCorps member will help train volunteers who assist in providing intake and referrals for clients and other persons in need who access the Resource Center to obtain services.

• $5,000 will be used to purchase bus vouchers from the Regional Transportation Commission. The vouchers are provided to clients at the CAC who need transportation to and from school, training, appointments, and employment. Bus vouchers are always in demand and assist in enabling clients to regain self-sufficiency.

• $10,000 will be used to provide motel vouchers for families who are waiting to enter the Family Shelter. The City works with Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada which provides intake, screening and short-term housing for families in need. Based on past data, $10,000 will support this service for the coming year.

On June 9, 2010, the Reno City Council approved the renewal of the Cooperative Agreement between the Cities of Reno and Sparks and Washoe County for fiscal year 2010-2011 operations of the CAC. The agreement identifies the City of Reno as the lead entity responsible for contracting with service providers for the CAC as well as pursuing grant opportunities in support of CAC programs.