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.

Matthew Polasko, who just graduated from UNR, came up with an idea while he was working at the university’s food services that feeds homeless families. Matthew convinced students to give their weekly unswiped food allowances back to the supplier, which amounted in money to buy food to give to the family shelter at the Community Assistance Center. The City honored Matthew by declaring June 9, 2010 Matthew Polasko Day in Reno. Pictured: Council Member Dwight Dortch, Community Reinvestment Manager Jodi Royal-Goodwin and Matthew Polasko.

The City is again sponsoring the USDA Summer Food Service Program this year.  During summer vacation, meals will be served to all children under age 18 free of charge at several locations:

Students enrolled in City of Reno summer camps at these service locations will also receive these meals. For additional information, call Alan Roney, Recreation Supervisor at 775-334-2262.