Denton County's yearly contributions to two nonprofits, one that feeds older residents and one that speaks for abused children in court, go to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday for final sign-off.
The agreements, on the court's 9 a.m. Nov. 3 agenda, cover the county's fiscal year that began Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2027. Commissioners set the dollar amounts when they approved the social services budget on Sept. 22; Tuesday's vote approves the contracts that pay the money out.
Meals for older residents
SPAN Inc., a Denton-based nonprofit whose stated mission is helping older residents stay independent, would receive up to $37,957. Under the contract, SPAN is to run a hot meals program five days a week at group meal sites and senior centers around the county, and deliver meals to homebound, frail and elderly residents who qualify.
The county pays SPAN back monthly for meals already served, at an estimated $12 per hot, home-delivered meal, until the cap is reached.
Advocates for children
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Denton County would receive up to $100,000 for guardian ad litem work for children whose abuse or neglect cases are before the county's district courts. The reimbursement schedule estimates 22,500 contacts over the year.
The contract describes CASA's role as training volunteers to represent the best interest of an abused child in court, pushing for a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible, advocating for the child with other professionals, and reporting to the district judges. It also calls for a working agreement with the judges and Child Protective Services.
