OKDHS Aging Services Division announces project funding

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Aging Services Division is accepting funding applications for the Lifespan Mobile Respite Program. This program is designed to provide respite services to family caregivers in non-traditional respite locations such as churches, adult daycare service providers or other similar locations across Oklahoma.

Eligible applicants are faith-based organizations and adult daycare providers, pursuant to the Lifespan Respite grant 90LR0020/01. A vehicle will be provided to the grantee to be used to provide respite services.

One grant will be awarded with a maximum amount of $31,822. The grantee must provide a match of $6,750 or 17.5 percent of the total project budget, whichever is less. The match requirement may be met either through in-kind contributions or cash. The grant will be administered over a two-year period.

The grantee is responsible for providing routine maintenance for the vehicle plus fuel and insurance. To ensure sustainability of the program after grant funding ends, the grantee is eligible to keep the vehicle if the grantee has satisfactorily implemented the mobile respite pilot program.

The successful grantee is expected to assemble a team and provide supplies and information materials for the vehicle. The grantee will also partner with faith-based organizations, adult daycare providers or other community-based organizations to provide therapeutic activities for the participants. The grantee will also enter into agreements with local high schools, technology centers, colleges or similar institutions to allow selected students to participate in the project. Preference shall be given to students who are required to perform volunteer hours to meet educational requirements.

Applicants must submit proposals using the Lifespan Mobile Respite Care Program form. Refer to local project number 12-002 on the form. Request a form by sending an email to Bonnie Kolar at bonnie.kolar@okdhs.org with the subject line "Mobile Respite Care Project #12-002."

Applicants must mail or deliver the original completed application form with supporting documentation plus four additional copies of the form and documentation (five sets total) in a sealed envelope to Bonnie Kolar, OKDHS Aging Services Division, 2401 NW 23rd Street, Ste. 40, OKC, OK, 73107. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on April 12, 2012. For additional information, contact Kolar at (405) 521-2281.

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