Bristol Elder Services Accepting Program Proposals

Bristol Elder Services, Inc. (Bristol) is accepting Letters of Intent for two-year proposals for programs to run October 1, 2015, through September 30, 2017. The programs will be funded by the Federal Older Americans Act. Priority for funding will be given to projects that address one or more of the following: mental health counseling, dental care, legal services, and in-home support services. Approximately $80,000 is available, $50,000 of which is mandated to be used for legal services.

Successful applicants will be awarded a one-year contract with the option for a second year contingent upon: funds being made available to Bristol, demonstrated program outcomes, and program performance. Older Americans Act funding is intended to provide services to a significant number of elders, age 60 and over, identified as having the greatest economic need, the greatest social need, severe disabilities, limited English proficiency, and those who are low-income minority, or lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.

There are requirements associated with Older Americans Act programs. Programs cannot ask for income verification or charge a fee for services. Participants must have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation. Programs must develop and conduct consumer satisfaction surveys. Reimbursement is based on costs verified through monthly billing and data submission.

The programs must serve elders residing in at least one of the following communities: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Fall River, Freetown, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, and Westport. Collaboration is encouraged.

Mandatory technical assistance training for those planning to submit a Letter of Intent will be held at Bristol’s offices at 1 Father DeValles Boulevard, Second Floor, Conference Room A, Fall River, MA 02723, on March 11, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. If you require special assistance, notify Melanie Minutelli Ramos, Grants Manager/Planner, by March 6, 2015.

The Letter of Intent must be received by Bristol by April 1, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. The Letter of Intent should be no more than three pages, and must address the following:

1. The priority(ies) the program addresses.
2. The program’s goal(s) and expected outcomes.
3. A description of the program, the communities in which it will operate, and how you envision it operating.
4. The total amount of Older Americans Act funds requested.
5. The total amount of funding needed for the program’s operation.
   Note: Federal regulations require a 15% match. Ensure that the difference between #4 and #5, exclusive of federal money, equals 15%.
6. Other funding sources that will support program operations.
7. How you identified the need for the targeted service(s).
   Note: Reference community needs assessments, research studies, etc.
8. Contact name, e-mail address, and telephone number.

For more information, contact Ms. Ramos at (774) 627-1306, TTY (508) 646-9704, or by e-mail at Melanie.Ramos@bristolelder.org.