DISC Village, Legal Services of North Florida, Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation Set to Receive Funding

During their March 9 meeting, the County Commissioners approved the proposed maximum discretionary funding levels for outside agencies for Fiscal Year 2022. Besides the main benefactor of the ordinance, the Community Human Services Partnership (CHSP), other agencies and events will also receive funds for future endeavors.

Provided below is a description of the three agencies that will be receiving the most funding from the commission’s decision.

DISC Village

This private, non-profit corporation has been offering substance abuse prevention education and resources in the Tallahassee area since 1972. Currently, DISC Village operates the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). The organization provides the JAC onsite security as well as supervision for the arrested youth. DISC Village qualifies for discretionary funding due to their being no other statutory or mandated funding for this specific type of program. According to the county agenda item, “Without the JAC, the Sheriff’s Office would need a separate facility and staffing at the jail,” which would, in turn, result in higher costs.

Legal Services of North Florida

A non-profit 501(c)3, this agency provides civil legal assistance to residents within 16 of Florida’s panhandle counties. The commissioners had previously approved an additional $125,000 in one-time limited funding to cover attorney and support staff costs for a maximum of five years. This funding began in FY 2016 and ended in FY 2020. The commissioners approved another additional $125,000 for FY 2021 “to support Legal Services of North Florida’s efforts in providing legal services to qualifying Leon County Residents.”

Tallahassee Senior Citizens Foundation

Established in 1980, this independent nonprofit exists to provide programs, services and other resources to seniors in the Tallahassee community. Participants of Tallahassee Senior Services are able to utilize this system to “encourage active living, optimal aging and social fitness” for adults over age 50, according to their website. Funds from this commission item will be utilized programs offered by the foundation in rural areas of Leon County. Like DISC Village, there are no statutory or mandated funds eligible for this type of program.