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Additionally, Ms. Holtzclaw provided information about the funds requested for the Tri- Valley Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, noting that in one month over 132 Pleasanton people were served. Two to three sessions are proposed to be provided at the Pleasanton Library. The program will be provided in partnership with United Way of the East Bay, funding requested represents approximately 11 % of the overall hard costs of the program. Program volunteers have completed training and are certified. Those to be served will be low- to moderate - income families. Chairperson Jhanwar asked about the number of people served during the 2015 tax season. He was advised that that number was 63, however it is anticipated that a total of 250 will be served during the 2016 tax season, and most will be from poor families who are bilingual. Commissioners were also informed that those requesting assistance are required to sign -up for the program so they can be informed about documents they will be required to bring when a meeting is scheduled. Hope Hospice, Inc., (The Volunteer Program) — Natalie Brown thanked the Commission for previous funding and advised that this grant request is for a volunteer program with a primary mission of having volunteers provide appropriate services to Hope Hospice patients. Ms. Brown noted that Hope Hospice currently has 30% more patients than during the previous year. Commissioner Hayes was informed that approximately 65 of the 110 volunteers at Hope Hospice are seniors. Commissioner Wright questioned whether the requested funds were for salaries of current personnel or would the funds be used for hiring of new people, and Chairperson Jhanwar discussed with Ms. Brown the amount of time spent at each visit with a Hope Hospice patient. East Bay Innovations, (Ramping Up for Independent Living) — the representative provided information about the funding needed for their Independent Living program and how they want to bring information about the program to parents by doing more outreach and workshop events. He discussed the importance of parents knowing about all the details and options available to them. Chairperson Jhanwar was advised that funding would be used to staff the workshop events and participating with school district personnel at workshops. Chairperson Wright asked about housing options available to the young people getting ready to live independently. She was advised that there is never enough housing available for these young people and that EBI tries to provide them with other options. Commissioner Wright confirmed that East Bay Innovations had applied for funding from the City of Pleasanton in the past and if funds were allocated that they would be used for Pleasanton residents. Commissioner Parekh was advised that between 10 and 40 families have participated in these workshop events in the past, and Commissioner Hayes asked if the program was for families with children of all ages, or only for those with children aging out of school programs. Human Services Commission March 2, 2016 Page 3