The recipient entity's physical address:
           1871 Farragut Street
New Orleans, LA 70114

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           1871 Farragut Street
New Orleans, LA 70114

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  0902

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $1,000,000

What type of request is this?  Capital Outlay Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Board of Directors:
-CLARA J. WASHINGTON, 3301 FLORENCE AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
-SONJIA BROWN JOSEPH, 2721 WABASH STREET STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114
-JODIE EVANS, 2669 GALLINGHOUSE STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70131

Executive Director:
-SONJIA BROWN JOSEPH, 2721 WABASH STREET STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70114

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Clara’s Little Lambs (CLL), a woman-owned business serving New Orleans’ families with high-quality childcare since 1986, is developing a new 185-seat Type III center for infants to four-year-old children in Federal City, New Orleans. This state-of-the-art facility will serve military families stationed at Federal City as well as other working families with young children living in Algiers and throughout the Westbank and beyond. Clara's Little Lambs has secured funding for the construction of its new center, but seeks $1 million of Capital Outlay funding for the equipment and related costs required to build-out the facility.

The realization of this new facility will not only provide childcare to 185 families, but also create 35 living wage jobs for educators and administrators in the heart of Federal City, thereby significantly expanding Clara's Little Lambs' role as an anchor institution serving the district.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,600,000
          Professional Services. . . $20,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $25,000
          Operating Services. . . . $20,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $180,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Clara's Little Lambs' mission is to ensure that every child regardless of background has access to a nurturing, enriching environment that supports their growth, development and lifelong learning. CLL’s three operating centers currently serve 300 children from infants to four-year olds and achieve best practices in early childhood education with low child-to-staff ratios; providing nutritious meals; and paying staff above living wage while providing multiple healthcare, PTO, training and retirement benefits. CLL participates in the USDA Childcare Food Program, which provides funding for daily breakfast, lunch and snacks as well as a living wage for cooks and kitchen support staff. All teaching staff also have a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification or higher degree in Early Childhood Education.

CLL’s play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity and confidence. The holistic curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, early literacy, and hands-on exploration to help children build the foundation skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. Engaging activities in literacy, math, science and the arts are tailored to various learning styles, while also fostering social skills, emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Daily physical activities and outdoor play are essential to the programming, promoting healthy lifestyles and instilling the importance of active living. CLL also prioritize family engagement – including hosting workshops and events that encourage family involvement and support, strengthening the community network around children – and specialized programs for children with diverse needs, ensuring inclusivity and robust support for all backgrounds and abilities.

Funding from Capital Outlay will allow Clara's Little Lambs to significantly advance its mission by building out a new center serving 185 families with the highest quality childcare and education. Room layouts have been tailored to accommodate the specific needs of different age groups – infants, toddlers and per-kindergartners – and will have direct access to bathrooms and outdoor spaces. A built-to-suit commercial kitchen will provide CLL with ample food storage space and allow its on-staff chef to prepare fresh meals and snacks that promote healthy nutrition. In addition, the property’s large outdoor space and prominent oak tree will be a centerpiece of the center’s design, offering play structures and diverse programmed areas for age-appropriate recreational activities.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Clara's Little Lambs' goals are to provide high-quality early childhood education and care for 185 families, create living wage and career path jobs, and offer comprehensive programming for families, including:

-Family Support Services: access to resources such as parenting workshops, financial literacy programs and referrals to counseling

-Workforce Training: collaborations with local workforce development agencies to offer training programs for parents, helping them gain skills that can lead to better job opportunities and financial stability

-Health and Wellness Services: health screenings and wellness programs for families, promoting overall well-being and access to necessary healthcare resources

-Housing Assistance: partnering with local housing agencies to provide information and support for families seeking affordable housing opportunities

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           14 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/A
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/A

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/A

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/A

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/A

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/A

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/A

          What is the nature of the relationship?  N/A

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 N/A

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               N/A


Contact Information
name:  Sonjia Brown Joseph 
                                       address:  1871 Farragut Street
New Orleans, LA 70114
                                       phone:  504.362.7710
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  sonjiajoseph@yahoo.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Director