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Compensation and Incentives <br /> Recognizing the importance of financial stability for program participants, beginning with <br /> summer 2023, OKO Green will implement a two-part payment plan, combining cash payments <br /> with contributions to a savings account. Each week,participants will receive$1004125 cash and <br /> an additional $50-$75 will be placed into a savings account on their behalf. The savings account <br /> will be awarded to the participant in a graduation ceremony at the end of the summer. Excused <br /> absences will be allowed, and the money will be prorated accordingly. <br /> For each unexcused absence, the participant will lose that day's pro-rated pay plus 1/2 of the <br /> weekly savings contribution.After the third unexcused absence, the participant will be removed <br /> from the JRI summer program and resume participation in general JRI activities.This approach <br /> to compensation will encourage participants to develop responsible work habits, budgeting skills, <br /> and long-term financial planning strategies. <br /> Partnerships and Funding <br /> The JRI grant will provide essential funding to cover a majority of the wages for OKO Green <br /> program participants, as well as the supervisors and mentors. Equipment totaling$60,000 has <br /> been donated by a large OKO benefactor, and the $10,000415,000 needed for uniforms has been <br /> collected through monetary and an in-kind donations. Further funding is needed to cover <br /> additional expenses for the urban gardening projects, such as soil testing, fertilizer, soil, seeds, <br /> plants,transportation ortation costs fencing and water for irrigation. <br /> In addition to the JRI grant, OKO Green will actively seek other sources of funding and support, <br /> including corporate sponsorships, individual donations, in-kind contributions, and other grant <br /> opportunities.This diversified funding model will help to ensure financial stability and long-term <br /> success of the program. <br /> Monitoring and Evaluation <br /> To measure the impact of the OKO Green initiative on participants and the community, we will <br /> establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to collect and analyze relevant data. Key <br /> performance indicators will include the number of youths participating in the program,the <br /> percentage completing the eight-week summer program, the number of hours worked,the <br /> number of unexcused absences,the amount of savings accumulated by participants,the number <br /> of times each property is maintenance and the amount and quality of any crop grown. <br /> Furthermore,the OKO Green program will track the long-term outcomes for participants, such <br /> as recidivism rates, educational attainment,employment status, and overall engagement with the <br /> community. Surveys and interviews with participants, families, and community members will <br /> help to assess the program's impact on the quality of life, neighborhood cohesion, and overall <br /> perception of the OKO community. <br /> Regular progress reports and evaluations will be shared with the Illinois Juvenile Justice <br /> Commission and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and to inform any necessary program <br /> adjustments. <br /> 2 <br />