Q&A
Changes to the Action NYC model for immigration legal services
3:09:20
·
146 sec
Tom Tortorici from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) explains the changes to the Action NYC model for immigration legal services. The new approach aims to ensure services are delivered by community-rooted organizations with cultural and linguistic competency.
- The new procurement will fund up to 25 organizations, focusing on those with direct community experience
- Contracts will be valued at $250,000 annually
- $400,000 will be allocated annually for a legal technical mentor to help organizations increase their capacity
- The changes aim to better connect immigrants to a broader network of services beyond legal assistance
Alexa Avilés
3:09:20
Okay.
3:09:22
I guess one quick question for Maria before we go to public testimony.
3:09:27
Why are you ending action NYC model?
Tom Tortorici
3:09:33
As described publicly in the responses to the protest letters received by the city as well as public comment and question received through the procurement process The intention is to ensure that immigration legal services are delivered by community rooted organizations and providers who have the linguistic and cultural competency to serve the needs of the people they're serving, as well as develop a relationship of trust and connect them to a broader network of services beyond immigration legal through navigation, and support.
Alexa Avilés
3:10:19
So that is and your estimation is not happening at all under this contract?
Tom Tortorici
3:10:24
Currently, there are 18 contracts under Action NYC.
3:10:28
15 are Action NYC and CBOs.
3:10:31
Services are delivered by community based organizations.
3:10:37
The other 3 are Action NYCN Hospital Schools And Libraries.
3:10:41
Under the new procurement, we'll be providing funding for 25 up to 25 organizations, and those that can demonstrate that they have done work directly in and with community members and the city's various immigrant communities will receive greater consideration.
Alexa Avilés
3:10:58
How much how much is allocated for capacity building to ensure that not only do they have capacity, but they can appropriately pay for the full level of service they're expected to provide.
Tom Tortorici
3:11:10
The contracts will be valued at 250,000 annual, and organizations are applicants are able to propose a legal team and a staffing structure.
3:11:26
That makes sense for the work they're proposing to do and for their organization.
3:11:32
For legal capacity building, 400,000 annually will be allocated to a legal technical mentor who will work with each organization individually.
3:11:41
To help them increase their ability to provide services of greater complexity and at greater volume.