The Social Services Commission and the Community Services Department are responsible for identifying and addressing community needs and coordinating social service programs within the city. The provision of information and referral services and recommending funding for social service programs that are administered by non-profit agencies in the Whittier community are important components of the Social Service efforts.

Local non-profit agencies are funded through grants allocated annually in four major categories: Small Grants, Matching Funds, Contingency and Request for Proposal. The Social Services Commission focuses on violence prevention programs for young people; homelessness programs youth services including child care; substance abuse prevention programs; affordable housing; community counseling; and juvenile delinquency prevention.

The Social Services funding program is supported by the City’s General Fund and HUD Community Development Block Grant funds. The Commission and staff continue to work with the Whittier Area Interfaith Council, the Uptown Business Association and the community regarding concerns about homelessness and panhandling. The City Council has created a subcommittee to investigate funding opportunities and locations to create a regional “One-Stop Center” to address community and homeless needs.

WHITTIER SOCIAL SERVICES FUNDING APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

The Whittier Social Services Commission invites applications for funding from local non-profit organizations that provide needed social services for City of Whittier residents for fiscal year 2010-11. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, December 18, 2009.

The Social Services Commission encourages innovative programming that could include agencies submitting joint applications for projects to better the quality of life in Whittier.

Applications and an informational letter may be obtained by calling the Community Services Department at (562) 464-3360; in person at the Department office at Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn Street; or downloaded from this website.

All groups applying for funding must supply proof of non-profit status with the application. The following documents are required as proof of non-profit status: a Certificate of Filing, Certificate of Status or Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Exemption Determination Letter of the California Secretary of State and a Determination Letter of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognition of their section of 501 c (3) exempt status.

Examples of social services programs which may be eligible for grant funding include employment assistance, crime prevention, child care and education, health, drug abuse and recreational needs that primary assist low to moderate income residents including abused children, battered spouses, senior citizens, those with disabilities, homeless persons, illiterate persons and migrant farm workers.

The Whittier Social Services Commission will review all applications to determine eligibility. The Commission’s recommendations regarding funding will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval.

Agencies that receive funding may be required to make presentations at Commission meetings.

For more information regarding this Social Services funding application process, please call the Community Services Department at (562) 464-3360.

To obtain a copy of the informational letter, click here. To obtain a copy of the funding application, click here.

Commission Goals
Meet identified community needs for the provision of social services.
Assist non-profit social service providers in aiding Whittier citizens.
Provide information and referral services in the community.

Information and Referral

The Information and Referral office is located at the Whittier Senior Center. City staff and trained volunteers provide residents with information on social service agencies in the area and the services they provide. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 13225 Walnut Street, Whittier, CA 90602. They may be reached at (562) 464-3368.

The Commission publishes a Social Services Directory. The directory is available for purchase at the Senior Center. To download the complete 2009 Social Services Directory in pdf format click here. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read or print the directory.