Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Colleen Chawla, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Jei Africa, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Agreement with Peninsula Family Service for Older Adult Peer Counseling Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Peninsula Family Service to provide older adult peer counseling services for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $395,249.
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BACKGROUND:
In September 2023, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a provider for the operation and expansion of the Older Adult Peer Counseling (OAPC) services, formerly known as the Senior Peer Counseling services. The anticipated duration of the agreement was for three years, with an option to renew for an additional two years. Peninsula Family Service (PFS) was recommended to this Board of Supervisors through the RFP process to provide these services. This entity was chosen for their expertise in providing comprehensive community-based support services for older adults, with a focus on mental health, peer counseling, and reducing social isolation.
PFS has provided OAPC services since 2008. Their program provides ongoing emotional support and companionship to diverse community members aged 55 and older. They have trained volunteer peer counselors that deliver one-on-one or group support to assist participants in navigating life transitions, including health challenges, mobility changes, caregiving responsibilities, and grief. A defining feature of the program is the intentional matching of participants with counselors who share similar life experiences and perspectives, strengthening trust, engagement, and program effectiveness.
DISCUSSION:
PFS’ OAPC program provides bilingual/multicultural older adult peer counseling services, targeting the County’s older adult population, including the Chinese, Filipino, and African American populations and clients who live on the Coastside, in North County, and in South County. PFS program staff will recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who will provide direct individual and group services to older adults.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing amendments of the County’s fiscal obligation by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the County Attorney as to form.
It is anticipated that 30% of clients served will be new unduplicated clients.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2025-26 Estimated |
FY 2026-27 Projected |
|
Percentage of clients served that are new unduplicated clients |
30% 193 clients |
30% 193 clients |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This agreement will positively impact a critically underserved community of vulnerable older adult clients who would benefit from the OAPC support. OAPC services are a vital resource for older adults who face being more isolated post-pandemic. This agreement with PFS would expand access for underserved older adults to obtain services such as connecting with compassionate peer counselors to learn new coping skills, reduce isolation, and learn about community resources such as In-Home Support Services, Second Harvest Food Bank, and senior centers. Connecting older adults with peer counselors can reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression while enhancing quality of life and supporting their ability to age in place within their community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The amount of the agreement is not to exceed $395,249 for the one-year term. Funds in the amount of $395,249 are included in the BHRS FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget. Of the FY 2026-27 amount, it is anticipated that 100% will be funded by Behavioral Health Services Act funds. There is no Net County Cost.
Attachment: RFP Matrix