Fall 2014
Partnership News
Front Feature
Front feature image from Partners in the Park event
Scholarship Awards
2014 allowed UNP the opportunity to participate in awarding an unprecedented number of scholarships. Recipients came from a variety of countries, spoke a range of different languages, and will be attending various schools in Utah. Here are the names of these bright and talented individuals:
UNP/Alumni Recipients
- Tina Huynh
- Enoabasi Etokidem
- Isabel Aranibar
Wolf and Meritus Recipients
- Venecia Salazar De La Fuente
- Trisha Rhone
- Erna Huremovic
- Wa He Dar
- Vanessa Robles
Pathfinder Recipients
- Danielle Martinez
- Alama Uluave
Partners in the Park 2014
Written by Teresa Molina
Los eventos de Partners in the Park (PIP) en los parques del Oeste de la ciudad (Jordan,
Sherwood, Riverside, Poplar Grove, Northwest Multipurpose Center, Westpoint) empezaron
en 2004 con un pequeño grupo de 40-60 personas que colaboraban con UNP en su misión
de traer los recursos de la comunidad y de la universidad a estos barrios para mejorar
el acceso a la educación y la salud para los vecinos. Eran eventos de día de campo
en los que profesores, estudiantes, vecinos y colaboradores se reunían para reconocerse
mutuamente. Actualmente estos eventos atraen a un promedio de 400 personas y a más
de 20 departamentos de la Universidad de Utah, Agencias No Lucrativas, del Condado
y la Ciudad. Los PIP sirven actualmente para compartir con la comunidad una clase
de zumba para la salud mental y física, una presentación de nutrición para comer sanamente,
beber agua de la llave y no agua embotellada, sodas o bebidas energéticas, juegos
entre adult@s y niñ@s, información sobre la educación superior, becas y carreras,
música y otras diversiones sanas. A estos eventos asisten vecinos de diferentes grupos
étnicos y se hablan muchas lenguas, pero la alegría de convivir es la misma. ¡L@s
Esperamos nuevamente el verano de 2015!
Hartland Partnership Center's Smart Classroom
The final elements of the development for a new "Smart Classroom" are underway at
the Hartland Partnership Center. This new technology enhanced classroom is a partnership
with the College of Social Work's undergraduate program.
The classroom has been designed with state of the art equipment that will support
distance education for university and community partners.
We're looking forward to developing classes on site and creating a space for community residents to connect with family and friends across borders.
Congratulations Capital City Education Partners!
By Dr. Rosemarie Hunter
On June 5th, 2014, Salt Lake City's application to the Lumina Foundation Community
Partnership for Attainment was awarded, and Salt Lake City entered the second cohort
of cities working with Lumina and others to increase postsecondary attainment and
success.
"Lumina's strategy was designed to help communities and regions dramatically increase the number of local residents with postsecondary credentials. The collaborative effort connects participating cities with significant technical and planning assistance, data tools, flexible funding, and the ability to customize attainment plans that will best suit each community's needs and the well-being of its residents."
See more at: www.luminafoundation.org/contact-us/media-room
Salt Lake City's educational initiative, A Capital City Education is designed to bring
major systems together for the purpose of working collaboratively on education and
career pathways that are focused on assuring postsecondary education as an option
for youth of all ages and families.
Over the past two years, multisector partners (Salt Lake City Mayor's Office, City Council, SLC school district, higher education partners, non-profits and community-based organizations and the business community) have been collaborating to support the development of shared goals and a long-range plan that is focused on increasing postsecondary attainment that leads to viable employment and lifelong learning for youth and families.
Partners believe that social change is relationship driven and begins at the neighborhood level. The key to educational attainment and success begins with investing and redistributing resources (time, talents & treasures) to develop shared goals and a comprehensive approach that focuses on community-based solutions and values diverse perspectives. Additionally, it underscores the need to work strategically to develop shared goals and align the work of our education, employment and business systems in ways that invest in the assets of families and the goals of our city and state.
Creating Shared Meaning
By Kara Mileski
The Hartland Partnership Center is a place where community members, non-profits, and
University of Utah students and faculty work together: where collaboration and reciprocity
come to life.
At Hartland, people from diverse backgrounds come together to learn more about themselves by learning more about others. We are all a little vulnerable as we come to know ourselves better and ask for help as we navigate new territory. And it's in the space that we all represent something larger than ourselves.
We represent a community coming together, our own culture, our shared culture, and
the culture we're developing along the way.
We cultivate shared meaning at Hartland. We come together to make sense of the things we encounter in our community, and are intentional with our responses. We create meaning from our histories and the possibilities for our future, and we do it in partnership with one another. I have found that Hartland is one of the few places in my life where I can truly be myself, because it is here that my being, and my meaning, are truly valued.
Staff Spotlight
Lenn Rodriguez
Lenn-Maureen Rodriguez, who prefers to go by "Lenn," is the new Youth Program Coordinator
at UNP Hartland Center. Born in Nigeria to Filipino parents, she immigrated to the
United States when she was 6 years old. She is a recent transplant to Utah from New
Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Studies at Montclair
State University. Currently pursuing an elementary education licensure at the University
of Utah, she hopes to one day fulfill her lifelong dream of being a schoolteacher.
In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and travel.
Community Corner
My Thai Asian Cuisine
In an unassuming little location at 1425 South & 300 West, My Thai serves up your
Thai favorites with delightful customer service.
For those in a hurry at lunch time, this little gem offers an express lunch menu each week day, but they always have their full menu available to order and customize your favorite selections for dietary needs and tastes. They have vegetarian and vegan options, and an assortment of meats.
For those who like it spicy (and for those of us who don't) they can also adjust the heat to suit your taste. The thing that really makes My Thai stand apart is their outstanding customer service. They treat their customers with a high level of care regardless of the size of your order. Owner Dee Benson and her crew really wowed us with exceptional service when preparing an order for us at University Neighborhood Partners. Be sure to drop in and try them out. They are truly an asset to the west side.
Upcoming Events
Legacy of Lowell
September 20th - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join University Neighborhood Partners staff, advisory board members, and other partners for the Bennion Center's annual Legacy of Lowell day of service project. Each year, UNP is the team lead for clean-up and work at the Bend-in-the-River; an area near the Jordan River that includes an amphitheater, a pavilion known as the Urban Treehouse. and beautiful views of the river, native plants, and nature. Check in, registration and breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Glendale Middle School, 1430 W Andrew Avenue (1500 S).
Volunteers will be bused to Bend-in-the-River for their service activity. Buses will return to Glendale Middle School at Noon where lunch will be offered.