Spring 2017
Partnership News
Front Feature
Front feature image from west side public community art
New Partnership with NASW, Utah
Written by Julianne Rabb
In the fall of 2015, UNP began working with a group of University of Utah Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds as they prepared for the clinical license exam. Often students who take the exam have found that it is very rooted in this culture and less intuitive for people from other backgrounds. As current professionals in the field, the resident participants reported a strong desire to increase their professional capacity by attaining their clinical licensure, and called upon UNP to support their efforts.
In partnership with the University of Utah's College of Social Work, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Utah Chapter is providing support through donated study guides and tuition for an all-day training led by faculty. UNP is committed to supporting this professional pathway for MSW graduates of all backgrounds, specifically those focused on addressing the content through a multi-cultural perspective. The study group meets weekly at the UNP Hartland Partnership Center in Salt Lake City. Contact Julianne Rabb at 801.973.5945 for more information.
Food and Friendship
Written by Sarah Munro
In recent months the changing political climate in the country has generated a great deal of fear and anxiety in immigrant and refugee communities, and has left many people in UNP's networks unsure about the future, and even whether they belong in this community any more. Many of our friends and colleagues who are leaders in the neighborhoods had shared the exhaustion of trying to ease the panic of their many friends and relatives, and the weight of being the ones who their communities turn to for support in challenging times.
To demonstrate UNP's deep and ongoing commitment to west side communities and to working will all in a spirit of respect and dignity, UNP hosted a Friendship Dinner in March to extend a hand of support and connection to these community leaders. With a group of 35+ leaders from all over the world, we sat together, ate together, and in three different languages offered a moment to relax and take care of each other. People who came reflected that it was a welcoming and enjoyable experience. This is the kind of world we all want to see.
Cena de la Amistad
Written by Teresa Molina
El mes pasado, UNP invitó a los líderes comunitarios a una cena de amistad en Hartland Center. El ambiente social, tenso por las recientes políticas de inmigración y rumores reales o ficticios, ha desencadenado reacciones post-traumáticas en una gran parte de la comunidad del lado oeste, donde muchos residentes son inmigrantes, de origen refugiado y de color. Como consecuencia, muchos líderes que están ayudando a la comunidad, también necesitan espacio para la reflexión y reuniones amistosas, donde puedan volver a conectarse con la realidad de que la sociedad es lo que hacemos de ella. Personas de diferentes etnias, estatus socioeconómico, género, edad e idiomas asistieron a la cena. Hubo un ejercicio de meditación y relajación, facilitado en inglés, español y árabe. Los asistentes disfrutaron de la experiencia, diciendo que lo harían de nuevo. UNP se complace en trabajar juntos para apoyara todos los grupos de la comunidad y continuаг abogando por el acceso a la salud, la educación, el empleo y la vivienda para todos los residentes del lado oeste, apoyando la creación de asociaciones comunitarias para beneficio mutuo y respeto por las diferencias. Reiteramos otra vez nuestra solidaridad y nuestro compromiso con nuestra comunidad.
Staff Spotlight - Ahmed Ali
Written by Natasha Hansen
Ahmed is the coordinator for the NAAN (New American Academic Network) program through
which he helps individuals with refugee/ entrant status who have degrees, certifications
or training from other countries, but having resettled here are unable to obtain employment
in comparable professional fields. Ahmed helps to provide guidance and resources to
overcome these barriers. Originally from Somalia, Ahmed speaks multiple languages
and previously worked as a translator for Utah's Third District Court and for University
of Utah Medical Center. He has also worked as a Youth Instructor for Northwest Middle
School and as a caseworker for the International Rescue Committee. Ahmed received
a Bachelor's Degree in Science from Utah State University. Ahmed enjoys spending time
with his wife and three children. He loves the outdoors, likes soccer, and enjoys
traveling.
Startup Incubator
Written by Jewel Morgan
Launching Ideas into action
The Startup Incubator began with a vision of strengthening west side neighborhoods
by supporting the development of small local resident owned nonprofits and businesses.
UNP partnered with Sustainable Startups, Sorenson Unity Center, the Bennion Center,
and the U's Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program. UNP's Director explained
that while many organizations exist to serve residents, bringing services to a community
in need is different than emerging from the strengths of a community. With the newly
arriving populations and changing demographics, many new organizations and voluntary
associations emerged to meet the diverse interests and needs Computers, copier, and
printer in the co-working space of local residents. Community leaders had formed grassroots
volunteer projects and organizations. Some formed through the Westside Leadership
Institute (WLI). The 2015 pilot program had a cohort of 12 social-minded organizations
in a 12-week course with Sustainable Startups that focused on goal setting, identifying
a market, forming a viable business plan, and developing a pitch to present the idea
to potential backers. Since then the partnership has grown and evolved. Sustainable
Startups has been fine tuning their model and other partners have entered Be sure
to Like us on Facebook for updates about events and resources in the community Comunidad
Materna en Utah meets in the Incubator Space conference room f including Synchrony
Financial and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. The course is now a 10-week program.
Cohorts are supported by an MPA student who helps prepare and coach them along the
way. On "pitch day" they compete for minigrants that can be used for startup costs
such as supplies and resources, or for their nonprofit application process. The partnership
identifies ways that higher education institutions can build the capacity of emerging
micrononprofits and small businesses, while building skills in students and community
members alike.
Space to grow
As groups completed the course, many continued to ask UNP for support. Equipped with
new knowledge and anxious to continue their momentum, many were in need of additional
tools and resources in the form of space, technology, and guidance. Last year the
health clinic moved from the UNPHartland Partnership Center leaving a vacant space
and new possibilities. UNP saw the opportunity to provide space and resources to these
fledgling organizations and formed a plan for an incubator space at Hartland. Using
equipment and furniture from University Surplus we created a space with computers,
a printer, copier, conference room, kitchen type area, and a waiting area. Many groups
had interest, most from WLI or community connections. Presently there are five groups,
including two startups, two nonprofits, and one PAR (participatory action research)
project. Each at different stages in their development, these include a resource agency
for holistic wellbeing in Hispanic communities, a girls softball program, a community
council, a mental health research clinic, and an organization for pre and postnatal
care and doula training in the Hispanic community. In addition to co-working space
and tech resources benefits include coaching and grant writing support. Currently
they are working toward unique goals while competing for two mini-grants. Participants
need not be cohort members. They complete an Centro Eres has one-on-one coaching with
the MPA student application and agreement, must have residency or a focus in Salt
Lake's west side neighborhoods, and other criteria that align with UNP's mission.
There are reporting requirements and agreements are for 6 month periods, renewable
up to 18 months. Much of their current support comes from an MPA student, but additional
support will come from the SBA's SCORE program and will soon include a Hinckley Institute
interm, and a dedicated MSW student.
The Student Experience
The Startup Incubator and WLI partnerships are both supported by a student from the
MPA program. Sarah Balland who is doing her graduate assistantship in this role through
the program's executive cohort has brought an array of skills and strengths, adding
great value to both partnerships. She will return this fall to continue her work.
In turn, the experience enriches her studies and allows for real world application
of the MPA curriculum.
In Reflection
Written by Sarah Balland, MPA Student
My experience with University Neighborhood Partners over the past year has led me
to several "public administration moments," where I find myself at the nexus of policies,
agendas, partnerships, people, and my own perceptions. Having just returned from workingin
South East Asia for a year and a half, UNP was an excellent place to rekindle my relationship
with American work culture, particularly through my conceptualizations of leadership,
organizational culture, and systems. The leadership at UNP has shaped an environment
where we freely develop our projects and ourselves through creativity, deliberation,
and reflection; it is where we're challenged to maintain a bird's eye view at all
times, while simultaneously connecting peopleand resources through countless perspectives.
It is a place where senses are sharpened, multiple systems intertwine, and minds are
constantly full of information. Although I am excited for a summer break, I am also
eager to return to UNP in Fall 2017, with heightened senses and a more profound understanding
of our work and of myself through the work we do. UNP has molded and shaped me as
I have molded and shaped it in return. If this sounds perplexing, it is because it
is. UNPis a place where complexity thrives beautifully, and purposing that complexity
does not come easily; yet, there is something so natural about it, once you realize
what your purpose is.
Community Corner
All Chay
This Fairpark neighborhood Vietnamese restaurant has been making delicious noodle
bowls, salads, pho, spring rolls, bahn mi sandwiches, and more for over two years
now. It is locally owned by a brother and sister duo, and a favorite of some UNP staff,
partners, and many local residents. People are often surprised to learn that Photo
by Jewel Morgan the food at this west side restaurant is vegan. The word "chay" actually
means vegetarian in Vietnamese. Of course, vegetarians are thrilled to have this local
option, but even self declared carnivores are known to rave about the food. All Chay
is located in a neighborhood strip mall at 1264 West 500 North and is open Tuesdays-Sundays
(Closed Mondays).
Upcoming Events
Hartland Spring Festival
April 29: Noon - 3 p.m.
UNP Wolf/Meritus Scholarship
Application Due Date: May 5th, 5 p.m.
UNP Wolf/Meritus Scholarship
Join UNP staff, partners, and West Side residents in local parks for food, fun, and resources.
Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
June 20 - Jordan Park
June 27 - Sherwood Park
July 11 - Poplar Gove Park
July 18 - Riverside Park
August 8 - Northwest Rec Center