first newsletter. In 2019, Ujamaa will celebrate its ninth year of operations.
In that time, over 2,000 African American young men needing help have walked
through our doors. Most exiting our criminal justice system. Many of those men
were ready to commit to a new life – a transformative life. These men were
facing high barriers to landing good jobs that pay living wages and obtaining
the financial means and skills to thrive on their own. In most cases, they were
unemployed and experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, that had unmet needs
for mental health or chemical dependency treatment and had not received a
quality education. These men became Ujamaa Men – guided by an Ujamaa team that
helped these young men empower themselves through education and mentorship, and
through unwavering dedication. At Ujamaa Place we emphasize a “reach one, teach
one” mentality and a family atmosphere. We are a Ujamaa Community. We look
forward to sharing Ujamaa News with you!! From our Ujamaa Place family to
yours, we hope you have a blessed 2019. -- Otis Zanders, President & CEO An
Ujamaa Story: Brandon Jackson Nineteen-year-old Brandon Jackson was chosen by
Ujamaa Staff as the 2018 Ujamaa Man of the Year. Brandon came to Ujamaa Place
in 2017 after completing treatment for a Substance Use Disorder. Upon admission
to Ujamaa Place, Brandon reported his goals were to further his education,
maintain his sobriety, and find stable employment and housing. Brandon has
achieved all these goals. The honoree is a graduate of Cretin Durham High
School, St. Paul and grew up in the Frogtown area. Brandon is employed at
Brit’s Pub and credits his restaurant managers (Justin, Joe, Dana and Danielle)
for helping him in his position. “I’m interested in career paths in the
restaurant business” says Jackson. Dwayne Hicks, Ujamaa Place Health and
Wellness Director responded, “In my work as a Counselor and Psychotherapist at
Ujamaa Place, I am given the honor of going through the transformative Journey
with our men. Brandon, is one of the many men that trusted our team enough to
share their story with us and taken some of our suggestions regarding their
care.” Congratulations Brandon!!!! Individual and Foundation Appreciation In
this first issue of our newsletter, it is most fitting that we thank The Saint
Paul Foundation for their continued support plus funding from Bigelow and
Mardag Foundations that are allowing Ujamaa to continue the process of building
a long-term sustainable and replicable model. Please Join Us As We Address the
Needs of Our Men We hope you are able to provide personal items for our men’s
well-being. We desperately need the following items: shampoo & body wash chap
stick lotion socks underwear tooth brush tooth paste deodorant floss bars of
soap washcloths nail kit Please call Stevenson Morgan at 651-393-5380 to
arrange for a drop off of your items. Thank you for your generosity! Let Us
Not Forget "We cannot continue to incarcerate our way out of issues that plague
our communities”. -- Metro Chief John Harrington, Ujamaa Place Board Chair and
an Ujamaa Founder Since 1980, the number of people incarcerated in America has
increased from 500,000 to over 2 million. And justice has not been blind.
African Americans are incarcerated at more than 5 times the rate of whites.
African Americans are incarcerated in Minnesota, at a rate of disparity by more
than 10 to 1. By contrast, only 1 out of every 17 white males is expected to go
to prison. One of every three black American males born today can expect to go
to prison in his lifetime. The solution to biased incarceration is what
Ujamaa Place is all about. Ujamaa’s mission is to help young Black men navigate
through institutionalized obstacles. We show our young Black men ways to
navigate the results of incarceration. We engage these young men in becoming
stronger, more responsible, employed, prosperous men and fathers who contribute
positively to their families and community. Thank You for Joining Our Men on
Their Transformation Journey. Donate Now Connect with us on social media!
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