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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-2019 Human Rights Commission/_[r] =1 01117_1 Human Rights Commission (HRC) Tuesday, November 19, 2019 5:30 P.M. City Hall, Helling Conference Room 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City 1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call. 2. Approval of the September 17, 2019 meeting minutes. 3. Approval of the October 15, 2019 meeting minutes. 4. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items). 5. Items to be discussed: a. Funding Request: Celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday. b. December meeting. c. Proclamation: Transgender Remembrance Day in Iowa City (11 /19 Council Meeting). d. Committees: Public Safety; Education; Community Outreach; Housing. e. Official Statements by the Human Rights Commission. f. Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant (December 2 — January 3). g. Report on: i. Human Rights Breakfast. ii. Social Justice and Racial Equity Informational Sessions. h. Correspondence. 6. Staff/Commission Announcements. (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements). 7. Comments of Staff. 8. Adjournment. If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at Stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission City Hall, Helling Conference Room September 17, 2019 Members Present: Jeff Falk, Jessica Ferdig, Barbara Kutzko, Jonathon Munoz, Bijou Maliabo. Members Not Present: Adil Adams, Noemi Ford, Tahuanty Pena, Cathy McGinnis, Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers. Others Present: Andrea Cohen. Recommendation to Council: No. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:41 PM. Approval of the August 20, 2019 meeting minutes: Ferdig made a motion, it was seconded by Munoz. Motion passed 5-0. Approval of the August 22, 2019 meeting minutes: Motion failed to have a quorum of Commission members voting. Item will be placed on October 15 meeting agenda. Latino Festival: This event was held on August 24 from noon to nine on the Ped Mall. Ferdig and Ford staffed a vendor table on behalf of the Commission. It was very well attended and Ferdig hopes the Commission will participate again at the event next year. Official Statements: Commissioners had a discussion on how and when they would make official statements. It was decided that a draft statement would be presented to the entire Commission for a vote and that the Chair would sign it, if approved by a majority vote, on behalf of the Commission. Strategic Plan from 2018: Commissioners had implemented a strategic plan in the spring of 2018. It was not followed through on as anticipated. The Commission would like to have a deeper discussion on how to create initiatives and then on how to best prioritize initiatives. Because four members were absent it will be added to the agenda in the future. Committee Updates: There are four committees that assist in advancing the strategic plan. The four committees are Housing (*Falk, Adams, Pena); Public Safety (*McGinnis, Maliabo, MwSoz); Education (*Ferdig, Falk, Kutzko, Pena); and Community Outreach (*Adams, Falk, Munoz). Asterisks designates chairs of the committees. Housing: No report. Page 1 of 4 Public Safety: Cohen provided a copy of a proclamation and brochure on the hate speech campaign. She would like the Commission to present a proclamation for the Mayor's consideration to introduce the brochure and the need for this type of work in the community. The Commission delegated the committee to work with Cohen on producing a final proclamation and an appropriate day for it to be declared. A possibility is the International Day of Tolerance. Education: The committee has been following the discussion of the Iowa City Community School Board on placing School Resource Officers (SRO) in the schools. At some point in the future they may ask the Commission to make an official statement on the subject. Community Outreach: No report. National Hispanic Heritage Month: Ferdig will accept the proclamation on behalf of the Commission at the City Council meeting of September 17. Human Rights Breakfast: This annual award ceremony is scheduled for October 23. Dr. Melissa Shivers, University of Iowa's Vice President for Student Life will be the keynote speaker. Nominations are currently being accepted for honorees. Maliabo and Ferdig will serve on the selection committee. Staff will send a note out to other Commissioners, not in attendance, to see if at least one more can serve on the selection committee. Pena will do the welcome at the event, Ferdig will introduce the speaker, McGinnis will announce the awards, and Munoz will perform the closing. Commission Announcements: Falk attended a Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition meeting where Tracy Hightshoe, Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, spoke on City initiatives on affordable housing. Kutzko is assisting with the planning of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It will be held at Mercer on Monday, January 20. She also recently joined the Black Voices Project. Ferdig helped at the City's job and career fair and would recommend interpreters be made available next year for job searchers. She also is a committee member on the University of Iowa's Health Equity Advancement through the College of Public Health. They have an annual summit that will be held this coming spring. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:48 PM. Page 2 of 4 N t am U c cu c m Q -C C au v�vvv��v� x xx x a w d d a w w a w c c c c c c c c c o v v v v v v v v v N N N N N N N N N N CO a`a`dd a`a`d a`a` X X X w a w a a w a a a C N C C C N c d a a w a a a w a w c c c c c c c c N N N N N N U] N N �aaawaaaaa C C C a N C C c C N N N N Kw ire as a` a`a¢a`a` C C C C C C C c C U) a` C C C C C C C c a N N 6J N N N N N N N� k w C C C C C a N C C C 6i N N N N N� N N N K N N N N m d a` a` a w � a N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N X M a` a` a` a` a` a` a` w a a 0 C N C C C N c C N N N N 3 N N N N N N N 3 N N Ul N CO � al X al N al x N N w a w a a` a w a` a` 0 0 0 N N N N N N N N N N N N H N N O m O 'm � N Y N -6 -6 m mu�C ii ii�� Y Il d Q LPL Il Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission City Hall, Helling Conference Room October 15, 2019 Members Present: Jeff Falk, Jessica Ferdig, Barbara Kutzko, Bijou Maliabo, Tahuanty Pena, Cathy McGinnis, Noemi Ford. Members Not Present: Adil Adams, Jonathon Munoz. Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers. Recommendation to Council: No. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM. Approval of the August 22, 2019 meeting minutes: Ferdig made a motion, it was seconded by Maliabo. Motion passed 6-0. (Ford not present). Approval of the September 17, 2019 meeting minutes: Motion failed to have a quorum of Commission members voting. Item will be placed on November 19 meeting agenda. Approval Annual Report Fiscal Year 2019: A note was added to reflect that Commissioners are appointed on the calendar year and the annual report is on the fiscal year. Two typos were also noted. Funding Request: University of Iowa African American Studies: The Commission decided to table the discussion for the funding request for Africa to the Holyland until more details are known on the project. Staff will send a follow up email to the coordinator to determine when and where the film(s) are planning to be shown. Funding Request: University of Iowa Lecture Committee: Due to the amount of funding already given by the University to bring Anita Hill to campus in January, the Commission declined to provide additional funding citing their limited funding for community sponsorships even though they support the event. Official Statements: Commissioners had a discussion on how and when they would make official statements. Staff advised that it is best to have a draft statement that could be presented to the entire Commission for a vote and if passed then the Chair would sign it, on behalf of the Commission. Staff will try to locate a past example of an official statement made by the Commission and send it out to Commissioners. Page 1 of 4 Strategic Plan from 2018: Commissioners had implemented a strategic plan in the spring of 2018. It was not followed through on as anticipated. The Commission would like to have a deeper discussion on how to create initiatives and then on how to best prioritize initiatives. The Commission decided to have a discussion on this subject in 2020. Starting in January, the Commission will have 4 new members and so it is best to make sure those new members can be a part of the conversation. In the meantime, Commission members discussed starting a film series and holding a panel discussion on International Day of Human Rights. Committee Updates: There are four committees that assist in advancing the strategic plan. The four committees are Housing (*Falk, Adams, Pena); Public Safety ('McGinnis, Maliabo, Munoz); Education ('Ferdig, Falk, Kutzko, Pena); and Community Outreach ('Adams, Falk, Munoz). Asterisks designates chairs of the committees. Housing: No report. Public Safety: A date will need to be selected for the presentation of the proclamation on Hate Words to the City Council. The brochure is available on the City's website. Education: The committee met briefly following the last Commission meeting date just to get updates. But will meet again after today's Commission meeting. Community Outreach: No report. Transgender Remembrance Day Month: Ford will accept the proclamation on behalf of the Commission at the City Council meeting of November 19. Human Rights Breakfast: The award ceremony is scheduled for October 23. Dr. Melissa Shivers, University of Iowa's Vice President for Student Life will be the keynote speaker. Commissioners went over the program for the event including the winners being recognized: Angie Jordan, Kevin Sanders, Matthew Farrey, Elizabeth Bernal, Jesse Case, and Inside Out Reentry. Pena will do the welcome at the event, Ferdig will introduce the speaker, McGinnis will announce the awards, and Munoz will perform the closing. Social Justice and Racial Equity Informational Session: Commissioners Maliabo, Kutkzo, and McGinnis will present at the two sessions being held on Monday, November 18, one at noon and the other at 5:30PM. Over the next few weeks they will meet and update the PowerPoint used last year at the session. Commission Announcements: Maliabo attended the Iowa Women's Foundation program at the Marriott where Rosa Park's cousin was the keynote speaker. She also helped select the winners for this year's human rights awards. Page 2 of 4 Ferdig attended the University of Iowa's College of Education Latinx Conference, she also helped select winners for the human rights award. She went to go see Greta and thought it was worthwhile. She also attended a documentary on Cotton Seed Girls in India and the human rights issues contained within this type of work. She will be representing the Commission at the Immigrant and Refugee Banquet recognizing the Mayor and plans to apply for the PHD program at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. Kutzko has spent her last few weeks traveling places visited included New York and California. Falk attended the Center for Worker Justice Gala and also reminded other Commissioners that the City Council is accepting applications for the Climate Action Commission. Ford reported on an upcoming event being held at the North Liberty Community Center that is a joint program with the Refugee Commission Advisory Board and the University of Iowa's Public Health. It will be 6-10PM on Saturday, October 26. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:53 PM. Page 3 of 4 z N t am U c cu c m cu -C C au �yJ C C v c C C v C C N N O y y u N N N u N N a` a` w a a` a` w v u y y v u u v u rn x x x x a w d d a w w a w c c c c c c c c c o v v v v v v v v v N N N N N N N N N N CO a`a`dd a`a`d a`a` X X X w a w a a w a a a a a a C N C C C N c d M N N 3 N N N 3 N X . N . X X a a w a a a w a w c c c c c c c c N N N N N N U] N N �aaawaaaaa C C C a N C C c C N N N N X ire as a`wa`a¢a`a` C C C C C C C c C U) a` C C C C C C C c a N N ox 6J N N N N N N N X r� a s a` a a` a a` a` w C C C C C a N C C C 6i N N N N N� N N N wX a` a` a` a N N N N N N N N N X a a C N C C C N c C N N 3 N N N 3 N N CO � al X al N al X N N w a w a a` a w a` a` 0 0 0 N N N O O O O O O O O O N N N N N N N N N H N N O Od E m - N 6 m mu ii � :Y ldIii ¢ LL l Agenda Item 5a Cover Letter (required reading) Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Commission provides funding to organizations and agencies to offset the costs of organizing, planning, and facilitating educational public forums or programs and activities that are designed toeliminate racial, religious, cultural, and other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and national origin. To process your request for sponsorship, we need you to take a few minutes to fill out this application form. Please note sponsorship requests are due by S p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will review the request at their monthly meeting and staff will contact you to let you know whetherthe request has been approved. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit a full (one page) summary of funding impact, including but not limited to, numberof persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share with the team about the event, frequency of the event, and otheressential information. If you have any questions aboutthe application process, please do not hesitate to contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022orStefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Please sign here to verify you have read the cover letter to this form. * Application Date * 11 /8/2019 Group/Organizaton Name* United Action for Youth Contact person Kylie Buddin Phone number* 319-338-07518 Email * Kylie. Buddin@unitedactionforyouth.org Date of activity/event/program 1 /18/2020 If your event occurs on multiple dates, list here Event location and address* Mercer Recreational Center Is the event wheelchair accessible?* * Yes f No Is the event accessible to individuals with visual impairments?* * Yes f No Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights.* Celebration of MILK and Black History Month activities. Supplies will cover materials for activities, food and table rentals. The event will support the mission of bringing youth and families together in a safe and enjoyable environment to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as other notable moments of the civil rights movement. Discussions will include social and racial equity, civil engagement and local and national events that impact the lives of our youth. Amount of funds requested. Attach an itemized budget (field below).* $ 600.00 Attach itemized budget.* Budget.)dsx List other funders below: 8.54KB Has this organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/event/program? f Yes r- No If yes, what department were the funds requested through? How much funding was requested? Was this request granted? r Yes r No Has the organization received anyfunding from the Cityof Iowa City in the last year?* F Yes r No If yes, what department were the funds requested through? Aid to Agencies How much funding was requested? $ 33,000.00 How will this activity/event/program be marketed? Advertisements will go through the School District's service Peach Jar, Social Media (to include Facebook and Instagram), and flyers distributed to agencies serving youth. Will sponsors he mentioned and/or logos be used in the marketing of the activityleventlprogram? 0 Yes O No Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser?* O Yes O No Expected Attendance:80 Youth Food 400 Printing 50 Honorarium for youth facilitators 50 Correspondence Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report Inside Out Reentry Community (10) received Social Justice Racial Equity Grant funding in 2019 to increase our impact in the Iowa City community through public education and awareness of the issue of reentry. As a part of this funding 10 will host a 2 day summit, and 3 quarterly forum series, expecting to serve at least 300 people across five days of events. The primary purpose of this series is to bring people together in an open, accepting learning environment to advocate for one of our community's most marginalized populations (people involved in the criminal justice system). On September 20th, we hosted the first quarterly forum, a Reentry/Parole Simulation. On October 17th and 18th, we hosted Homecoming: Reentry Summit, a two day summit to raise awareness about the barriers returning citizens face and to build a supportive community through education about criminal justice, collateral consequences, and reentry. Presently, we have had a total attendance of 279 individuals. To measure performance, 10 is tracking number of attendees and feedback through surveys at events. We also hope to recruit ten new volunteers, and ten new REN committee members by the end of the grant cycle. At this time, 7 individuals have signed up to join REN committees which will begin meeting in the next quarter. How this program, service or activity advances social justice or racial equity: The U.S. currently incarcerates over 2.2 million people, the highest rate in the world. In Iowa, there are over 8,000 people in state correctional facilities, and more than 4,000 in county jails. Our criminal justice system disproportionately incarcerates African Americans. For example, even though African Americans comprise just 3% of the population in Iowa, they make up 26% of the Iowan prison population. The prison population is also disproportionately low income and living with mental illness. Returning citizens are in great need of community support to rebuild their lives and avoid reoffending, and yet public attitudes toward formerly incarcerated people continue to limit their opportunities. In this population of 5 million people across the country, unemployment rates are at over 27%, which is higher than the general unemployment rate during the Great Depression (https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/outofwork.html). Unemployment rates are even higher among formerly incarcerated African Americans, particularly African American women. This is, in part, also why returning citizens are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless compared to the general public (https://www.prisonpolicy.ora/reports/housina.htm1). Discrimination is also a factor, as employers and landlords often refuse to hire or rent to returning citizens. Around 40% of the public believes that formerly incarcerated people are violent/dangerous ("Normalization and Legitimation: Modeling Stigmatizing Attitudes Toward Ex -Offenders," Hirschfield & Piquero, 2010). Many also believe they are dishonest, non-contributing toward society, and a different "type" of person entirely (i.e., "criminal"). 1O's summit and forum series aim to change these public attitudes by using data, social justice ideals, and storytelling to debunk stereotypes and create social change. Programs and Activity Progress: First Quarterly Forum: Reentry/ Parole Simulation: On Friday, Sept. 20th 10 held a Reentry/Parole Simulation at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, IA. Developed by the US Attorney's Office, this simulation aims to help community members gain greater understanding of what it is like to return home after incarceration. For this event we partnered with the University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars Program and the University of Iowa College of Law. Following the simulation, we had a short panel of returning citizens who spoke of their experiences reentering the community. 40 individuals attended the simulation including faith leaders, social service providers, attorneys and students, and 32 completed our survey. Overall we received helpful feedback on the event, a few comments highlighted that in the future they would like more time available for the speakers to share at the end. 100% of respondents stated they had a better understanding of reentry following the simulation. 98% said they agreed they had a better understanding of the barriers reentering citizens face and 98% agreed the event was well organized. Attendees were asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), how they would rate the overall event. The average rating was 4.78. Homecoming: Reentry Summit, October 17th 6 - 8:30 pm Oct. 17th's event included an overview on reentry in the State of Iowa from the Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, Dr. Beth Skinner, and a keynote presentation on higher education in prison from Sean Pica, Executive Director of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison. The audience was especially engaged in Sean Pica's presentation and asked many questions about higher education in prison. There was also a panel on felony disenfranchisement and voting rights in Iowa. In Iowa, after a felony conviction, an individual automatically and permanently loses their right to vote. The panel featured Sam Langholz, Senior Legal Counsel to Governor Kim Reynolds, Mark Stringer, Executive Director of ACLU Iowa, Alison Guernsey, Clinical Professor University of Iowa Law School, and Doren Walker, a returning citizen and advocate. This panel was very engaging as it addressed direct and pointed questions about why legislators would prevent individuals convicted of a felony from voting. The evening was a great success with a total of 108 attendees including attorneys, state and local legislators and elected officials, social service providers, returning citizens, students, educators, health professionals and interested community members. The audience was very engaged and asked a variety of questions to all presenters and panelists. For the two day summit we partnered with the University of Iowa College of Law, and the University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars Program. Survey Results: A survey was handed out at the event and emailed to attendees. It was completed by 45 individuals. 100% of respondents agreed that the event was well organized. 98% of respondents said they had a better understanding of reentry, and 95% said they had a better understanding of the variety of obstacles faced by re-entering community members following the event. 93% agreed they had a better understanding of voting rights issues surrounding re-entering community members. These results suggest an overall positive experience. Attendees were asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) how they would rate each presenter/panel. All presentations received a rating over 4.5, with the keynote speaker Sean Pica's presentation with an average rating of 4.83. Finally, respondents were asked to rate the overall event, 81 % rated it a 5, and the average rating was a 4.79. Homecoming: Reentry Summit, Friday October 18th 9 am - 3:30 pm Presenters included a diverse range of returning citizens, attorneys, activists and educators, as well as a keynote address by award -winning author and Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Chicago, Mitchell S. Jackson. Mitchell S. Jackson's debut novel The Residue Years received wide critical praise. Jackson is the winner of a Whiting Award and The Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. His nonfiction book Survival Math: Notes on an All -American Family was published in the spring of 2019. A formerly incarcerated person, Jackson is also a social and criminal justice advocate who, as part of his outreach, visits prisons and youth facilities in the United States and abroad. Panels and presentations included the following: Healing Lives and Communities: Restorative Justice, Behavioral Health, and More Returning citizens now employed with reentry work shared how personal and family healing (e.g., trauma recovery, behavioral health, life skills development, and spirituality); and social healing (e.g., building meaningful community and restorative justice practices and advocacy) helped develop the inner resources and resiliency people returning home after incarceration need for long-term success. Moderated by Dorothy Whiston. Panelists: Robbie Robinson, Executive Director, Discover Hope 5:17 and Rich Mathias, Case Manager, Inside Out Reentry Community Coming Home to No Home: Combating Discrimination in Housing for Returning Citizens. This presentation focused on the numerous barriers individuals face after incarceration with accessing safe and affordable housing, including legal barriers and crime free ordinances. It also addressed community efforts to mitigate these barriers including the housing first model, and risk mitigation funding. Moderated by Michelle Heinz. Panelists: Rachel Lehman, Rapid Re -Housing Program Manager, Shelter House and Ericka Peterson, Clinical Teaching Fellow with Health Justice Law Clinic, Georgetown University Law Center Higher Ed in Prison: Victories, Challenges, and Hope for the Future. This presentation traced the origins of investment in college in prison programming and outlined the benefits and challenges of providing access to college in a carceral setting including, but not limited to: continued funding, student eligibility, quality measures, and expanded access through technology. Presenter: Heather Erwin, Director, University of Iowa's Liberal Arts Beyond Bars (LABB), and a Senior Advisor, Institute of Higher Education Policy (IHEP). Reentry is Not Equal: Racial and Gender Based Inequities that Individuals Face When Returning to the Community. This panel focused on how people of color and women are systematically underserved as they return to their communities following incarceration. Returning citizens shared their experiences and stories. Moderated by Darryl Heller. Panelists: Rachel Crane -Williams, Associate Professor, University of Iowa Gender Women's and Sexuality Studies, Eric Harris, Returning Citizen, Lisa Smith, Parent Partner and Returning Citizen. A total of 131 individuals attended Homecoming: Reentry Summit. The audience was very engaged with questions after each presentation and panel. In many cases, we did not have enough time for all of the questions. Survey Results: A survey was handed out at the event and emailed out following the event. It was completed by 20 individuals. Although we received a low number of completed surveys they had positive feedback. 100% of respondents said they had a better understanding of reentry, and 100% respondents said they had a better understanding of discrimination in housing faced by returning citizens following the event. Additionally, 100% of respondents said they had a better understanding of the need for community support for returning citizens and 100% said the event was well organized. 95% said they agreed they had a better understanding of behavioral health needs among returning citizens, and 89% said they had a better understanding of racial and gender based inequities that individuals face when returning to the community. Attendees were asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), how they would rate each presenter/panel for the days events. All of the presentations received an average score of 4.5 or higher. The highest rated panel was "Coming Home to No Home: Combating Discrimination in Housing for Returning Citizens Workshop. Conclusion and Next Steps: Overall, the events were successful and well attended. Additionally, feedback from the surveys collected was helpful and positive. 10 has two more forums planned, one focused on criminal justice reform and the second will be a forum for employers to encourage second chance hiring. REN committees will also start meeting to engage interested community members in supporting returning citizens in Iowa City. Homecoming: Reentry Summit Inside Out Reentry Community October 17 -18, 2019 %.;o Periodic Progress Report to the City of Iowa City Social Justice and Racial Equity Project Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Reporting Period: July 1, 2019 — September 30, 2019 Submitted by: Andrew Coghill-Behrends, Broadway Site Director Protect Narrative On Tuesday, August 6", the South District Neighborhood Association (SDNA) and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC) co -hosted National Night Out at Wetherby Park. Total attendance at the event was estimated to be about 200 residents. The Iowa City Fire Department came to the event with three officers a fire truck that the children in attendance could explore. The Iowa City Police Department (including the Chief of Police, a community outreach officer, and two patrol officers) attended with hats forthe children in attendance and two backpacks to be raffled off. Guest appearances were made by McGruff the Crime Dog and Herky. Local organizations set up tables at the event or had information available to those in attendance: SDNA, NCJC, League of Women Voters, Moms Demand Action, Shelter House, and Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Additionally three Presidential Campaigns and two City Council campaigns were in attendance to talk to South District voters. SJRE funding was designated for and expended on a light snack and games/activities for the attendees. For a light snack, SJRE funds were used to purchase plates, cups, napkins, and chips; matching funds were secured to purchase pizza for attendees. SJRE funds also were used to rent multiple games and activities that were available for children in attendance: Ring -a -bat ring toss, Plinko, and a the Hi -Striker balloon pop game. Initial plans for the event had included a spray paint graffiti tower to engage youth at the event; concerns about construction, supervision of the activity, and potential damage to City property caused the planning committee to elect to use SJRE funds to purchase chalk and create a Chalk Tower instead, which was used for attendees to write messages about "What Community Means to Me:". This equipment will be able to be reused at the other two events funded by this grant. Progress Toward Stated Goals • By connecting local law enforcement (and other first responders) with South District residents in community -building settings and building relationships with the community and its members, we can impact the criminal justice at the pre -entry level and decrease disproportionate minority contact and disparate outcomes. Four Iowa City Police Department personnel and three Iowa City Fire Department personnel were in attendance at a community event which drew approximately 200 South District residents. • By developing strong relationships between South District businesses and residents, we can create connections that may result in employment opportunities for South District community members. Additionally, by making the South District more appealing to potential employers, we can impact the availability of employment opportunities. No South District businesses were in attendance for the National Night Out celebration. More participation is anticipated for the other two events funded by this grant (Thanksgiving Feast and Taste of Broadway). • By developing strong and sustained relationships among residents, businesses, and service agencies, we can increase the social capital and collective efficacy of the South District. Strong social capital and collective efficacy have been shown to have positive effects in multiple areas, including crime, cardiovascular disease and other health concerns, and mental health. Five local organizations were in attendance with information to share with South District residents: SDNA, NCJC, League of Women Voters, Moms Demand Action, and Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Additionally, and unexpectedly, five political campaigns attended to engage with South District voters. While research is inconclusive regarding the connection between civic engagement and social capital in communities (Schneider, J.A., 2007), such engagement has positive effects, nonetheless. Budget Summary Total budget for National Night Out: $512.05 Total SJRE expenditures: Costco $111.72 City of Iowa City $40.00 Ace Hardware $8.24 Big Ten Rentals $64.13 Menards $11.64 Stuff, Etc. $39.99 AeroRental $77.33 TOTAL: $353.05 Matching Funds expended: $159.00 Total expenditures: $512.05 Hello, We are pleased to report the progress on our efforts to provide Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workshops to parolees and probationers in Johnson County. We have had success in engaging stakeholders in this process, with successful focus groups and individual interviews. Please see below for updates on each component of the grant: Focus groups: Our proposal included 6 focus groups, with primary targets of management, line staff, and clients of the Gh judicial district, with two focus groups being held for each cohort. One focus group for people of color within that cohort, and another for non -minority status members of that cohort. We have found several challenges as well as successes in this venture. 1. Focus groups with clients: We have found it quite challenging to engage with parolees and probationers in a focus group setting. Upon review of these difficulties, it was determined that there may be several contributing factors. 1. We are recruiting participants via their DCS case managers, who are also recruiting participants for the workshops. We may be asking too much of case managers to send referrals for both the workshop and the focus group. Additionally, the focus group is not incentivized, and it may be unfair of us to be asking patients to spend 90 minutes of their time on something for which they are not compensated. In response to this, we have made a couple of adjustments. 1. In the screening/welcome call for participants who have been referred to the workshop, we have been asking them permission to spend about 10 -15 minutes on the phone to provide us input as we are building the program. We have had wonderful response from this and are learning many things about the content, delivery style, and dynamics within the group. Additionally, we will be setting up a table in the 6"' Judicial district office and asking individuals who are in the building for appointments to consider providing input based on the questions we would have asked in the focus groups. We will be offering 10$ Walmart Gift cards to anyone who participates in these interviews. 2. Focus groups with Staff We have held one focus group for staff members. We had 11 individuals in the group (double the size that we would prefer for this group). The group was comprised of individuals of color and non - minority staff. The personnel present were representative of multiple levels of the hierarchy of the district, including managers and line staff. We have experienced difficulty in recruiting for the second staff member focus group, which would focus on people of color. The lack of people of color in staff and managerial positions within this district has made it difficult to recruit. In response, we have broadened our catchment to the eastern side of the state of Iowa, and we hope to convene a group soon. 3. Focus group with management The same limitations that presented in the focus groups for staff have been present in the focus groups for management. In the first focus group held, we were fortunate to have members of managerial staff present and participating. We will utilize the same strategy for recruitment for staff focus groups to advance our goals in the management focus groups. Workshops & Curriculum design 1. The first workshop of the grant cycle will be held on November 6, 2019 and the remaining workshops are scheduled. In the planning and scheduling phase, it was determined that the initial plan of two 8 hour workshops and two 6 week workshops was not the ideal approach. We received feedback from previous workshop attendees as well as staff in DCS that having a 6 week workshop may present many barriers for participants, including lack of childcare on a regular basis, ongoing transportation needs, work schedules, and other appointments. Additionally, in the staff focus group, we received feedback that facilitating a 6 week workshop may be challenging to the point that the workshop simply might not be delivered, once the curriculum is rolled out. As such, we have shifted the 6 week workshops to 8 hour workshops. 2. Curriculum design continues to occur with the addition of components that were identified by the members of the focus groups and the 1:1 interviews. On Nov 6, we will have completed workshop 1 and will begin revising the curriculum appropriately. If you have any questions or would like more information on a certain topic, please feel free to contact me. Thankyou forthe opportunity to provide this service to individuals in Johnson County! Best, Amanda Amanda Heeren, LMSW 319-384-8470 Notice: This UI Health Care e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521 and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete or destroy all copies of the original message and attachments thereto. Email sent to or from UI Health Care may be retained as required by law or regulation. Thank you. helter ous e Ma aNnn a analand a Ned SJRE Grant Report November 1, 2019 Shelter House has continued to partner with The University of Iowa College of Nursing to help revitalize the Nursing Clinic located in the emergency shelter and outreach building at 429 Southgate Avenue. One of the major services that is provided in the Nursing Clinic is foot care. People experiencing homelessness have notoriously poor foot health. There was a significant investment in supplies to hold clinics designed specifically for foot care. Some items that were bought for this specific service are metal pans, Epsom salts, toe bands, callous files, and various types of foot creams. The latest update on the clinic is that the faculty rep from the College of Nursing and Shelter House staff met with a medical supply company and priced out some of the other needs that are needed to continue to revitalize the clinic so that we can continue to offer medial services for some acute conditions that arise. While not purchased yet, the following types of items are intended to be purchased with SJRE funds: • Diagnostic system for taking vitals with includes: blood pressure, thermometer, and otoscope • Children's blood pressure cuff • Digital scale • Exam table • Stethoscope • Automated External Defibrillator • Practice Fusion subscription (medical records system that will communicate with UIHC and complies with all HIPAA laws). The clinic has been operating on a weekly basis and Johnson County Public Health still uses the space once a week to do HIV and STI testing. In July 2020, Shelter House will send full accounting records and specific details of purchases along with a summary of the demographics and number of people who have used the clinic —along with any other outcomes measured. Submitted by, Mark Sertterh, Associate Executive Director P.O. Box 3146 Shettec House is a tax exempt sot(c)(a) organi�adon. Asa pa meaageney oethe United Iowa City, IA 52244-3146 way of Johmon County, we have sucecssra:y met all local umeubersmp accounabilsty 319.351-0326 Stan lards in finance, ethics, govena wc, and asveasay. City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission SJRE GP '' DCDnDT - _r" C10AA D.. ;l + GRANT[ : Healthy Kids School -based Health Clinics (HKSBHC) PROJECT I-uivucu: FIRM Project DATE OF GRANT FUNDING, AND DATE THIS REPORT APPLIES T( : FY18 (extended to FY19), First Quarter Report November 1, 2019 AMOUNT AUTHORIZED: $12,300 NAME OF PERSON REPORTING: Salome Phillmann, Healthy Kids Clinic Coordinator MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SUMMARY In July 2019, Healthy Kids was granted an extension for our FIRM project activities. While we continue to aim at enabling access to mental health care for some of Iowa City's most vulnerable children, we have adjusted some of the parameters of the project to better fit the immigrant community's needs. In this first quarter, we have been identifying patients and their family members who could benefit from our project. Referrals from Healthy Kids Clinic patients alone are currently at 18 patients. This number will increase depending on how many family members of each patient will also opt for therapy. In addition, Healthy Kids Clinic Coordinator has met with different potential partners in order meet the varied mental health service needs of our patients and their families. One of our goals is to offer alternatives to traditional one-on-one talk therapy that include group therapy and/or art therapy. Since the start of school late August, we have introduced our project and established a system of referral with four other local resources for therapy: 1- IC Compassion: trauma therapy, group and family therapy 2- Abbe Center of Iowa City: psychiatric assessments, treatment and PCIT (Parent -Child Interaction Therapy 3- Paula Gordy ondAssociotes: BHIS (Behavioral Health Intervention Services) 4- Psychiatric Associates: art therapy in Spanish Our first referral to trauma counseling at IC Compassion began counseling in October 2019. We have been trying to refer this particular family for counseling for sometime now without success. They were victims of political violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mother is having significant mental health issues and is having problems with memory, headaches and insomnia. Her son, our clinic patient, is solitary, extremely moody and addicted to video games. The lack of interpretation was a barrier to accessing mental health therapy for this family. Via an agreement with IC Compassion, the trauma counseling is provided at no cost to the client and our FIRM project funds pay interpretation services throughout 10 weeks of therapy. We are currently working to develop some group and art therapy options. Our first target population is immigrant mothers who are isolated and showing signs of depression and anxiety. Healthy Kids Clinic staff, Student Family Advocates and Cultural Liaisons will help us identify mothers who could benefit from art/group therapy. We are currently planning a holiday party early December to kick off the group's activities. We are looking to provide group therapy to approximately 15 mothers. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS INFORMATION Many families live in fear of being separating as a result of deportation. We know their fears are justified because we have seen the results of ICE raids and their effects on children and families at our clinic and in our schools. Living in fear and uncertainty affects one's mental and physical health. At the start of the school year, Know your Rights cards were printed and Healthy Kids staff has been distributing them to clinic patients who are undocumented and/or have deportation orders pending. The cards are the size of a credit card and are a simple way for undocumented migrants to know their rights. They can easily be slipped under a door or handed to an ICE officer who arrives at an individual's home or work. The text is printed in Spanish and English. The cards are currently being distributed to SFAS (school family advocates) all over the Iowa City Community School District. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT In collaboration with the ICCSD's Community Education department, we are currently planning to offer some professional development opportunities. One of them is a presentation in December 2019 by the visiting Director of the University of Iowa Legal Clinic, along with a few of his students. They will be speaking to ICCSD's 29 Student Family Advocates. The aim of this presentation is to provide: -Basic information about what it means to be undocumented -How to help undocumented immigrants know their rights and options for legal status -Resources for assisting students and their families with things such as family separation, legal guardianship and medical power of attorney -Updates on laws passed that affect our immigrant population here in Iowa City, such as legislation referring to 'public charge' or what it means to be a 'sanctuary city' Recently, we have heard a lot of frustration from our immigrant families in regards to communicating with the school staff. We are happy that parents are trying to be involved in their children's education. Some of the isolation that immigrant families experience is simply due to language barriers. We want to help school main offices and other staff become comfortable with using an interpreter and language line (both of these services are currently available but underused). We will start by providing an easy -to -use handout for school main offices and a separate handout for families. We are brainstorming on future activities that will ensure that all families, regardless of origin or English language ability, have equal access to communications with the school. The next step will be to organize a professional development opportunity that would involve bringing in a professional interpreter from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to talk about the importance of interpretation and how to communicate effectively with an interpreter. Expenditures In this first quarter, we have planned several of the activities detailed in our extension proposal. Since the start of school late August, we were able to identify families needing mental health services, create working relationships with new service providers and plan our first professional development activity. The FIRM projects expenditures to -date are attached to this report. Date Total Spent FY18 Know Your Rights Event supplies 8/13/18 Hy-Vee (refreshments) $90.84 8/31 /18 Facebook Ad KYR Event promotion $5.00 9/7/18 Luminus Minds Family Therapy $150.00 9/7/18 Luminus Minds Family Therapy $150.00 9/7/18 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $225.00 10/12/18 Luminus Minds Family Therapy $75 10/12/18 Luminus Minds Family Therapy $75 11/20/18 Staples Supplies Printing $41.66 3/16/2019 Luminus Minds Family Therapy $75 4/15/2019 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $75 12/05/2018 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $75 12/12/2018 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $75 12/19/2018 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $75 06/07/2019 Luminus Minds Individual Counseling $375 Know Your Rights Cards for HK 6/25/2019 Squ Pacific Printing families $65.00 FY19 09/20/2019 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $225.00 09/20/2019 Luminus Minds Individual Therapy $75.00 10/20/2019 French Interpreter/ICCSD Trauma Therapy -IC Compassion $250.00 Know Your Rights Cards for 10/29/2019 Squ Pacific Printing ICCSD's SFAS $65.00 First Quarter Total $2,242.50 Social Justice Racial Equity Budget June 12, 2019 to June 30, 2020 FIRM Project Budget Total Revenue Granted 12,300 Extension Proposal Expenses Professional Services : Intensive mental health treatment services Approximately 15 sessions at $175 Prescription assistance: $875 $3,500.00 Professional Services (Cultural Liaison/low intensity mental health services) 200 hours at $20.00/hr $4,000.00 Childcare, food and supplies for group meetings Approx. 8 groups at $150.00 $1,200.00 Two Professional Development Workshops, approx. 35 staff including materials, honorarium and food $2,000.00 Know Your Rights Wallet cards :printing expense $413.00 Projected Total Expenses for Extension Proposal June 12, 2019- June 30, 2020 $11,113.00 Actual Expenses (June 1, 2018-June 12, 2019) June 1, 2018-June 12, 2019 $1,187.50 Projected+Actual Expenditure $12,300.00 TO: Iowa City Human Rights Commission FROM: Jennifer Sherer, Director, University of Iowa Labor Center DATE: October 30, 2019 RE: June - October, 2019 Progress Report: University of Iowa Labor Center Corridor Apprenticeship Opportunity Network The University of Iowa Labor Center's Corridor Apprenticeship Opportunity Network links unemployed or underemployed Iowa City residents from underrepresented groups with opportunities to prepare for and enroll in Iowa Registered Apprentice programs in advanced manufacturing or construction trades, We conducted numerous one-on-one outreach visits and phone calls in June and early July.. These culminated in a successful two-day workshop (July 15-16) that brought together apprenticeship training coordinators from eight different trades with representatives from community organizations including Inside Out Reentry, Center for Worker Justice, Catholic Diocese of Davenport, Iowa League of United Latin American Citizens, and United Way. This workshop laid important groundwork in securing strong commitments from Iowa apprenticeship coordinators to actively support our program, introduced community partners to the benefits and opportunities associated with registered apprenticeship training, and deepened shared commitments to diversifying eastern Iowa apprenticeship training programs. Using Social Justice Racial Equity funding designated for scholarships to the Midwest School for Women Workers, we provided opportunity to seven local low-income women of color to participate in intensive week-long leadership development programming from July 23-27, including attendance at the Women in Trades presentations and reception described below. SIRE funding also made possible simultaneous Spanish interpretation and translation of materials so that four Spanish-speaking immigrants in this group could participate fully in the program. Our July, 26, 2019, Women in Trades event was attended by over 75 people, 90% of whom were women and 30% of whom were women of color. The event featured presentations by Tani Goelling, the national Director of Community and Civic Engagement for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Gina Walsh, President of the Missouri State Building and Construction Trades Council and state senator in Missouri. Both Goelling and Walsh are tradeswomen who shared their personal experiences with completing apprenticeships and pursuing careers in construction. Goelling presented in-depth research on barriers women face in entering skilled trades, and reviewed recommended interventions and roles unions, policy - makers, employers, and governments can play in recruiting and retaining women in the trades. Walsh provided words of encouragement to young women considering apprenticeship as an option and touted the benefits and opportunities associated with careers in construction trades. This event generated positive television coverage, extending the audience for core messages to thousands of eastern Iowans. In September and October, we promoted the program to approximately 60 young Americorps volunteers in workshops on women's rights, which included the story of Iowa City carpenter Dale McConnick's groundbreaking challenge to gender -based harassment on job sites in the 1970s. We will begin enrolling our first cohort of preapprentices from Iowa City in the coming weeks. At public orientation sessions on November 13, we will open applications for a four -week course which will start in January. We are on track to meet or exceed each of the goals set out in our proposal: "The program goals over a period 12 months (July 2019 — June 2020) are to reach at least 120 local workers in outreach and recruitment events, enroll at least 20 local residents in the preapprentice education program, and include at least 28 local residents in leadership development programmng designed to boost success of women and workers of color who consider applying registered apprentice programs." -At least 120 low-income workers will participate in outreach events and informational workshops to learn about apprenticeship opportunities (Status: over 80 local workers already reached; we anticipate reaching at least 80 more in the next two months via organizational outreach and public orientation sessions) -At least 20 local residents will enroll in the preapprentice education series and over 50% of them will enroll in a registered apprentice program following the series (Status: enrollment for our first Corridor preapprentice cohort begins in November for a four -week course starting in January) -At least 28 local residents will attend relevant regional leadership development programming (e.g., the 2019 Black workers' conference or the 2019 Midwest School for Women Workers) and access peer support networks connected to these programs (Status: Seven local low-income residents attended the Midwest School for Women Workers in July; additional leadership development programs will occur in January, February, and April of 2020) Attend one of two Public Orientation Sessions: Wednesday, November 13, 4-5 pm OR 6-7 pm BioVentures Center, 2500 Crossparkr Road, Coralville, IA Are you or someone you know looking for a rewarding living -wage career AND willing to work hard to get what you want? Have you heard apprenticeships lead to skilled, high -demand work but weren't sure where to start? Come learn about a FREE 120-hour preapprentice course offering: Exposure to 16 skilled trades • Recognized multi -craft core curriculum (MC3) Math and test prep • Safety certifications Connections to apprenticeship • Support toward success in completing training coordinators o Courses start in January o Open to all Iowans o All materials provided Email labor-center@uiowa.edu, or call Paul Iversen at 319-335-4080 for application details. Actively recruiting women, people of color, veterans, and workers with disabilities t k, THE UN1VERS11Y OF JOWA Labor Center IOWA'S BUILDING TRADES UNIONS BuIIGInB Iowa-BUBEIp,Amrka ophm a . ndb­:b-chd .m....d%.., If you are an individual with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in this event, please call 319-335-4144 in advance. 2019 Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Progress Report June 1, 2019 — October 31, 2019 Refugee and Immigrant Association 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd SE, Iowa City, IA 52246 Jean Paul Mugemuzi, President refugeeiowa@gmail.com 1 347-414-1121 The Awareness and Prevention of Social Conflict Initiative is a pilot project envisioned by the Refugee and Immigrant Association to address cultural challenges facing refugees and immigrants living in Iowa City. The association serves a group of community members striving to be self-reliant, independent and integrated into American and Iowa cultures. The initiative has three programs: Together We Can Groups, Learning & Growing Presentations, and Community Collaborations. The following is progress towards the stated goals as identified in the grant funding application covering the reporting period June 1, 2019 — October 31, 2019 forthe following three programs: Together We Can Groups Goals: Hold monthly group meetings for the four demographics of parents, men, women and youth. Demonstrate an increase in attendance throughout the first 12-month time period of the grant. The association has formed a Refugee Women's Committee. The committee is made up of 13 women whose goal is to plan and implement the Women's Together We Can Group. Of the 13 committee members, two have been elected as members of the Refugee and Immigrant Association board. Having committee members on the board ensures clearer communication and more efficient board assistance, if needed. The Refugee Women's Committee plans monthly Women's Together We Can Group meetings for the women in the community, which includes time, place, refreshments, childcare, etc. The goal of the monthly meeting is to learn about challenges the women are facing so they can address their immediate needs, and work on larger initiatives such as developing Learning & Growing Presentations to provide long-term growth and solutions. The committee plans to use their findings to begin offering presentations by experts in January 2020. In the first five months of the pilot program, The Women's Together We Can Group meetings have been held monthly at either the Refugee & Immigrant Association facility located at 1566 S. Gilbert Street in Iowa City or the Coralville Public Library. There have been 25 — 50 women in attendance at each of the monthly meetings. Through discussions with the women, it has become clear that the central goal focuses on independence — what it takes to be independent, and how becoming more independent can positively affect not only themselves, but their families. Topics that have been addressed and will continue to be expanded on include: Financial independence —Skills for employment, securing employment, earning money, and contributing to the family. Cultural competence - Understanding U.S. culture and how to successfully navigate society as it relates to their children and husbands. Transportation — Driving training, driving tests, and owning a vehicle. In addition to the Refugee Women's Committee and the Women's Together We Can Group, a group of women have come togetherto form the Refugee Women Empowerment Program. These women have identified ways to support the activities of the association by cooking the food for association events such as the World Refugee Day and Graduation Celebration that was held on June 15. They also cooked all the food for the recent Recognition Dinner held on October 19 to recognize Iowa City Mayor, Jim Throgmorton. In addition to supporting the association by cooking wonderful African cuisine for RIA events, they have also spearheaded the Sewing Program for the association. With the assistance of three members from Sew for Others from St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, a program has been developed to help refugee women learn how to sew. The association secured a grant to purchase five sewing machines that are set up in a training and sewing room at their facility. Leaders from St. Andrew's come to the facility each Thursday for two hours to work with the women who are in the sewing program. They teach them sewing techniques and answer questions. The refugee women in the program come back each Saturday for two to three hours to practice sewing. They are also welcomed into the facility anytime it is open to work on their sewing skills. In addition to their own projects, they have worked together to make African outfits for the Refugee Youth Voice Group. The association has also formed a Refugee Men's Committee. The committee is made up of 10 men who plan and implement the Men's Together We Can Group. The goal of the monthly meetings is to learn about challenges the men are facing so they can address their immediate needs, and work on larger initiatives. In the first five months of the pilot program, the Men's Together We Can Group has met one time per month and there have been discussions and support given to men who are learning to navigate a new culture, which includes very different dynamics within their household. They are discussing cultural norms and laws that are expected in the United States, which is very different from the community where they came from. They are discussing solutions to conflict that may be happening in the home due to new roles and responsibilities now that the family is in America. Supports are being provided to men who are looking for employment, accessing reliable transportation, or are trying to resolve conflict that is happening in the family. Like the Women's Together We Can Group, the organizing committee is developing Learning & Growing Presentations to provide long-term growth and solutions. The committee plans to use their findings to begin offering presentations by experts in January 2020. We have also implemented the Youth Together We Can Group. Two programs have been active during this grant reporting period — one was formed previous to this grant (Youth Voice Group) and the other (Academic Improvement Program) was organized over the summer and implemented at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. The Academic Improvement Program provides tutoring and homework help to 15 refugee students. Ten University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College students assist the youth with reading, writing, literature, math, social studies, and any other topics they are struggling with in school. Volunteers go to the student's homes to provide the services unless the student needs computer access and then they meet at the RIA office. The Youth Voice Group is made up of 15-20 students. In the summer, voice and instrument lessons are provided. The summer is also the time when more intense instruction and practicing takes place for the whole group. There is limited time for practicing during the school year, so the group focuses on rehearsals leading up to their performances. Recent performances include the World Refugee Day and Graduation Celebration and the Recognition Dinner. Learning & Growing Presentation Goals: Hold monthly presentations with community -based guest speaker. Demonstrate an increase in attendance throughout the first 12-month time period of the grant. Remove language barriers between presenters and attendees. Demonstrate an increase in understanding of the topic area following each presentation. One program has been developed so far and is being implemented under the Learning & Growing Presentation initiative. The Women's and Men's committees are working with the board of directors to establish other Learning & Growing Presentations beginning January 2020, as mentioned previously in this report. Under the Learning & Growing Presentation initiative, the US College Life 101 class was designed for college freshmen and high school students and their parents. The goal of the 12- week class is to familiarize new and soon -to -be college students with the norms, expectations, and daily life of being a college student in the United States. The first 6 weeks of the class are for the students and the second 6 weeks are for their parents. Classes are held at the Kirkwood Community College Iowa City campus and the instructor is Dr. Peter Gerlach from the University of Iowa. Dr. Gerlach brings in a variety of guest speakers to class. Topics include time management; expectations for homework and exams; relationships with professors and staff, academic and campus resources and supports; clubs, student orgs, and athletic teams; being a first -generation US college student; and much more. Although the following events are not technically under the Learning & Growing Presentation initiative, we wanted to report on our progress regarding the World Refugee Day and Graduation Celebration and the Recognition Dinner. World Refugee Day and Graduation Celebration Dinner was made by the Refugee Women Empowerment Program members and served to approximately 100 community members. Over30 high school students were recognized and given a certificate fortheir success of graduating from an American high school. Following the recognition of the students, Support Services Division Captain Denise Brotherton, from the Iowa City Police Department spoke to the students and attendees about the importance of good citizenship in school and within our communities. The evening of celebrations concluded with the Youth Voice Group performing several African songs. Recognition Dinner Dinner was made by the Refugee Women Empowerment Program members and served to approximately 200 community members. Iowa City Mayor, Jim Throgmorton was honored for his leadership of services provided by Iowa City governmental agencies to new refugee and immigrant community members from around the world. Translation devices were distributed to non-English speaking attendees to help them feel connected and engaged at the Recognition Dinner. Translations were given in Swahili and French. Community Collaboration Goals: Show a growing number of collaborative partners throughout the first 12-month time period of the grant. Report a decrease in police calls for African refugees and immigrants. The following collaborations have been developed: Dr. Peter Gerlach, University of Iowa • US College Life 101 professor and course developer Dr. Gerlach's University of Iowa Service Learning — International Studies spring class will partner with the Refugee and Immigrant Association to understand the broad and specific issues at stake. Students will research, write, and revise a report, submitted to the RIA at the end of the semester, designed to help advance the organization's mission. The course will include a tour of the RIA center, in -class visits from board members, and interviews with individuals they serve. This collaborative approach offers a practical and mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church • Church leaders support the association by welcoming members to speak about their experiences, provide event space for us to hold events, invite us to perform African songs and dance, and provide support for the Refugee Sewing Program. University Baptist Church • Support African community members. African Ministry Church • The church has reached out to RIAto help African members of the church who have experienced difficult situations. Other African Associations and Individuals • The Refugee and Immigrant Association has worked with the Sudanese Association and Congolese, Burundian, and Kenyan individuals to make the World Refugee Day and Graduation Celebration and the Recognition Dinner successful. Iowa City Police Department • Support Services Division, Captain Denise Brotherton has spoken at events • RIA board members met with Community Outreach Assistant Daisy Torres to discuss ways they can build relationships between the police department and the African community. Iowa United Nations Association —Johnson County Chapter 0 Invited the Youth Voice Group to perform at the United Nations Day event in Iowa City. 1HRC Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition 1216 2nd Ave SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 City of Iowa City Racial Justice & Social Equity Grant TNTERTAI GRANT REPORT November 1, 2019 Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition The project goals and outcomes are listed below, along with an update regarding progress made towards the completion of the goal and the outcomes. We look forward to providing the final additional products when we complete the grant. Further, we have identified a number of opportunities to continue building relationslhips with people participating in the testing progrun who identifv as black or latinx and look forward to building on this work to dismantle racial inequities in our community. • Goal 1: Expand community -based HIV/HCV testing and risk reduction education. o Outcome a: Provide testing services and risk reduction education to 200 Iowa City residents who are current or former intravenous drug users, current or former sex workers, and/or identify as black, African -American, or Latinx. In Quarter 1 we anticipated testing 50 Iowa City residents for HIV and HCV, of which 50-percent would be people who identify as black, African American, and/or Latinx. Our progress toward the testing goals was initially delayed significantly due to a burglary, in which all testing supplies were stolen from our facility in Iowa City. Once supplies were re -ordered, we were able to initiate testing for 33 individuals thus far, of which 3 were reactive for HCV and have begun the treatment navigation process. This inventory loss also resulted in a delay training our outreach workers to conduct testing in Iowa City at our outreach locations. As of mid -October, we trained our most productive peer outreach worker to do street -based mobile outreach in ToNva City, which he began on October 23. As a well-known figure in the black - community in Cedar Rapids, his position will expand to include serving as the primary liaison between IHRC and black community groups in Iowa City. An additional three volunteers have been trained to do testing at two of our regular outreach locations, including Friday mobile outreach on the southeast side of Iowa City and Saturday outreach at the Iowa City Free Lunch Program. At present, Nve are offering HTV/HCV testing at two established locations, the Towa City Free Lunch Program and Shelter House, in addition to offering testing services through mobile outreach two days MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY'RE AT 1HRC Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition 1216 2nd Ave SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 a week. Mobile services take place at community settings that include liquor stores, bars, clubs, fast food restaurants, motels, parks, and gas stations. We also interact with people who reach out to IHRC via our test -message hotline and for whom we provide home deliveries. We anticipate that with the incentive structure for client referrals, our testing numbers will demonstrate exponential growth as our volunteers recently trained to do HTV/HCV testing can begin offering these services on their outreach shifts and, with clients being provided the opportunity for financial compensation upon referring; others, we anticipate word- of-mouth increasing our testing numbers rapidly. • Goal 2: Engage 100% of identified individuals with HIV/HCV into treatment services using patient navigator in order to prevent further transmission of HIV/HCV and progression to AIDS, liver datnage, liver cancers. o Outcome a: Engage an anticipated 42 individuals in HCV treatment via process described above. In the first quarter, 3 of the 33 individuals screened for HIV and HCV wcrc reactive for HCV None of the 13 individuals screened were reactive for HIV. Those two individuals who screened reactive for HCV had a confnrmatory blood sample collected at the time of testing, which was sent to the State Hygienic Laboratoty for viral load testing. These patients were counseled on information about the hepatitis C virus, the meaning of a reactive test result and what to expect with the con firmaton test result, and nest steps for setting up an appointment tlnrough the University of Towa Hospital & Clinics (UTHC). After establishing that the patients were medically insured, patients wcrc registered at UIHC and an appointment -,vas set up with the hepatologist regarding reactive HCV. We established a plan for meeting on the clap of the appointnent to provide transportation to UIHC for them. At the appointment, patients will have additional laboratory testing, a fibroscan test to determine liver Fibrosis score, and will meet with the physician to determine the best course of treatment. ���� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of the Easter, mwa coMao� m�. independence and integrated community participation. Novcmbcr1,2019 City of Iowa City Stefanie Bowers Equity Director 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356-5022 stefanic-bowers a,iowa-city.ote VisAbility Program - City of Iowa City Social Justice & Racial Equity Grant - 2019 November 1, 2019 Progress Report Grant Amount Received: $5260 Giant Annount Spent: $881 as ofNovcmbcr I, 2019 VisAbility Program Review: VisAbility is a Photovoice-inspired program designed to empower and enable Iowa City residents with disabilities to advocate for local change through photography and community discussion. The overall goal of VisAbility is to support residents in vocalizing and advocating for increased equity and inclusion through local discussion, policy development, and awareness activities. VisAbility is an annual program where participants learn to take photographs around their community that represent their disability experience in and around Iowa City. Throughout the time people are taking photographs and after images are developed, Access 2 Independence holds both peer and community discussion events to empower participants and bring additional importance to their photographic work. In the spring, we will be coordinating a traveling exhibit of the photographs around Iowa City and hold exhibit opening celebrations at each location for community discussion opporttmities. From the discussions, we plan to collaborate with local policy professionals to develop Iowa City policy recommendations to continue creating a more equitable community for all abilities! As of November 1, 2019, we have held 5 events for our 4 participants thus far. Events have included a photography and ethics class, two computer lab meetings, and two peer discussion sessions. While we had prepared for 10 participants total, we are happy to work with our 4 participants as this has made the pilot year of this program more manageable for our small team at Access 2 Independence. However, we will be looking to have a full class of 10 participants for the next VisAbility round. Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 ���� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of me Eaatea, mwa coMao� m�. independence and integrated community participation. We are now a little over halfway through the class, with 3 participant events left this year. November 20, 2019 will conclude the first part of the VisAbility program, as we will then transition into part two, the exhibit development and community discussion. Between December and February, we will be developing the photographs and collected themes for exhibit development to celebrate everyone's work. We will continue collecting outcome and performance information throughout this timeframe and through June 2020. Grant Outcome Update: Thus far, we have been measuring program objectives through output evaluation methods as described in the initial grant submission; a visual of the Evaluation Plan is displayed in detail in Appendix A. We are currently collecting information on short term evaluation, or outputs, and would like to provide updates regarding our Short Term Outcome Questions (SOQ) and Short Term Outcome Measurements (SOM): SOQ 1: Has VisAbility increased participant Self -Advocacy? At this time, we have only compiled pre-program (baseline) surveys and will acquire the post -program surveys in Mid -November. SOQ 2: Has VisAbility increased feelings of empowerment? At this time, we have only compiled pre-program (baseline) surveys and will acquire the post -program surveys in Mid -November. SOQ 3: Has VisAbility increased visibility of the Iowa City disability community experience? As we will not hold exhibits until Spring 2020, we do not have specific updates on community change. However, through the marketing of this program, we have been able to communicate with various agencies, families, and individuals in and around Iowa City, thus sharing the mission and passion behind this program and the need for continued movement towards equitable community living. SOQ 4: Has VisIbility led to policy recommendation development? Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 ���� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of the Easter, mwa coMao� m�. independence and integrated community participation. As we will not have a formal policy recommendation document until Spring 2020, we do not have formal updates at this time. However, we have witnessed renewed advocacy interest for accessibility improvements. Visibility of VisAbility; The marketing for program activities and application spanned from June 2019 until Mid -October to allow for any last minute enrollments. Marketing has consisted of website design (www.access2independence.org/visability), flyer development, outreach to community organizations and peer groups, event listings through popular social media and web calendar outlets, and word of mouth. An example of a VisAbiliry flyer is included as Appendix B. Additionally, Access 2 Independence created program booklets for participants to track their work and for personal use, which has been useful in helping participants stay on track throughout the program. This booklet has been developed in print, digital, and braille formats to provide an accessible experience. Due to the length and options of booklet format, this booklet was not added to the Appendix; however, it is available upon request. Marketing of the program will continue and evolve to include exhibit events in the near future. During program development, Access 2 Independence reached out to local policy, program, and disability rights stakeholders in the Iowa City community. The collaboration with these stakeholders resulted in the development of the VisAbiliry Advisory Committee that has met periodically, both as a whole group and individually with Access 2 Independence staff for the purpose of program development and evaluation. An additional feature of the Advisory Committee has been the expanded reach to community members through involved stakeholders, as well as furthering community interest. We are extremely thankful for the participation and interest these stakeholders have shown and want to thank each and every one of them for their support and input. Budget Update: Due to where we're at in the program, all funds have not been expended. Thus far, we have purchased equipment and transportation passes needed for participants to start the program. This includes cameras, rechargeable batteries and their charging systems, inicroSD cards and readers, camera bags, and accessibility equipment (a variety of tripods and wheelchair camera mounts). After program class sessions are finished, we anticipate our next set of costs to be participant photographs professionally printed and matted for community exhibits in addition to display equipment. Please see Appendix C for attached budget. Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 DINDEPEND of the Eastem Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater independence and integrated community participation. Equipment was selected with sustainability and accessibility in mind to support this being an annual program. This is reflected in our decision to purchase rechargeable batteries, waterproof/drop-proof cameras, and storage bags for them. Additionally, we researched and purchased different types of accessibility equipment like camera wheel -chair mounts and different height tripods so that individuals could find a system that worked best for them. This will assist in accommodating needs in the future. Additional funds were leveraged from Green State Credit Union and Hills Bank to provide snacks and refreshments for our participants during class sessions. Due to the time frame of our classes, we wanted to ensure healthy snacks and water were readily available to support focus and engagement from our participants. Remaining donation funds will be used to provide snacks and refreshments for our community exhibits and celebrate the end of the program with our participants. Program Reach: Currently, this grant has reached our participants, their family members and support systems, and our advisory committee. We have planned for the program reach to grow once work is exhibited in the community to create dialogue about the Iowa City disability experience. Participants: Female, late 20's, previous UI REACH student living independently in the community Male, early 20's, employed and living with a supported community living agency Female, 40's, graduate student at UI Female, 50's, employed and living with a supported community living agency Advisory Committee: We sought professionals from the University of Iowa in program evaluation, public health, the Center for Disabilities and Development, and public policy in addition to a photographer, local disability nonprofit leader, City of Iowa City employee, and local disability advocates to help guide our program through an advisory committee. This has brought together diverse talents and perspectives to help us look at the many aspects of the program from different angles and ensure quality in everything we do. Process Evaluation Updates: Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 �� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of the Eaatea, independence and integrated community participation. Thus far, Ave have been measuring program effectiveness through performance evaluation methods as described in the initial grant submission; a visual of the Evaluation Plan is displayed in detail in Appendix A. We are currently collecting information on process evaluation, or performance, and would like to provide updates regarding our Performance Questions (PQ) and Performance Measurements (PM): PQ 1: Is the program interesting to the community? As we will not hold exhibits until Spring 2020, we do not have formal updates on community interest. However, through the marketing of this program, we have been able to communicate with various agencies, families, and individuals in and around Iowa City, thus sharing the mission and passion behind this program and the need for continued movement towards equitable community living. All conversations have been positive and we have been excited to hear consumers and community members bring up the program to Access 2 Independence staff without any prompting. PQ 2: What are the participation rates? We have been tracking attendance rates for participant events, and thus far we have only had one participant need to miss one of the sessions throughout the past few weeks. We believe this is a great indicator of participant interest, as this is a voluntary program. We have also been tracking photographs taken and presented by participants. Three of the four participants had photographs prepared for the first discussion session on October 16, 2019. PQ 3: How do participants view the program and what can be improved? At this time, we have only compiled pre-program (baseline) surveys and will acquire the post -program surveys in Mid -November. PQ 4: How do community members view the program and what can be improved? As we will not hold exhibits until Spring 2020, we do not have formal updates on community interest. However, through the marketing of this program, we have been able to communicate with various agencies, families, and individuals in and around Iowa City, thus sharing the mission and passion behind this program and the need for continued movement towards equitable community living. All conversations have been positive and Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 ���� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of the Easter, mwa coMao� m�. independence and integrated community participation. we have been excited to hear consumers and community members bring up the program to Access 2Independence staff without any prompting. Final Comments: Without this grant, we would not have been able to make this program happen! We have gotten great feedback from those we have shared the program with and are already thinking about how this program could be adapted to work with youth or specific populations in Iowa City in the future. Additionally, we are starting to make a list of those who missed the program deadline and would like to be considered for the program next year. We are excited to see participants' final work and begin our exhibits for community discussion. This program so perfectly carries out our mission to empower people with disabilities through self -advocacy to make their communities free of barriers to living independently. We look forward to giving you the next update. Thank you for supporting our work! Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 ���� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of the Easter, mwa coMao� m�. independence and integrated community participation. Appendix A: Evaluation Timeline Process Evaluation (June 2019 - June 2020) Performance Measurement Label Evaluation Question Label Measurement Plan Is the program interesting to the Track program event attendance PQ1 community? PM 1 rates Record attendance and number of photographs taken for each peer PQ2 What are the participation rates? PM 2 group meeting How do participants view the program and what can be PQ3 improved? PM 3 Pre and post -program surveys How do community members view the program and what can be PQ4 improved? PM 4 Survey exhibit attendees Output Evaluation (Short Term Outcome) (June 2019 - June 2020) Outcome Measurement (Short term) Label Evaluation Question Label Measurement Plan Has VisAbility increased participant SOO 1 ISelf-Advocacy? SOM 1 Pre and post -program surveys Has VisAbility increased feelings of SOO 2 empowerment? SOM 2 Pre and post -program surveys Has VisAbility increased visibility of the Iowa City disability community SOO 3 experience? SOM 3 Survey exhibit attendees Track policy recommendation Has VisAbility led to policy development process and SOO 4 recommendation development? SOM 4 partnership Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 A 0Z Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater ° the E..°"i°w'c°""°`Inc. independence and integrated community participation. Appendix B: Program Flyer HOW WOULD YOU TELL YOUR STORY? Join peers in Iowa City as we seek to creatively express and celebrate the Iowa City disability experience, while advocating for local change. Learn to take photographs that tell your story, and showcase your work in the VisAbility traveling exhibit this Spring! Cameras, accessible equipment, and training will be provided. TO LEARN MORE VISIT: 6CE§b� www.access2independence.org/visability INDEPENDENCE or contact Access 2 Independence at Phone: (319) 338-3870 Email: info@access2independence.org 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste B, Iowa City, IA, 52245 Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120 �� Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities throughout the Eastern Iowa Corridor through education, INDEPENDENCE advocacy, and peer support, so that they may achieve greater of the Eastern independence and integrated community participation. Auuendix C: Budget SODA ka0oe OAclf1 Ew t/ ►roltct Budget 2sese 1, 2M9 - km 34 20M Aam 2 Indepeldfam wAhW. A p0effepid Prelim project Budget I-NW39 I-Apr-20 31.1u1-20 1111 e: Fees Crane SS.260.00 SS.260.00 othffretinue d f4ns SM0.00 Trial revenwe S5,26000 SS,460.00 $0.00 SOW L prcfesuaul Servaces fducalnrul Matfruh Marketing/Advenh,ng Epwp,w nt/harttware Cameras US0.00 S32fl00 so term S100.130 Sf15.00 [Lardav eau,nrttent 570000 D u� $Sa)rn A(cetpble C4 M3 mount Sic 512200 SMOD sattenes pentab Sttppen' Out3tdf ►nary $1." Msscf"nwlM supply* i175 a; rawk shpW% s nsucrllorseoie xfesvhhry (nt: � Slu- tlprt pfnn Coln Sri $10000 TdalfapentM 55,26u:A: itl100 $000 SO pt 'StrppBfa: Moss rypl s wdl be fmm tn-hotsfe pmlan{ tor particparrts. not Ktchded m this fidget as the will be ppr,,r Ig fItsts "Miscellaneous Supplim psntraM%t cwti will 0e covered fa 10 WKtpani t and 10 Stppdt Stiff for M ndes each at S2 each 20 plCplr' M rdes • 400 rWes' S2 • SB00 00 Serving Benton, Cedar, Jones, Henry, Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Washington Counties since 1979. Cedar Rapids Office Iowa City Office 601 2nd Ave SE Ste. 4, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 1556 S 1st Ave, Ste. B, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 499-8706 Phone: (319) 338-3870 Fax: (319) 343-1120