HomeMy WebLinkAboutSudanese Center Letter of Support A2A-combinedFROM:
Sudanese American Community for Services in Iowa
5367 Southgate Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52240
1/19/2023
TO:
IC Compassion/Global Food Project
1035 Wade St
Iowa City, IA 52240
City of Iowa City Aid to Agencies Grant
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to express my support for the valuable work that the Global Food Project
does in providing vegetables, garden plots, seeds, and gardening equipment for people in need
in our community. I have been following the organization's work for some time and am deeply
impressed by the impact it has had on those who are struggling to access healthy and affordable
food.
I know that the challenges of food insecurity are complex in the era of the pandemic, and
I am grateful for the innovative and comprehensive approach that the Global Food Project takes
to address these challenges. The organization's work in providing garden plots and seeds to
individuals and families is particularly inspiring, as it empowers people to grow their own food
and become more self-sufficient.
I also appreciate the organization's commitment to working with community members to
build sustainable and resilient food systems. The organization's efforts to connect people with
local farmers and food producers, and to promote community gardening and urban agriculture,
are truly admirable.
I urge the community members to support your organization, whether by volunteering,
making a donation, or spreading the word about the important work you are doing. Together,
we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you for all that you do to improve the lives of those in our community who are
facing food insecurity. I am proud to stand with you in support of this important work.
Sincerely,
Sudanese American Community for Services in Iowa
Brianna Thul, Neighborhood Services
City of Iowa City
401 E Washington St,
Iowa City, IA 53340
1‐27‐23
RE: Emerging Agencies Grant
I am so excited to write a letter of support to IC Compassion and Jabez Café for consideration of the Emerging
Agencies Grant. During the past year, I have had the opportunity to partner with this new and innovative group
on three critical projects that significantly impact the lives of an array of Iowa City groups.
1. Providing educational work experience opportunities for youth with disabilities in partnership with the
Iowa City Community School District’s Work Experience Program and the Iowa Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation Services. The chance to work for these youth helps them build skills, try different job and if
they do well have access to a reference for future employment. IC Compassion and Jabez Café have
offered opportunities for students with a wide array of skills and support needs. Youth who candidly
could not go to other community sites have had a chance to try community work. Studies show that
youth who have the chance to work in high school are more likely to be employed as adults. This is good
not only for the person but for our community. Several marginalized youth have been given chances they
would not receive elsewhere.
2. Hosting a Health Self‐Advocacy class in partnership with a grant through Iowa’s University Center for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (Iowa’s UCEDD). This class is being piloted with a group of
individuals who receive services from Successful Living to help develop their ability and confidence to
communicate their health care needs and wants to the medical community. This project is called On‐
TRAC. Not only are the participants from Successful Living getting the training. Mentoring is happening
so two youth who have lived experience of disability and are bi‐lingual can teach the next group which will
target the Latino community members. We know health people make for a stronger Iowa City!
3. Training future leaders and professionals by providing opportunities to Iowa’s Leadership Education in
Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (ILEND). IC Compassion has opened their doors
and hearts to helping these young professionals in an array of disciplines learn more about diversity,
marginalized communities, and disability. Having the opportunity to learn, volunteer and engage makes
opportunities for all community members richer and better.
This is in my opinion why IC Compassion is not only unique but amazing in their efforts to support all of Iowa City!
I look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring opportunities with this emerging agency and leader in
our community. Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions.
Sincerely,
Judy Warth
Program Manager
319‐936‐8290
Judtih‐warth@uiowa.edu
Center for Disabilities and Development
100 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, IA 52242
uichildrens.org/cdd
January 27, 2023
To Members of the Housing and Community Development Commission:
As Co-chairs of the Johnson County Refugee Alliance, we are writing in support of
Iowa City Compassion obtaining legacy agency status with the City of Iowa City.
The Johnson County Refugee Alliance is a network of service providers, volunteers,
governmental agencies / departments, non-profits, local churches, elected officials and
educational institutions. We come together once a month to better serve the needs of
Johnson County’s growing refugee and immigrant population. The Refugee Alliance
provides opportunities for members to learn about the current issues which impact our
immigrant population and is a forum for providers to gain information on new and
changing resources. Additionally the alliance has been used to seek input from
immigrants for new programs and initiatives. This informal network has been
encouraging cross-agency communication and collaboration for over six years.
Iowa City Compassion has been instrumental in developing the Johnson County
Refugee Alliance. Iowa City Compassion saw the need for a coordinating body in our
community and took the lead in organizing the alliance. Prior to this time,
organizations working to support immigrants were largely operating in isolation.
In addition to the Refugee Alliance, Iowa City Compassion provides many other highly
valuable support services. The agency has consistently been culturally responsive
and extremely nimble, developing programs and partnerships quickly to meet changing
needs.
We would like to encourage you to give Iowa City Compassion your strongest
consideration. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions that you
may have.
Sincerely,
Joan Vanden Berg Sunday Goshit
vandenberg.joan.22@gmail.com goshit-sunday@uiowa.edu