Monthly Archives: June 2011

Refugee Cultural Celebration

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By: Darren R. Peterson
Design and Brand Manager

June was National Refugee Month and what a beautiful mix of culture, artistry and freedom of expression. I had the opportunity to attend the The Hser Ner Moo cultural celebration at the Columbus Center in South Salt Lake where the dance competition was extremely diverse and the traditional clothing unbelievable.  Everyone had a great time displaying tribal moves and dress handed down from generation to generation. Beautiful native dances were performed from Indian, Tibetan, African and Spanish cultures as well as those who mixed it up with some moves of their own. The tragic story of Hser Ner Moo has united the people of South Salt Lake the cultural celebration was an opportunity for everyone to come together and share their diverse heritage and traditions with the entire community. I look forward to next year when I can visit the African beading and other cultural events that are sure make me smile with my heart. Now, if I could only find that dance from my home country, Denmark…..hmmmmm?

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Summer with UWSL Young Leaders

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By: Megan Jones
Young Leader Director

On June 15th United Way of Salt Lake’s Young Leaders volunteered at the Hser Ner Moo Welcome Center to build square foot gardens. The gardens will be used by the residents to grow their own vegetables and will also be incorporated into the lesson plans for the children at the Welcome Center.

Below is an email Young Leaders received from Hser Ner Moo Welcome Center shortly after the project:
‘I want to extend my thanks to all of he members of Young Leaders who came to the gardening box project at Hser Ner Moo last Wednesday.  Thank you for always thinking of us and the community of South Salt Lake. We are full of gratitude and we highly value this partnership. Our kids are excited to plant flowers and vegetables this summer. We look forward to seeing you again. Thank you!’

Young Leaders help United Way of Salt Lake make a real difference in people’s lives and in our community through volunteer, networking, and social events. On an individual basis Young Leaders enjoy many exclusive events and activities throughout the year. If you’re interested in learning more about Young Leaders join us to celebrate summer with some thrilling fun at Lagoon on Friday July 8, 2011.

Tuesday Tip: Dine Out, Just Spend Less!

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TIP: Dine out, just spend less!

Dining out is easy, convenient, and fun. It might not be realistic to cut all dining out from your budget. If you’re looking to save money, all you have to do is spend less!

It really is as easy as it sounds. Here are some simple tips:

•    Stick with water: Skip the soda, coffee, tea or wine. Ordering a glass of soda can add up to $3 to your bill. It’s not a bargain when you consider how much less you pay for a fountain drink at the gas station.

•    Forego the appetizer: They’re deliciously tempting, but appetizers often cost nearly the same price as an entree. Many establishments provide a free appetizer such as bread or chips — enjoy it, chew some gum, and look forward to your meal knowing you saved as much as $

•    Say no to dessert: Scratch around $7 from your bill by saying no the sweet and tempting desserts. Your diet with thank you, too!

•    Pasta instead of steak: You might not eat at a steak house every time you go out, but the concept still applies. If you’re used to treating yourself with the most expensive item on the menu, take a step down and order a pasta dish or fancy salad.

•    Use a coupon: Check the newspaper, in your mailbox, or online for coupons offering free appetizers, half-off meals, and other great deals.

What tips do you have to share about saving money dining out?

Refugee Awareness Month

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By: Bill Crim
Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Public Policy

Over the past decade, Utah has become the new home to an average of 800 refugees each year.  For the past two years the number of refugees resettled in Utah has been over 1000 each year.  A refugee is a person who is forced to flee his or her country due to past persecution, or a well-founded fear of future persecution, because of political opinion, race, religion, nationality, or particular social group.  There are approximately 42 million refugees and other displaced people in the world – more than the combined populations of New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, Massachusetts, Indiana and Arizona.

Since 2006, with the leadership and financial support of the Women’s Philanthropic Network, United Way of Salt Lake has been working in partnership with dozens of organizations to create and improve opportunities for immigrant and refugee integration.  An initial pilot of four “welcome centers” – easy to access locations where immigrants and refugees can find support for education and English language instruction, jobs and financial stability, health, and community engagement – will soon be expanded to six hubs in Salt Lake and Summit Counties.

As Refugee Awareness Month comes to a close – UWSL encourages everyone to learn more about and welcome those who are new to our community.  As they begin their lives in a new home, working to learn a new language and a new culture, they simultaneously make our community more rich and diverse.  Please consider joining us at any of the following events:

June 27, Community Dialogue: “We are all Refugees- Exploring our Pasts, Presents and Futures,” 6-8pm @ Horizonte Welcome Center (1234 Main Street, Salt Lake City)

June 28, International Rescue Committee and Bhutanese Community Cultural Event, 6:30pm @ Horizonte Welcome Center (1234 Main Street, Salt Lake City)

In addition, there are many ongoing volunteer opportunities that can be found by visiting our web site (www.uw.org) or by calling United Way’s 2-1-1.

United Way 2-1-1: Get Connected. Get Answers.

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By: Amy Bosworth
United Way 2-1-1 Director

2-1-1 Information and Referral will be officially joining the United Way of Salt Lake team on July 1, 2011.  The 2-1-1 program has been successfully housed at the Utah Food Bank since 2003, becoming statewide in 2005.  The decision to move 2-1-1 to United Way of Salt Lake was a focused effort by the Utah Food Bank and United Way of Salt Lake to understand the growing needs of the program along with a realization that United Way of Salt Lake would be an excellent option to maximize the success and quality of the 2-1-1 program.

So the question remains, what is 2-1-1?  2-1-1 is an easy-to-use phone number that connects caller to information about health and human services.  The caller is given as many referrals as needed in order to find the appropriate services to meet the caller’s needs at no charge.  Some of the most common call referrals include emergency food pantries, utility assistance, health care, child and youth services, tax assistance and assistance in behavioral and substance abuse .  2-1-1 is also a great resource to get connected to volunteer opportunities.  Volunteers in Davis, Salt Lake, Summit and Tooele counties will find immediate referrals to opportunities when calling 2-1-1.  Callers throughout the rest of the state will be connected to their local volunteer center to find the best place to utilize their talents.

The concept is simple.  Dial 2-1-1 to get help or give help throughout the state of Utah.
(Visit United Way 2-1-1 website)