To effectively work with his population, Ujamaa Place has developed an integrated approach leveraging a network of partners. The model utilizes customized one-to-one, holistic, Individual Development Plans to inspire personal growth through education and knowledge-building. Below is a graphic developed by a General Mill GoodWorks marketing team to demonstrate the comprehensive approach that makes Ujamaa Place unique (this is also highlighted in a memorandum from Wilder Research that is included in the appendices).
Ujamaa Place serves a very specific role in the social services continuum – to work with young African American men who lack a GED or are currently testing at a 4th grade level educationally, and/or are homeless, have mental health issues, chemical health issues, etc. These are the young men in the Ujamaa community. Common characteristics include:
"It Takes A Village" is the essence of the rich cultural experience present at Ujamaa Place. This work is not possible without the generous support of many partners, supporters, community leaders and volunteers.
- Have experienced a lifetime of abuse and being treated stereotypically;
- Grew up without a father figure, or their only adult male relationships were abusive;
- Distrustful – they feel isolated, alone, and unsupported;
- Have experienced or witnessed violence that has created emotional trauma;
- Experience shame, guilt, and blame others –emotional repertoire is anger pervasive;
- Lack of hope – want a better future, but unable to envision it;
- Poor analytical and critical thinking skills – highly reactive behavior;
- Responsibility and accountability are lacking – leading to a history of failure;
- Lack of necessary resources and access to resources; and
- Chronic unemployment and job problems.
"It Takes A Village" is the essence of the rich cultural experience present at Ujamaa Place. This work is not possible without the generous support of many partners, supporters, community leaders and volunteers.
Health & Wellness Supported by:
Program Overview
Wellness Services
Clients receive assessments for substance use disorders and mental illness. We provide individual counseling for substance use disorders and mental health illness. Clients attend psychoeducational groups that consist of meditation, yoga, nutrition, and personalized fitness training. Participants attend process groups on twelve-step facilitation; cognitive restructuring; co-occurring disorders; trauma-informed, gender-specific; cultural pain, music therapy; and coping skills. We provide case management services and referrals to community partners while assisting clients with navigation of community-based health care services.
Wellness Services
Clients receive assessments for substance use disorders and mental illness. We provide individual counseling for substance use disorders and mental health illness. Clients attend psychoeducational groups that consist of meditation, yoga, nutrition, and personalized fitness training. Participants attend process groups on twelve-step facilitation; cognitive restructuring; co-occurring disorders; trauma-informed, gender-specific; cultural pain, music therapy; and coping skills. We provide case management services and referrals to community partners while assisting clients with navigation of community-based health care services.
Education
Program Overview
The Educational Department has two tracks: GED and Higher Education. For GED we offer GED Prep courses and GED Prep tutoring. For Higher Education we offer opportunity for the participants to learn the steps to get into college through lectures, one-on-one coaching and college tours. We have a partnership with the Ronald HubbCenter, where the participants can get extra help with preparing for their GED Test as well take the actually test.
Program Overview
The Educational Department has two tracks: GED and Higher Education. For GED we offer GED Prep courses and GED Prep tutoring. For Higher Education we offer opportunity for the participants to learn the steps to get into college through lectures, one-on-one coaching and college tours. We have a partnership with the Ronald HubbCenter, where the participants can get extra help with preparing for their GED Test as well take the actually test.
Housing
Program Overview
Holistic housing education, “Tenant/Homeowner Training,” surrounding supportive housing (programs and voucher system), market rate tenancy, and Home Ownership 101 course. Program housing is available in the form of Emergency Shelter, SRO units, Independent units, and home ownership opportunities (Referrals to Habitat for Humanity & Rondo Community Land trust). Supportive services are in the form of move-in kits (household and personal items needed to occupy a space – bedding, towels, cleaning products, laundry/trash can, etc.), transportation assistance, Bridging Referrals, financial assistance with a new bed, unit cleanliness and maintenance one-on-one education, u-haulrentals, and help with moving from volunteers.
Program Overview
Holistic housing education, “Tenant/Homeowner Training,” surrounding supportive housing (programs and voucher system), market rate tenancy, and Home Ownership 101 course. Program housing is available in the form of Emergency Shelter, SRO units, Independent units, and home ownership opportunities (Referrals to Habitat for Humanity & Rondo Community Land trust). Supportive services are in the form of move-in kits (household and personal items needed to occupy a space – bedding, towels, cleaning products, laundry/trash can, etc.), transportation assistance, Bridging Referrals, financial assistance with a new bed, unit cleanliness and maintenance one-on-one education, u-haulrentals, and help with moving from volunteers.
Employment
Program Overview
•Program Activities/Services/Support - Mock interviewing, resume building, topic discussions, guest speakers, gas & gift cards, cover letters & resumes, tokens & bus cards, transportation, job applications, reference letters, work clothing, ONetAssessment, miscellaneous expense support, i.e. cell phone, etc.
•Job Certification Training - Construction, Automotive and Financial Literacy are a few of the certification training courses offered at Ujamaa Place. Film Class, Stipend Program, In-House Interviews (employer onsite), Job Fair Visits, Employer Tours (EcoLab) are additional skills and support services offered under the employment program.
Program Overview
•Program Activities/Services/Support - Mock interviewing, resume building, topic discussions, guest speakers, gas & gift cards, cover letters & resumes, tokens & bus cards, transportation, job applications, reference letters, work clothing, ONetAssessment, miscellaneous expense support, i.e. cell phone, etc.
•Job Certification Training - Construction, Automotive and Financial Literacy are a few of the certification training courses offered at Ujamaa Place. Film Class, Stipend Program, In-House Interviews (employer onsite), Job Fair Visits, Employer Tours (EcoLab) are additional skills and support services offered under the employment program.
Criminal Justice Advocacy
Program Overview
Ujamaa Place is focused on training the men to be leaders in social justice advocacy on issues that impact their lives and their community. Ujamaa Men completed Nonviolence365 Certification Education and Training in October 2017 facilitated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s youngest daughter, Bernice King and the entire training team from The King Center. Ujamaa Men represent the issues and roadblocks in their way at the State Capitol, in City Hall and in the community. Ujamaa Men are currently advocating for $15 minimum wage alongside the 15Now group.
Program Overview
Ujamaa Place is focused on training the men to be leaders in social justice advocacy on issues that impact their lives and their community. Ujamaa Men completed Nonviolence365 Certification Education and Training in October 2017 facilitated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s youngest daughter, Bernice King and the entire training team from The King Center. Ujamaa Men represent the issues and roadblocks in their way at the State Capitol, in City Hall and in the community. Ujamaa Men are currently advocating for $15 minimum wage alongside the 15Now group.
Cultural Services
Program Overview
All programming at Ujamaa Place is rooted in African and African American culture. It is the principles passed on from our ancestors that provide Ujamaa men with the brotherhood and family love that is at the core of everything we do.
Program Overview
All programming at Ujamaa Place is rooted in African and African American culture. It is the principles passed on from our ancestors that provide Ujamaa men with the brotherhood and family love that is at the core of everything we do.
Support Services
Program Overview
The support services provide Ujamaa Men with necessary resources to be successful to and through their journey of transformation.
Program Overview
The support services provide Ujamaa Men with necessary resources to be successful to and through their journey of transformation.
Weekly Information Sessions
Members of the Ujamaa Place community move through three stages – from entry to graduation, and are encouraged to remain involved as alumni after graduation. Length of time in the program ranges from four to twenty-four months depending on their needs at enrollment. In order to officially enroll at Ujamaa Place, a participant must:
Members of the Ujamaa Place community move through three stages – from entry to graduation, and are encouraged to remain involved as alumni after graduation. Length of time in the program ranges from four to twenty-four months depending on their needs at enrollment. In order to officially enroll at Ujamaa Place, a participant must:
- Attend an information session. Ujamaa Place offers information sessions every Wednesday to provide an overview of the program experience, and answer questions potential participants may have.
- Complete and submit an entry packet.
- Complete the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE).
- Undergo an in-depth entry interview with an Ujamaa Coach to identify and fully understand the participant’s needs and if they are ready for all the program requirements.
