Racial & Ethnic Minorities: Utah Resources

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Centro de la Familia de Utah works toward its mission of “Developing educational opportunities that empower Latinos" economically, socially and politically and addressing the community's social, cultural, and linguistic needs. 

Programs include:

• Head Start: Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and others services to enrolled children and families. Services are also family-centered. They engage parents in their children's learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals. Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of Head Start programs.
• Nuevo Dia: Nuevo Día is a bilingual education and life-skills building program for Latinas ages 9 to 12 years old and their mothers. The program is designed to strengthen positive parent-child relationships through a variety of learning experiences. 
• Healthy Relationships: Centro’s Healthy Relationships program is funded by the Utah Department of Health and seeks to prevent rape and sexual violence among the state’s Latino population. It addresses the sexual violence risk factors and cultural idiosyncrasies of this demographic and recognizes parental involvement as a preventive measure.
• Comcast Digital Connectors: The Digital Connectors program is funded by Comcast and makes it possible for young adults to develop their skills in using computers, applications, and the Internet, and then use what they have learned to provide several hours a month volunteering at non-profit organizations, senior centers, churches, local schools, and even their own homes, to make the community aware of how broadband can change their lives and help them connect to others. 
• Plazas Comunitarias: Plazas assists and supports adults in finishing their basic education (elementary and middle school). The target population is Mexican and Spanish-speaking adults. 
• Smart Steps: Smart Steps is a research-based parenting program that is offered to our Head Start families and the community in partnership with Utah State University. It is a seven-week course for dating, co-habitating, or remarried couples who have a child or children from a previous relationship.

Comunidades Unidas (Communities United) is a organization dedicated to Empowering the Latino Community in Utah to recognize and achieve their own potential and become a positive force for change in the larger community. The website includes sections on immigration services and rights, family well-being, preventive health, advocacy & community organizing and ways to get involved, including events, volunteering and internships, and registering to vote.

This section of Voices for Utah Children entitled "Racial and Ethnic Equity for Children in Utah" was published following the 2017 legislative session. There are several helpful illustrations and infographics. Sections include Early Childhood Care & Education, Juvenile Justice Reform & Civil Liberties, Economic Equity, Health & Safety, and Looking Ahead.

See also:

2016 Racial and Ethnic Equity for Children in Utah

Racial Disparities in Utah’s Juvenile Justice System (press release)—link to printable PDF

Misbehavior or Misdemeanor? A Report on the Utah’s School to Prison Pipeline

Racially Just Utah (RJU) works with local, regional, and national community partners and allies to fight for racial justice. Includes sections on events and actions, school discipline focus groups, media, and resources (including educational resources, blog, training service, and scholarships).

A list of community resources for tribal communities compiled and published by Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC).

Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. Founded by YWCA Trenton and YWCA Princeton in 2007, YWCA Utah took a Stand Against Racism in 2011 and continues to participate annually as part of our mission to eliminate racism.

Mending the Sacred Hoop works to improve the way systems and services respond to violence against Native American women. They work to improve safety for Native women who experience battering, sexual assault, and stalking by assisting tribes through training, technical assistance, and resource material specifically addressing violence against American Indian/Alaskan Native women. Their website features an extensive list of resources for providers, brochures on domestic violence and equality, videos, and manuals, listed below:

• Addressing Domestic Violence in Indian Country
• Sexual Assault Advocacy Guide
• Tracking & Monitoring: Building a Coordinated Community Response in Native Communities
• Returning Men to Honor: A Guidebook for Developing Intervention and Education Programs for Men Who Batter in Native Communities
• Returning Men to Honor: Tribal Men’s Program/Batterer Intervention Program Development Workbook
• Safety & Accountability Audit
• Final Nanda Gikendan Report

National Organization of Asian Pacific Islander Ending Sexual Violence (NAPIESV) provides technical assistance and support to local/community-based programs and governmental organizations in enhancing their services to victims of sexual violence from the Asian and Pacific Islander communities nationally and in the U.S. territories. The website includes sections on learning about sexual violence, resources for service providers and community organizations, recommended readings, news, events, and contacts.

Depression and suicide affect people of all ages and populations, but Native American and Alaskan Native populations can be at a higher risk. If you’re struggling, the Lifeline is available to help, 24/7.

1-800-273-8255

As a result of twelve years of quantitative and qualitative research Dr. Joy DeGruy has developed her theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, and published her findings in the book Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome—America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing." The book addresses the residual impacts of generations of slavery and opens up the discussion of how the black community can use the strengths we have gained in the past to heal in the present.

Published by the Administration for Children & Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, as part of their "trauma toolkit," this section defines historical trauma and explains why the concept of historical trauma is especially important for human services agencies. It also explores relevant interventions and approaches, key concepts, resources for further learning, and references.