May 2023 Newsletter
Recap: The 14th Annual Walk to End Homelessness
UMOM’s 14th Annual Walk to End Homelessness took place on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at the Phoenix Zoo.
Over 1,200 people participated and helped to raise $105,660!
Working with local partners and officials, UMOM held a number of beds at Halle Women’s Center and rooms for families at New Day Center. UMOM sent a team to the site to help relocate single women and families who wish to move into emergency shelter. Meanwhile, staff on campus stood by to intake and support new program participants.
Approximately 1,000 people had been living in the The Zone, which sprang up near the Human Services Campus as people sought shelter but were relegated to waitlists.
UMOM will continue to support the community at the next Zone clean-up.
Supporting Those Who Support Others
Last week, an employee team building event was followed with the opportunity to experience a guided relaxation experience in the M2wellbeing Bus, courtesy of our friends at Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Arizona.
Delicious food from Helpings Café paired with a fun and friendly team building competition (spaghetti + marshmallow tower build) helped staff connect, celebrate, and relax.
A variety of relaxation options were available, including a guided mediation. The BRAVE meditation was designed especially for people in caring roles and was a wonderful guided meditation practice.
New on Campus: House Meetings
May brought a new tradition to campus: house meetings for emergency shelter program participants.
Designed to foster a sense of community and connection, these meetings offer participants an opportunity to share their lived experiences and create a feedback loop for UMOM staff.
Celebrating Another Homegrown Graduation
On Thursday, May 18th we celebrated the graduation of our 31st Homegrown cohort with delicious student-made food.
This six-week curriculum, adopted by the Catalyst Kitchens program model, consists of barista, cashier, customer service, and culinary training. The 120-hour program trains and exposes students to real-life, hands-on experiences at Helpings Café in a controlled, productive, and fun environment. Upon graduation, students receive a food handler certification and attend a job readiness workshop.
Note: to protect participants, we are not sharing photos of people participating in the event.
Save the Date for Buckles & Bangles 2023
This western-themed ball is our annual signature dinner and fundraising event to end family homelessness in our community and promises to be a memorable night filled with friends, delicious food, live entertainment, and one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items. Save the date and plan to join us under the stars on the evening of Friday, October 13th at Copper Canyon at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Though the need is great, every dollar donated is making a difference in our community. Your support restores hope, rebuilds lives, and ends homelessness. Thank you!