IT'S NEW AT UJAMAA, BRAND NEW.

It’s new at Ujamaa, brand new.

The Ujamaa Place staff has launched a special recognition program for participants in the Theory of Transformation program. It’s entitled the “Ujamaa Man of the Month.”

What makes it more interesting, two young men ended up in a tie staff vote, and both were declared winners in the first announcement.

The winners are... Clark Taylor & Jonnell Hart!

Clark Taylor: Clark joined Ujamaa Place in January 2016 and has shown great commitment and consistency in his Journey. Coach Jamil described his attendance as “extremely consistent” and stated he has been diligent in academic studies and his pursuit of his general education diploma (GED). He has been supportive to other Ujamaa Men in pursuit of their own educational goals. He is an active member of the Ujamaa Place chess class. Clark has graced Ujamaa Place with his positive attitude and has shown great leadership and care for his fellow Ujamaa Men and staff. Congratulations, Clark!

Jonnell Hart: Jonnell joined Ujamaa Place in January 2016. He began studies in the construction-training program and is scheduled to graduate this month! He has made great strides in his efforts to further his career, including completing an updated resume, securing a job at Prime Flight Aviation Services, becoming OSHA 10 certified, visiting the Carpenter’s Union to enhance his professional network, and completing a mock interview and job readiness assessment he passed with “flying colors” says Coach Richard. Jonnell has no criminal background and has committed to changing negative behaviors and improving the way he interacts with people. He recently resolved an ongoing feud with someone he once considered an enemy, who also happens to be a fellow Ujamaa Man. Jonnell works hard to make it to appointments on time and has been working on ways to improve his attention in school. He has focused with Coach Jamil to improve his fractions skills and is dedicated to secure housing soon. Congratulations, Jonnell!

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.org

WELCOME!

"I am because we are" 

Welcome to the Ujamaa Place Blog. We hope you will get to know our organization with our postings. More important we hope you will get to know the Ujamaa men better and many people who help them transform their lives.  Ujamaa is Swahili and means family. Roy Barker one of the early leaders at Ujamaa suggested the name.

"We have a model that works, it addresses all the needs, and it's an intense process," says Otis Zanders, chief executive officer and president of Ujamaa Place in St. Paul.

Many lack a high school education; they're homeless, unemployed, have mental health and or chemical health issues and are burdened with prison records.

John Harrington, one of the founders of the organization, said as St. Paul police chief, "We can not incarcerate our way out this problem."

Zanders points to important factors of the Ujamaa Place approach, "our growth involves important partners, corporate and foundation support, we strive to empower our men, we work to repair the damage, erase barriers, remove obstacles, create level playing fields, we want the men to feel safe and live in a safe environment, we focus on stewardship, being a good person, a good father.  And it working.”

Zanders continues, "Our record reflects success because we work diligently on our plan for transformation."

The new blog is entitled, "I am because we are" (it's a simple statement of profound understanding of human inter connectedness).  This Swahili phrase drawn from Ubuntu philosophy speaks about wholeness, and about compassion.  Thank you for reading our first Ujamaa Place blog.   

We look forward to your feedback!

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.org