Community

Ujamaa Place leadership and coaches understand there are many systemic roadblocks that exist in society that are beyond their control. Navigational resources and tools are critical through partnerships with corporations, healthcare providers, policy makers, law enforcement, clergy and the community. Without these alliances, these programs are not sustainable over time and result in repeated chronic bouts of homelessness, joblessness and criminal justice system involvement.

• Ujamaa Place developed a wealth creation collaborative funded by Northwest Area Foundation called the “Twin Cities Communities of Practice.” The collaboration of six organizations is committed to addressing the economic disparities in the African American communities in the Twin Cities. To date, the collaborative has successfully delivered Cultural Financial Literacy curriculum to participants in all six organizations, reaching 15,000 participants collectively.
• Mitchell Hamline School of Law provides a legal clinic to assist the Ujamaa Men with legal matters.
• The King Center, Nonviolence365 has provided training on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s nonviolence methodology and education to the Ujamaa Men and Coaches.
• Community housing partners including Union Gospel Mission, PPL, Common Bond, and Catholic Charities provide emergency, transition, and long-term housing.
• The Ramsey County JAG Diversion Program helps men ages 18-30 exit the criminal justice system and re-enter society. Ramsey County Bail Reform and Birth Equity also provide support in these areas.
• City of St. Paul Criminal Justice Re-entry Partnership.
• Wilder Foundation is a research partner on homelessness and Theory of Transformation™ evaluation.
• NAACP, AALF and Hallie Q. Brown partner to provide valuable services to underserved communities in the Twin Cities.