HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-23-2024 Human Rights Commission Human Rights Commission
April 23, 2024
Regular Meeting — 5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Agenda:
1. Call the meeting to order and roll call
2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of the March 4 and March 26, 2024, meeting minutes
4. Public comment on items not on the agenda. (Commentators shall address the
Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with the public or one another concerning said items)
5. Correspondence
6. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department
7. Support for a Community Transportation Committee
s. Funding Request: Coralville Asian Festival
9. Youth Awards — Wednesday, May 15
10. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant Updates FY23, FY24, FY25
11. Commission Committees
• Building Bridges (Paul Shantz, Kollasch, Pandya)
• Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Pries)
• Breaking Bread (Dr. Liz, Qaduora)
12. Staff Announcements
13. Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion
with one another concerning said announcements)
14. Adjournment
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City-
sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable
accommodation in order to participate in these events, please contact the Office
of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanrights(a-)iowa-city.org.
Native American land Acknowledgement
Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human
Rights Commission
PURPOSE
Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land
and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments
in order to make this moment possible.Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward
reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land
Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration,
and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also
address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today.The Ad Hoc Truth
and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of
Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To be read at all public meetings and events:
"We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of
Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of
Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because
history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the
ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken
treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands
was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the
Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we
work toward equity, restoration, and reparations."
LEARN MORE
Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide
Meskwaki Nation - History
Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as
members of the public,for their input.
Agenda Item #3
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
March 4, 2024(Special Meeting)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Viana Qaduora, Roger Lusala,
Mark Pries, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon.
Commissioners on Zoom: None.
Commissioners absent: Sylvia tons.
Staff present:Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: Yes, two recommendations.
1. To fund the following 11 organizations at the requested amount for the Racial Equity and Social
Justice (RESJ) grant for fiscal year 2024.
2. Increase the RESJ grant by$50,000.00 in this grant cycle or the next
Meeting called to order: 5:36 PM.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant:
Eastern Iowa Chapter of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA) - $3,000.00
Seen as important activities for the community, making an immediate impact. This organizations covers
important focal points like racial equity and social justice. It is suggested to discuss sustainability of future
activities that extend beyond the Human Rights Commission and the grant process. It is agreed to grant
the full amount of$3,000.00.
Inside out Reentry Community- $2,300.00
This organization allows the commission to reach a community that doesn't often receive funding or
support. It is suggested to keep in touch about the long-term vision of success for this organization. The
operational costs including staffing are discussed. A final decision is agreed on the full amount granted at
$2,300.00.
Open Heartland -$13,738.25
The applications ability to highlight the need in the community and organizing support to address those
needs is recognized.The project addresses foundational educational skills training identified by women's
leadership teams. The network in partnerships and how that impacts the community is brought up in
support of funding. Due to their success in pervious work and their thorough report on future efforts it is
suggested they receive full funding. It is agreed they will receive the full amount of$13,738.25
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Better Together Community Development Cooperation - $8,650.00
This organization addresses the migrant communities and those facing injustices in the community. It also
addresses the challenge of not knowing about or having access to available resources and programs.Their
efforts lead to community building and providing access.There is a collaborative spirit that allows
community members to represent their culture through this organization and to have a cross-cultural
collaboration. It is agreed to grant full funding of$8,650.00
Houses Into Homes -$7,698.00
Recognize new projects. Partial funding is suggested.The groups this organization represents align with
the outreach goals of the HRC. Previous funding granted by the HRC to this organization is considered as
partial funding is addressed again.The deliberate and direct impact this organization makes is highlighted
as a reason for continued support and funding to the group. Partial funding of half the requested amount
is agreed on at$7,500.00.
This organization is revisited with remaining funds and receives the remainder with a total grant of
$7,698.00.
United Action for Youth -$10,500.00
It is recognized that this organization targets a community that is not otherwise served.This organizations
existing budget and additional outside funding is addressed in relation to granting the full amount. With a
reduced grant suggested it is addressed that a minimum of$8,000.50 would be appropriate to allow for
the organization to purchase basic needs packs addressed in their application. Operational costs are
considered with a suggestion of$10,000+$2000 for peer mentor. Final comments of the organizations
direct impact of services and assisting homeless leads to a general consensus in funding at$10,500.00.
Domestic Violence Intervention Program -$7,619.99
The organization's ability to present the opportunity to make connection with a vulnerable demographic is
highlighted.The organization has the ability to make impacts across the community. It is agreed to provide
full funding of$7,619.99.
Indigenous Art Alliance -$20,340.00
Concern about funding technology and community involvement due to location is addressed. It is
suggested that funding the technology will allow for more community involvement due to the possibility of
live stream.This organization addresses a target population that is very underserved and is the only
organization of this demographic on the application. It is noted that this is an opportunity to commit to a
new project however it may come with taking risks due to the unpredictability of the success of the
organization.This organization is unable to complete their project with a lesser amount than what they are
asking for. In order to allow funding for other organizations a slightly lesser amount than requested is
agreed on at$20,340.00.
2
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa -$12,000.00
This organization has a significant, direct impact on immigrants connecting them to a network of local
partners. A budget of$7,500 is suggested for operational costs.This organization is known to serve a
community the desperately needs it in thoughtful and evidence-based ways, leaving opportunity to
advance racial equity and social justice.The concern of political risk is brought up however the funds
would still be applicable to current refugees in the community and their needs.Typically, refugees aren't
allowed federal funding due to the nature of their background, so this is an opportunity to supplement
that. It is suggested to connect the organization to additional opportunities and/or funding that arise in
the future, and it is agreed to grant$12,000.00 to the organization.
CommUnity Crisis Center-$7,000.00
This organization is known to have a significant, direct impact on community members that need it.
Additional funding this year along with the funding they received last year would allow for greater reach
and impact in the community.Their work with immigrant communities and local food banks is recognized
and supported with varying amounts suggested for funding. A final agreement of$7000.00 is agreed upon
as a way to match the organization own funds and unrestricted food bank dollars.
Wright House of Fashion -$7,153.60
Organizations partnered with this group are highlighted to recognize the intersectional identities of BIPOC
youth and LGBTQ communities that would be impacted by the funding received. Cost saving options are
discussed as a way to consider remaining funds available to the organization. $4,500 is suggested. It is
brought up that as important as the business development programs are this grant program may not be
the best fit in terms of impact and outreach. It is also suggested the demographic it reaches, being BIPOC
entrepreneurs, does fit the grant criteria/goals. It is agreed that the organization will receive$4,500.00
This organization is revisited with the remaining budget. It is agreed to increase the funding for the
graduation ceremony provided by this organization. Bringing their total funding to $7,153.60.
To increase the Racial Equity and Social Justice grant allocation from $100,000.00 to $150,000.00 in this
grant cycle or the next.
A larger budget would allow for full funding to certain organizations without having to take away from
other organizations'fundings. For example, Indigenous Art Alliance would have been able to get full
funding this year while still allowing for other organizations to get an agreed upon amount.
It is suggested to petition for an additional $50,000 in funding for this grant program as a way to address
the several other organizations of interest to the commission that are unable to be considered due to the
current resources available to them.
Motion to recommend the following organizations for funding at the noted amount. Motion by Lusala,
seconded by Pries. Motion passed 7-0.
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Organization Requested Amount Discussed Amount Average
Eastern Iowa Chapter of APAPA 3000.00 3000.00 32.86
Inside Out Reentry Community 2300.00 2300.00 31.71
Open Heartland 13738.25 13738.25 31.57
Better Together Community Development
Corporation 8650.00 8650.00 30.43
Houses into Homes 15000.00 7698.16 30.29
United Action for Youth 20000.00 10500.00 30.00
Domestic Violence Intervention Program 7619.99 7619.99 30.00
Indigenous Art Alliance 25000.00 20340.00 29.57
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa 25000.00 12000.00 29.43
CommUnity Crisis Center 20000.00 7000.00 29.14
Wright House of Fashion 25000.00 7153.60 29.00
Motion to recommend the RESJ be increased by$50,000.00 in this grant cycle or the next. Motion by Paul
Shantz seconded by Mendez Shannon. Motion passed 7-0.
Adjourned:8:05 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government.
4
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date
TERM 1/23 2/27 3/4 3/26 4/23 5/28 6/25 7/23 8/27 9/24 10/22 11/26 12/24
NAME EXP.
ahnaviPandya 2024 X X X
Sylvia Jons 2024 Z A A
Doug Kollasch 2024 X X X
Viana Qadoura 2025 X X X
Vacant 2025 A X -
Mark Pries 2025 X A X
Roger Lusala 2026 X X X
Kelsey Paul Shantz 2026 X X X
Liz Mendez-Shannon 2026 X X X
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
Agenda Item #3
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
March 26, 2024
Emma Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Mark Pries, Vianna Qaduora.
Commissioners absent: Sylvia Jons, Roger Lusala, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon.
Staff present:Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:33 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Pries read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
Approval of meeting minutes of February 27, 2024: Pries moved, and Paul Schantz seconded. Motion
passed 5-0.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: One representative had an all-day
training and the other had a previous commitment in the South District. An update will be provided at the
April meeting date.
Presentation by Lulu Merle Johnson Exbibit: Rebecca Conrad introduced the project and opened the
presentation with some of her background and general information on the project and those involved.
Lulu Merle Johnson is a good fit to be an eponym for the project because the former eponym, Richard
Mentor Johnson, had a problematic past. Sonya Jackson (niece of Lulu Merle Johnson) spoke on behalf of
the project and introduced the sculpture that represents the project. Sonya gave some history on Lulu
Merle Johnson's time at the University of Iowa earning her doctorate and what came after that in her
career as a scholar. Lulu Merle Johnson and her family were pioneers in Iowan history. Rebecca touched on
Lulu's impact on black history in education and black history as American history with her course "The
Negro and American Life"which she taught before there was a big push in the civil rights movement or
desegregation in education.
Presentation by Community Transportation Committee: Maria Jose Plata-Florez spoke on concerns about
the lack of bus services on Sundays and the possibility of extended hours of operations for the busses that
currently operate.
Dawn Pawlowski spoke on their reliance on public transportation and their concerns with the lack of a
larger printable maps for the various routes that list street names, and clearly marked stops. An additional
concern was the unreliability of the app and websites and the fact that some people may not have smart
phones. It is suggested to include a general bus schedule that can be posted at the bus stops along with
the stop numbers being clear at the stops and on the app.
1
William Denny spoke in support of more accessible transportation efforts. William suggested a variety of
language options being implemented in the bus app and at bus stops. William also mentioned that there is
a lack of convenience in the scheduling of the bus routes, where the primary stops are all downtown with
additional wait times and bus rides to get anywhere outside of that area.
Audrey Keith spoke in support of creating a public transit advisory commission. Audrey's work as a job
coach in 2014 highlighted the problems still faced by many people today who rely on public transportation
after typical business hours, but taking the bus isn't an option.Juann Lee spoke as a daily bus rider and
stated the need for structures and seating at bus stops for other daily riders,who typically consist of
elderly people and individuals with disabilities.
Victor Fontanez presented a PowerPoint for the creation of an Iowa City Transit Advisory Commission.
Fontanez started with the general responsibilities of a transit advisory commission and how this
commission is relevant to the Iowa City community.The presentation focused on the various
demographics using the transit system and the accessibility to under-represented riders. Other Transit
Commissions (Wausau (WI), Edina (MN), Sun Prairie (WI), and Eau Claire (WI))were presented as an
example of how a commission like this would operate and perform in the community.The presentation
mentioned potential benefits of better operating public transportation, including high priority actions like
the City's climate goals.
The Human Rights Commissioners then asked questions regarding the presentation and where these ideas
have been shared. It is hoped that the Human Rights Commission's support in creating support for this
endeavor will assist in finding additional members. Commissioner Pries showed support in the idea of
busses operating at night and acknowledged the lack of accessibility outside of the downtown/west side
hub where many busses start and end their route.
Commissioner Paul Shantz asked how this commission could operate at a county level and if there was
consideration on that scale of operation. Victor stated there has been communication with surrounding
communities and that it is believed Iowa City could be a leading force in the county-wide issue of public
transportation.
Pries motions to support the creation of an Iowa City Transit Commission and Pandya seconded.The
motion passed 5-0.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant:The current rubric used to judge grant requests was discussed.
Commissioner Pandya suggested changing the scale to be out of 100 rather than 35. Commissioner Pries
asked about the possibility of a longer period to review and score each applicant. Commissioner Paul
Shantz mentioned focusing on communication and priorities amongst the commission in order to increase
transparency for applicants wanting more information on the grant and the commissions review process.
Commissioner Pries believes that without an increase in the total amount of the grant there will have to be
an adjustment to the maximum grant per organization, due to the increase in applicants. Commissioner
Kollasch agreed and suggested a decrease to$20,000 max grant per organization. Commissioner Paul
2
Shantz then stated that by decreasing the amount it may limit the number of projects that might be
possible. Paul Shantz suggested having clear communication to applicants that projects between $10,000-
$20,000 are typically funded as to not limit projects that may need more money. Commissioner Pandya
agreed to put together a new rubric out of 100 rather than 35 with suggested, possible budget changes to
review at the next meeting. Commissioner Kollasch will be presenting the recommendation to the City
Council on April 2.
NCJC Gala: Staff reported the City's table is full for this event.
Disability Health & Safety Expo: Staff will send out an email to Commissioners to see if anyone is
interested in serving on the office's table for this event that runs from 2-4:30 PM at Robert A. Lee
Recreation Center.
Funding Request: Coralville Asian Festival: The Commission would like more information from the
requesters. Staff will reach out the organizers to request an itemized budget for the event and to see if
there are any similar events being held in Iowa City.
Trans Day of Visibility Proclamation and Event: Kollasch read the proclamation he authored and submitted
to the Mayor and also spoke on community events being held.
Committee Updates: Commissioners will send any updates to staff to distribute to all members.
Announcements of Commissioners: Commissioners will send updates to staff to distribute all members.
Announcements of staff: None.
Adjourned: 6:58 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%2OGovernment.
3
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date
TERM 1/23 2/27 3/4 3/26 4/23 5/28 6/25 7/23 8/27 9/24 10/22 11/26 12/24
NAME EXP.
ahnaviPandya 2024 X X X X
Sylvia Jons 2024 Z A A A
Doug Kollasch 2024 X X X X
Viana Qadoura 2025 X X X X
Vacant 2025 A X - -
Mark Pries 2025 X A X X
Roger Lusala 2026 X X X A
Kelsey Paul Shantz 2026 X X X X
Liz Mendez-Shannon 2026 X X X A
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
UNESCOHuman Rights Sponsorship Request CITY OF IOWA CITY
CITY OF
Agenda Item #8
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is allocated$2000 annually to provide financial assistance to community events designed to eliminate
racial,religious,cultural,or other intergroup tensions,including but not limited to,sex,color,creed,disability,gender identity,sexual orientation,
marital status,age,or national origin.
Rules and Requirements for Sponsorship:
• The organization must be physically located in Iowa City.
• The program must take place in Iowa City.
• The program must have a date and location.
• The event date must be prior to the request for financial assistance.
• Applicants cannot be governments,public schools,or colleges/universities.
• Applicants request cannot exceed$250.00.
• Request must include a budget.
• Request must include other sponsors.
• Request cannot be for reimbursement or honorariums to speakers or guests.
• Request cannot be for rental deposits for the venue.
• Request cannot be for fundraising purposes.
• Requests will be denied if another city department/division has financially contributed funding or will be contributing funds for the
program.
• Funding will not be disbursed without the submission of a W9.
• If the request is approved for financial assistance an organization cannot request any further assistance in the same fiscal year.
Signature*
Sign here that you have read and understand the rules and requirements.
Date Time
2024-03-13 01:39:45 PM
Organization
Name*
Coralville Asian Festival
Address*
Street Add ress
P.O.Box 5393
Address Line 2
City State/Province/Region
Coralville Iowa
Postal/Zip Code Country
52241 USA
Contactperson
Name*
Omega Dancel
Preferred pronouns
She/hers
Phone number*
319-621-8042
Email address*
coralvilleasianfest@gmail.com
Programdetails
Date of Program*
5/18/2024
Program Title*
Coralville Asian Festival
Location name*
S.T.Morrison Park
Location Address*
Street Add ress
1513 7th St.
Address Line 2
City State/Province/Region
Coralville Iowa
Postal/Zip Code Country
52241 USA
Describe how the program eliminates racial,religious,cultural,or other intergroup tensions,related, but not limited to: sex,
*
color,creed,disability,gender identity,sexual orientation,marital status,age,or national origin.
Our event will showcase talent,skills,performances by members of our communityfrom different ethnic groups,ages,and abilities.We
will have performers from Cedar Rapids,Des Moines,and surrounding Iowa City area.We will also have students from the University of
Iowa and West High School.Our goal is to host a diverse cultural event to celebrate our rich culture and heritage.
Is there a financial cost to participate in the project?*
*Yes n No
Describe how socioeconomic barriers to attendance will be addressed.
Our event is free for the public.Our team has created a very detailed budget to accommodate all of the expenses to make our event
successful.
M 0
Amount Requested (Maximum request$250.00)*
$250.00
Has any City of Iowa City department or division provided any support for this event?*
(Include in-kind and financial support)
Qi Yes
Q No
Will any City of Iowa City department or division provide any support for this event?*
(Include in-kind and financial support)
QQ Yes
Q No
Please list all funding sources or in-kind support for this event including the amount*
Green State-$250,Coralville Food Pantry-van use.United Methodist Church-table and chairs. We are still in the process of requesting
sponsorship,many have not replied yet.
4ttache Itemized Budget
Previous Next
Agenda Item # 10
24 Hour Crisis Line: 1105 S. Gilbert Court, Suite 300
800 3731043 Iowa City, Iowa 52240
www.dvipiowa.org Business Line: 319 356 9863
dvip@dvipiowa.org Shelter Business: 319 351 1043
SAFETY & DIGNITY. ALWAYS.
March 27, 2024
City of Iowa City
Attn: Equity Director,Stefanie Bowers
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org
Dear Ms. Bowers,
I am writing to you in regard to the Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (DVIP) Racial Equity&
Social Justice Grant Application for FY25. Due to the inability to secure the original film in our request,
"Birthing Justice" and the addition of new community partners we were able to secure the film
"Aftershock". Through this new partnership with FilmScene, Bijou, and the University of Iowa Students
for Planned Parenthood the film has been made available to us at no cost and the event will now be held
at Filmscene.Though these partnerships and new location will make this event more accessible to a
wider audience we are now unable to provide outside food or beverages.
With these changes we are requesting a modification to our proposal and would like to request that the
application we submitted be funded at the new budget amount of$6,482.99.The remainder of the
project, the goals, and the panel discussion all remain the same as outlined in our original application.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact me
with additional questions or needs.
Best regards,
Alta Medea, Director of Community Engagement
319.930.2030, alta@dvipiowa.org
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Providing Free and Confidential Victim Services to the following Iowa Counties:
Cedar,Des Moines,Henry,Iowa,Johnson,Lee,Van Buren and Washington
� Supported by:
United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties
United Way of the Great River Region
Agenda Item #10
Houses into Homes
401 Bth Ave. Suite 1
oralville IA 52241
319-435-1075
directors@hoijsesintc)hornes.org
HOUSESINTO HOMES
April 1 , 2024
r ESJ Report. Houses into Homes Change Your World youth Volunteer Academy
FORMAT
In FY23, we tried two different formats for the Change Your World Youth Volunteer
Academy (YVA), In the fall, we held four (three-hour) sessions that included learning
and volunteer time, including completing a delivery of beds and furniture. Four to five
students participated in each of those four sessions. Three of the four facilitators who
had agreed to lead those sessions had personal circumstances that prevented their
participation, unfortunately, so learning was led by the teaching fellow we hired for the
fall YVA. In the end. we thought that four sessions was too short to cover the topics.
With the number of holidays and days off of school in the fall, we found it impossible to
schedule 10-14 sessions.
The format of our Spring 2024 YVA is similar to the format for Spring 202 _ (Spring
2023 was 14 sessions, 2 hours each_) 1e are holding 10 (three-hour) sessions, with
one hour of volunteer time and two hours of facilitated learning. This format seems to
have worked well to balance learning with active volunteer time. The first session
(Training and Orientation, Jan 20) was canceled because of winter weather, but we
have held the seven subsequent sessions. The final two sessions are April 6 and April
13. The current YVA has eight students enrolled, and attendance has been between
four and eight students each time.
We believe that our Spring 2024 format is the best so far. Ten (three-hour) sessions
have allowed students to get to know each other, to delve into what have often been
new and difficult topics, and to volunteer with Houses into Homes_
GOALS
Goals mentioned in our application include;
• Increased awareness and understanding of social justice topics, privilege,
identity, and more,
• 30 hours of volunteering opportunities, and
• Creating a guide that can be shared,
Survey
Students took a survey before Spring 2024 YVA started, and they will take a
post-survey at the last session. Dr. 1 alid Afifi (University of California-Santa Barbara)
will analyze the results of the surveys and will share the results with us.
30 hours of volunteer time
Spring 2024 YVA was scheduled to provide the opportunity for 00 hours of volunteer
time.
YVA guide
The model for Houses into Horner' Change Your World Youth Volunteer Academy
depends on local leaders and educators to facilitate learning and discussion of the
chosen topics. Three of the four Fall 2023 facilitators had to cancel their participation,
leaving our teaching fellow and other staff to come up with lesson plans at the last
minute. This situation made it clear that our plan to create a YVA guide is a good idea!
To accompIish this, we have enlisted the efforts of Monique Rottman {I CCS D} to
develop a curriculum that can be used or not, depending on the facilitator for each topic,
By June 00, 2024, we will have a finished and printed guide-
EXPENSES
Expenses so far include payroll for our project coordinator and teaching fellow, bags
and other supplies, and snacks and drinks for students. Our first-session facilitators
were unable to make it at the last minute, but our teaching fellow filled in as facilitator,
For Spring 2024, nearly all facilitators have participated in their scheduled sessions. Our
largest expense will be for curriculum development.
Thank you,
Lucy Barker
Director of Development
Houses into Homes
FY23 Social Equity & Racial Justice Grant Report
Agenda Item #10
CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank
March 28, 2024
Overview
The "Expanding Culturally Appropriate Food Options" project is intended to advance racial equity
and social justice by helping to maintain the cultural identity of individuals facing food insecurity
while also directly supporting minority-owned business enterprises within Iowa City. Our hope is
that refugees and the diverse people we serve will feel an increased sense of belonging and become
more comfortable connecting with us for services.
Project Successes
Perhaps the greatest success of this project so far is meeting a small portion of the demand for
culturally-familiar foods of our Hispanic clients. Each time the food purchased from Acapulco
Mexican Bakery with Racial Equity & Social Justice grant funds has been loaded onto food bank
shelves, food is gone within one to two days of stocking the shelves, indicating the tremendous
value of this project. It appears that the availability of more Hispanic foods has led to a significant
increase in Food Bank visits from LatinX community members - comparing the months of July to
December in 2022 to the same months in 2023 once the purchases from Acapulco Mexican Bakery
began, LatinX visits nearly doubled. The project also allows groups to get involved by supporting
monthly repacking projects, like Hawkeye Sports Marketing did in November. Five repacking projects
have been completed to-date.
Not only are these funds increasing availability of familiar foods and supporting a local business, but
they are creating opportunities for greater learning and collaboration. As mentioned in our last
report, discussions with staff at Acapulco Mexican Bakery led to adding an option for posole, a
winter stew, in our Project Holiday distribution for approximately 450 households. Additionally,
partnerships with other nonprofits that serve refugee and immigrant populations have been
strengthened since beginning the culturally-appropriate food distribution, as Open Heartland and
Catholic Worker House representatives are now attending our CommUnity Connect advisory group,
which meets quarterly to allow for feedback on CommUnity programs and create greater awareness
about available services in Iowa City and surrounding areas.
This project also shows potential as our mobile pantry expands into new neighborhoods. Thanks to
partners at Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, the first mobile pantry at the Pheasant Ridge
neighborhood,the only pantry location on the West side of Iowa City, was hosted. It was so
well-attended that all the food was distributed within fifteen minutes, with many Sudanese
community members and 22 new households attending. The second mobile pantry event will be
hosted there next week, with plans to increase the amount of food available. A CommUnity staff
It- 1
member who speaks Arabic has been immensely helpful in facilitating communication at the
Pheasant Ridge site.
d! 4
Left: Hawkeye Sports Marketing
7
volunteers repackage rice,
beans, and spices for the food
pantry in November.
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Right: A volunteer assists with
Project Holiday preparation.
Amount Spent
To-date $13,181.92 total has been spent with Racial Equity and Social Justice grant funds on seven
total food purchases from Acapulco Mexican Bakery and Iowa City African and Oriental Market
(formerly Modina African Market). Receipts/invoices for these purchases are included with this
report.
Items purchased include sugar, flour, rice, masa (corn flour), guajillo (dried chilis), semolina flour,
fufu, plantains, mayocoba beans, black eyed peas, and more.
Next Steps
CommUnity will continue to seek volunteers to assist with repackaging projects, where volunteers
divide bulk items like 50 pound bags of rice into smaller amounts for distribution. These repackaging
projects are ideal volunteer opportunities for the corporations who reach out in search of group
service opportunities.
The next order to use the remainder of Racial Equity and Social Justice grant funds will be placed
with Iowa City African and Oriental Market in April. Following the first order, we learned more about
which foods were most appreciated, and which were not as useful to clients and will adjust future
orders accordingly. For example, the boxed mixes of fufu were left behind, but a volunteer reported
that Congolese clients were glad to have yam flour available to make fufu and were "shocked and
delighted" the day red palm oil was available on pantry shelves.
Because the foods purchased through this grant have been so popular, CommUnity continues to
seek additional opportunities to expand purchases of culturally-appropriate food beyond what is
currently available through the City of Iowa City's Racial Equity and Social Justice grant. Several
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grant applications totaling $10,000 in requests for further culturally appropriate food purchases are
pending decisions. We are grateful for a continuation of the Racial Equity and Social Justice grant for
a second year that will allow us to ensure more consistent availability of culturally appropriate foods
as donations and availability of these items from our non-profit partners vary throughout the year.
Until decisions on the pending grant applications are made, CommUnity plans to continue regular
orders, allotting a portion of the general food bank budget for culturally-appropriate food purchases.
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