Volunteer at a Welcome Center

Overview of the Women’s Philanthropic Network (WPN):

· United Way of Salt Lake Women’s Philanthropic Network is an affiliate of
United Way Worldwide’s National Women’s Leadership Council.

· Your $1500 donation goes to establish Welcome Centers and ensure that
girls and teens of all ages have the support they need to plan for and obtain
a college degree

· There are many engagement opportunities to becoming a member
including: mentoring, volunteering, networking, advocacy, and many fun
social events

What is the work of the WPN?

It is estimated that there are 25,000 refugees who have been resettled in
Utah. Nearly 1,000 of these refugees are fleeing persecution in their home
countries worldwide and are being resettled in our neighborhoods. Aside
from refugees, roughly 170,000 immigrants call Utah home. The United Way
of Salt Lake works to build cohesive communities by helping immigrant and
refugee families learn English, succeed in education, and overcome other
barriers to financial stability. Welcome Centers embrace immigrants and
refugees by providing assistance and resources focused on improving their
education, financial stability, health, as well as helping them more fully
integrate into our communities. Newly empowered immigrants and refugees
help each other succeed and encourage one another to become involved in
their schools, neighborhoods and workplaces creating a brighter, more
prosperous future for themselves and their families. Welcome Centers are
centrally located in easily accessible places that are natural gathering places
for immigrants and refugees including: apartment complexes, schools, and
community centers.

Hser Ner Moo Community and Welcome Center in South Salt Lake is one
example of the unique impact of the WPN. Established in 2008 following the
kidnapping and murder of Hser Ner Moo, a Burmese refugee girl, United Way
joined with dozens of others in the community, including the South Salt Lake
Policy Department and City to establish a safe place for kids and families to
access services, learn to navigate systems, and be engaged in their
communities. The Hser Ner Moo Community and Welcome Center was
established in an apartment complex that houses mostly refugee families. In
three years, they have seen juvenile crime rates reduced by 76% (as a side
effect of engaging youth). With financial backing from the WPN, it was
possible to open this Center.

How to Get Involved

Power of Your Purse Event
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The Grand America Hotel
6 pm reception, 7 pm dinner and program
Tickets $125
All proceeds go to United Way of Salt Lake Welcome Centers and the Women
and Educational Achievement initiative.