Immigrant and refugee integration is a dynamic, two-way process where newcomers and receiving societies work together to build secure, diverse, and cohesive communities creating a stable and vibrant community where everyone benefits

OUR CHALLENGE 
Over the past ten years, Utah has been home to a growing number of immigrants and refugees. From 1990-2000, Utah's foreign born population grew by 171%. In 2007, the foreign born represented 8.2% of Utah's total population compared to 3.4% in 1997. If not for international immigration, Utah would have experienced a net out-migration from 1997-2004. 

In response, United Way of Salt Lake collaborated with policy makers, academics, community leaders, an other partners, to develop the Immigrant and Refugee Integration initiative. Our Women's Philanthropic Network (WPN) adopted this critical initiative as their focus to create lasting change in our community. Embracing a diverse group of women, WPN members support the Immigrant and Refugee Integration initiative with financial contributions and extensive volunteer work.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Scholarship Grants support immigrant and refugee women in post-secondary education endeavors, GED completion, trade certificates, associate degrees, and others. Grants provide both traditional and non-traditional assistance to help manage barriers such as time, childcare, and transportation.

• Two student mentors, who lead a group of ten new immigrant and refugee students, received scholarships through University Neighborhood Partners
• Eight students received scholarships to University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and other schools through the Utah Hispanic Business Leadership Foundation.
• 47 women have been helped by scholarship assistance, English language classes, childcare, and other needs through the Liahona Self-Reliance Foundation

The Utah Immigrant and Refugee Integration Coalition (UIRIC) was created through United Way of Salt Lake's leadership, and the dedicated work of the Women's Philanthropic Network. Made up of local public, private, and community stakeholders, the coalition educates, organizes, and mobilizes around issues that secure cohesive communities.

• First community building effort and coalition focused on Utah's immigrant and refugee population
• 200 people have increased knowledge about advocacy, health rights, and immigration law

Welcome Centers provide a central and convenient location for immigrants and refugees to gain access to services, learn to navigate systems, and be included and involved in our community. Funded by the Women's Philantrhopic Network, United Way of Salt Lake made grants four Welcome Center partners: Horizonte, Hser Ner Moo, Midvale City, and University Neighborhood Partners.