The Island Wave

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 9: Wendy Garvin

On this episode we talk to Wendy Garvin, Founder of Unsheltered Utah. We first learn how she was inspired to begin the organization. We hear about what happens during abatements and how Unsheltered Utah is ready to activate a response; To assist the unsheltered community to move and save their belongings, but also to be emotional support for them to endure what is to come. Wendy walks us through what they must face when attempting to provide resources for their unsheltered clients, with no place to go.

We learn that most of the resources, and unsheltered community, are within the confines of Salt Lake City and other cities within the county have said they do not want the community or services in theirs. We also compare the Salt Lake County Homeless policies to the likes of the Honolulu County. Where one can be compensated for being homeless and take advantage of a waiver for a photo ID, for comparison of policies created to provide a cohesive plan throughout the island chain.

We ask Wendy about barriers the unsheltered community might face when seeking resources like food, housing, and healthcare. She shares some of the conversations she has had with service providers to advocate for their care. We learn about the policy experts who advocate for their work in responding to the needs of the unsheltered community.

Wendy shares her research in understanding the expense of our current Utah homeless policy verses one more conducive to the human condition. She states that Utah could spend approximately $13,000 per person per year to house them and provide wrap around services to improve their livelihood. Instead, we spend $98,000 per person per year for homeless resource centers, policing and jail.

We learn about the barriers to dietary specific food and the limited ability one has to cook over an open flame on the street. We hear about the work Unsheltered Utah does to partner with organizations to fulfill clients’ specific needs. As well they work to provide public service education for health and personal safety, like carbon monoxide poisoning. Wendy reminds us about the intersectionality and diverse populations that our unsheltered relatives represent.

Finally, we hear about efforts to provide health care to the unsheltered population in the field, through an Andy’s clinic implemented by Dr. Jen Plumb. We learn that homelessness is not a burden or problem to focus on but a response to complex traumas and social determinants of health that have been unaddressed, untreated, and even denied for a long period of time.

To support Unsheltered Utah by donation: http://unshelteredutah.org/donate/

To volunteer for Unsheltered Utah: http://unshelteredutah.org/volunteers/

To provide the resource of needed items: http://unshelteredutah.org/most-needed-items/

*Special thanks to Talia Keys

~ Mahalo 

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 8: Carl Moore

On this episode we talk to Carl Moore, Co-Founder of PANDOS and SLC Air Protectors. We learn about Carl's work serving and advocating for the Unsheltered Community in Salt Lake City. He tells us about his work with Unsheltered Utah, a non-profit organization focused on meeting the immediate needs of the unsheltered residents of Utah, coordinating with existing social services, while working toward creating employment and permanent housing solutions.

As well as Our Unsheltered Relatives (OURS), a community collective effort led by Dave John to provide meals for Unsheltered populations in Salt Lake City. We hear about the barriers to healthcare and resources for unsheltered communities. And hear about the trauma they must endure when abatements occur. As usual, we ask the hard questions and hold safe space to discuss trauma, mental health and wellness. 

To support Carl Moore and his work in the community, Venmo: @camo36

Mahalo ~ 

 

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 7: Jakey Siolo

On this episode we meet Jakey Siolo - Case Manager with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR) and Community Health Worker for the Utah Pride Center. We learn about his demanding schedule of being on-call 24 hours a day to respond to calls from Community Members and serving as a Certified Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Jakey says that communication, reaching out for assistance and emergency planning are important dialogue for families experiencing domestic violence. 

As always we talk about heritage and ask the hard questions when discussing being raised an individual with many different cultures. Jakey shares the ways he is able to keep his work and life in balance. We discuss how Community Health Workers share life experiences with the people they serve, making it possible to understand what they are going through. CHWs are able to provide assistance with shared strength and without judgement. 

We discuss the vital role that Community Health Workers and Case Managers have in connecting families with resources, providing a one-stop approach to ensure equitable access. CHWs fill the gaps in service by representing our diverse communities and building the trust with community members to extend education or resources. Jakey shares his passion for policy advocacy and stresses the importance of community representation on the hill.  

We learn about programs and education provided through PIK2AR and the Utah Pride Center. Community members can send an email to chw@pik2ar.org to request COVID-19 care kits, utility or rental assistance, food resources & violence prevention advocacy. 

~ Mahalo

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 6: Adrian Swensen

*Trigger warning: Episode includes sensitive subjects such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse. 

On this episode we talk to Adrian Swensen - Community Advocate and Development Director with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR). He shares personal stories of growing up with domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse in the home. He tells about how he learned to survive, dealing with this cycle of abuse, moving toward a pathway of understanding and forgiveness. We learn about his enduring relationship with PIK2AR's founder, Susi and how he came to live with her as a young boy. 

We talk about the importance of violence prevention advocacy, providing resources for families and kids to heal from trauma. Sharing personal experiences of resilience and self healing, we talk about therapies and measures to take that break the cycle of abuse. We speak to the adults with children around them to be more mindful of their developing mental, emotional and physical health. As these things will provide emotional and intellectual fortitude that is needed to determine right from wrong, be able to self advocate and make appropriate decisions toward a healthy future.  

Adrian shares more of his life experiences; how he has learned from his mistakes, attempts to repair his past, advocating for those who need help and working for the National Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform.

PIK2AR provides advocacy for anyone who is a victim of crime, abuse, or in need of assistance. Services include accompanying victims to court appointments or meetings (with law enforcement officers, lawyers, DCFS workers, etc.) to advocate on their behalf, helping victims find resources, and even just being a listening ear to help victims process trauma and feel less alone.

If you need food, rental or utility assistance send an email to chw@pik2ar.org today. There are Community Health Workers ready to help and provide support.  

~ Aloha

 

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 5: Nisi La’a

On this episode we talk to Nisi La'a, a Community Health Worker with the Pacific Island Knowledge to Action Resources (PIK2AR). We learn about the ways they are supporting the community during the pandemic and the many programs that they offer. Nisi shares her journey as a Community Health Worker and how she stays motivated and inspired. We share resources we use for self-care and rejuvenation.

 

We talk about the need for more youth programming during the pandemic. With recent events in our Pacific Island Community, there is evidence that youth are turning to other forms of outlet that have been fatal. We begin to put our heads together as a community to create a Utah Youth Connection, Empowerment and Health Care Initiative. 

 

PIK2AR will be holding a vaccination clinic tomorrow Friday, January 21, 2022 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Pacific Heritage Academy 1755 W 1100 N in Rose Park. Get your vaccine or booster, COVID Care Kits and some swag.

 

For more information about PIK2AR or the vaccination clinic, send an email to Nisi@pik2ar.org.

 

~ Mahalo

 

The Island Wave Podcast with Jesler Molina of PrincePerelson

On this episode we connect with Kamaile's old friend from the UVU Women of the Mountains conference, Jesler Molina, who is now working for Utah Recruiting Firm, PrincePerelson & Associates. We learn about the pathway to job opportunities and discuss some professional goals to take charge of one's career. 

We learn about the Alianza Venezolana de Utah a community based organization for Utah's Venezuelan Community Jesler founded to provide pathways to business and other resources. We talk about the importance of representation and connection to resources. 

PrincePerelson & Associates has opportunities in permanent & contract placement, temporary staffing and Executive positions. For more information, reach out to Jesler today at Jesler@Perelson.com or call (801) 532-1000.

 

Mahalo ~

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 4: Maria Isabel Gomez

On this episode we talk to our good friend Maisa, seasoned Community Health Worker and Administrative Manager for Utah AHEC at the University of Utah Division of Public Health. We learn about the projects she is working on to inform parents about opportunities for Youth to secure funding for Medical certifications and careers beginning in Junior High and High School. 

We also learn about a couple of the monthly projects conducted by first year med students to shadow CHWs in their work and to establish an Asylum Clinic. To connect medical students with a foundation in community outreach and cultural humility. 

Book references mentioned in this recording;

1. The Hospital: Life, Death, and Dollars in a Small American Town, Brian Alexander . New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2021. 320 pp. ISBN 9781250237354, $28.99 (hardcover). https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00197939211015142
2. Book Review: Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Crosses the Line Sudhir Venkatesh London/New York: Allen Lane, 2008. 302 + xiv pp. £18.99. ISBN: 0713999934
   Martin O'Brien https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/17416590090050010603

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode 3: Tatiana Allen Webb

On this episode we talk to our good friend and Community Health Worker, Tatiana Allen-Webb, BS, CCRP, Program Manager at the University of Utah School of Medicine for the Utah Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program. She tells the story of her first experience in Community Health Work as a young teenager in Columbia. We hear about her journey from Europe to Utah and the focus of her education. We learn about the advancement of her vocation through community health work and what criteria they are looking for when hiring a CHW. Illustrating the evidence of work being the obstacles you have faced in your own community and your word being your currency. 

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode Two: Susi Feltch-Malohifo‘ou

On this episode we talk to PIK2AR Executive Director & Co-Founder, Susi Feltch-Malohifo'ou. We learn about Susi's journey through her work as a Community Health Worker and inspiration she received through the work of Promotores and Promotoras de Salud in Texas. 

We talk about the skills that make an effective Community Health Worker and the need for self advocacy. Susi shares some of the barriers CHWs face in the field and why institutions are now leaning on their expertise. 

The Island Wave Podcast Community Health Worker Series Episode One: Oreta Tupola

We are getting to know Community Health Workers (CHWs). Join us as we meet the Series Host, CHW - Oreta Tupola of the University Of Utah School Of Medicine - Department of Family and Preventative Medicine & Utah AHEC Scholars Program. 

Hosts: Oreta Tupola & Kamaile Harris