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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights and Diversity - 04/13/2023 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HUMAN RIGHTS & DIVERSITY COMMISSION THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023 7:00 P.M., EDEN PRAIRIE CENTER Office of Housing and Community Services COMMISSION MEMBERS: Greg Leeper (Chair), Shahram Missaghi, (Vice Chair), Sana Elassar, Philip Skeie, Asad Aliweyd, Samuel Griffin, John Urbanski, Susan Weaver, Zaheer Khan, Christine Kleckner, Jody Knight, Brenda Pfahnl, Kuhu Singh STUDENT MEMBERS: Muntaaz Ciise, Morgan Cook, Ayan Ibrahim, Hina Kazama, Taslim Olad, Ananya Sagi, Sudiksha Talla COMMISSION STAFF: Megan Yerks, Staff Liaison Julie Krull, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Leeper called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Commission Members Missaghi, Aliweyd and Kleckner and Student Members Ciise, Cook, Ibrahim, and Olad were absent. Elassar and Urbanski attended virtually. II. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS There were no guests aside from the Onward Presenters, Tricia Wright, Executive Director and Corey Sentieri, Program Manager. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Yerks said there was an update to the agenda, CEDAW was moved to A. in New Business. MOTION: Pfahnl moved, seconded by Khan, to approve the amended agenda. Motion carried 8-0. IV. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 9, 2023 MEETING MINUTES MOTION: Skeie moved, seconded by Weaver, to approve the minutes dated March 9, 2023. Motion carried 8-0. V. COMMUNITY PRESENTATION – ONWARD EDEN PRAIRIE, TRICIA WRIGHT Chair Leeper introduced Tricia Wright, Executive Director for Onward, and Corey Sentieri, Program Manager for Onward. Yerks pointed out that Onward has been at the HRDC meeting in HUMAN RIGHTS & DIVERSITY MINUTES April 12, 2023 Page 2 of 6 the past and commented they are an example of the birth and evolution of a new non-profit in Eden Prairie. Ms. Wright started the presentation by showing the Commission a PowerPoint presentation. She stated that Onward is a transitional housing organization in Eden Prairie. It serves young female and non-binary adults, ages 18-24, and accommodates 4 residents at a time. The home they are using is rented from Immanuel Lutheran Church for $1 a year. Onward was started in 2010 and in 2018 the home was opened in Eden Prairie. Onward manages the property and programs for the young adults. They deliver case management services and life skills. There are 10 Board of Directors for Onward. Sixteen young adults have received services from Onward. Ms. Wright gave some examples of the women graduating from the program. One individual who was referred to as Lidia was living at the home when she completed her nursing degree. She was able to work part-time versus full time by living in the home and that is how she was able to finish her nursing degree. Another individual was sleeping on the floor at a friend’s house and attending Normandale College. She was in the program at Onward and is now living in a home with friends and purchased her first car. Ms. Sentieri said there is a demand for supportive, affordable housing. She pointed out they received 17 referrals for one current opening. She stated there are hundreds of young adults in the southwest suburbs that do not have housing. The common barriers seen in the young adults they serve are: health concerns, LGBTQ, domestic violence, generational poverty, sexual exploitation, and stigma. The individuals do know want people to know they are having difficulties or homelessness. She said they see youth that would rather sleep in a car than get help. Most homelessness happens when they are a youth. The reasons for a lot of the youth homelessness are such things as abuse and violence. Onward is focused on building strong relationships between the community, staff and residents, residents and residents, and service providers. She pointed out when the residents feel they are safe they become a family to each other. Ms. Wright said their model is unique in Eden Prairie. They have a shared residential home in a suburban neighborhood. They also have deep relationships with the residents and offer long term individual support. Ms. Wright stressed there is a greater need then they can fill and said their goal would be to serve 25 young adults by 2025. Their strategic plan is to develop partnerships, build internal capacity, and emerge as experts and leaders and said they have been trying to get out in the community to accomplish these three items. She said they would really like to have a second home in the community and would like to add a second step for an independent living program which would consist of subsidized apartments. The Commission can help by donations, spreading the word, staying in touch and volunteering. Weaver asked if they received pushback from the neighbors at the house. Ms. Wright said they initially did but now they have become their biggest supporters. Singh asked how they get referrals and are they geared towards females. Ms. Sentieri said they currently are only serving females and non-binary youth aged 18-24. Khan asked how they deal with mental health issues between residents. Ms. Sentieri said she works with the residents to find their needs and will reach out to a professional for that help. Skeie asked if location is an issue. Ms. Sentieri said they are close to the bus hub and they try and work with them if they need transportation, such as HUMAN RIGHTS & DIVERSITY MINUTES April 12, 2023 Page 3 of 6 Southwest Prime. Khan asked what the timeframe is for staying in the home. Ms. Sentieri said they can stay in the house for up to 24 months. Chair Leeper thanked Ms. Wright and Ms. Sentieri for attending this evening’s meeting. VI. STAFF REPORT – MEGAN YERKS A. COMMUNITY NEWS There was no Community News B. CITY / OHCS NEWS Yerks said the Commission Banquet is scheduled for May 11th and an invitation will be coming in the mail shortly. She also pointed out this conflicts with the May HRDC meeting and said they can change the meeting to May 4th. She took a poll and there was quorum of Commissioners that said they could attend on May 4th. C. EPREI UPDATES EP REAT Yerks discussed Iftar, said there was an appreciation of the event, and said that staff shared stories of building relationships with the community members in new ways and learning about the experiences of residents and cultures. She said she appreciated the diversity of the community members in attendance and pointed out there were a lot of anecdotes about finding things in common with one another and challenging preconceptions. In regards for the social media posts for EID, Elassar is working on this, has one person down for this, and is looking for another. Yerks said if anyone has someone in mind for Asian American Pacific Islander Month to let her know. D. HRDC NEWS There was no HRDC News E. UPCOMING MEETINGS OR OPPORTUNITIES There were no upcoming meetings or opportunities discussed. F. COMMISSIONER UPDATES There were no Commissioner updates. HUMAN RIGHTS & DIVERSITY MINUTES April 12, 2023 Page 4 of 6 VII. OLD BUSINESS A. IFTAR DINNER Chair Leeper pointed out this event took place on March 30th and stated he appreciated everyone’s help with this event and asked for Commission feedback. Kazama said she had a great time and made some new friends at the event and suggested hosting similar events. Skeie said he was impressed with the number of people there. Khan said many people were engaging in good conversations and that was nice to see. His only suggestion was for next year to try different food places. Yerks said she received feedback from Ibrahim that said not having a seating chart was good and suggested coffee for next year. She also enjoyed the vegetarian food. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. CEDAW COMMITTEE UPDATE Committee Members: Pfahnl, Khan, Singh, Kazama and Aliweyd Chair Leeper said he would like the Committee to explain the two possible resolutions to the Commission and the hope would be to make a decision this evening and submit it to the City Council for consideration. Pfahnl said the two resolutions are similar aside from the fact that Resolution #2 has an added paragraph included in it. In Resolution #1, there is no reference to sexual orientation. Pfahnl pointed out the committee was leaning towards Resolution #2. Weaver asked if there is a specific action the Commission is asking the City Council to do. Pfahnl said the goal would be for the City Council to adopt the resolution and nothing further. Yerks concurred with Pfahnl and said it would just be completing the ask for Cities for CEDAW. Chair Leeper also said he is in favor of Resolution #2. Urbanski said if we go with Resolution #2, to put in the second paragraph that the Race Equity Report was adopted by the City Council on January 2022 MOTION: Khan moved, seconded by Singh, to approve Resolution #2. Motion carried 8-0. B. HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD PRESENTATION Meeting is May 2nd at 7 pm. Volunteers should arrive at 6:30 pm. Yerks said the awards are on order and RSVP’s are due on 4/18. There will be cupcakes and lemonade served at the reception. Chair Leeper said he is looking for volunteers for the presenters and reception. The commissioners and students who volunteered are as follows: Hosts/Presenters - greet recipient, answer questions, sit with recipient, and introduce them to City Council Youth: Kazama Adult: Singh Non-Profit: Elassar HUMAN RIGHTS & DIVERSITY MINUTES April 12, 2023 Page 5 of 6 Volunteers for reception – set up, serving and take down 1. Knight 2. Talla 3. Khan 4. Pfahnl Volunteer to open reception with welcome – welcome recipients to reception, share gratitude for their work on behalf of commission, invite them to join for conversation and refreshments. 1. Chair Leeper C. STOP THE TRAFFICKING 5K June 17th at Purgatory Creek Chair Leeper shared with the Commission that this event has been happening for the past 10 years. The following are the HRDC’s roles in this event: 1. Run packet pickup: Wednesday, June 14, 2pm-8pm 2. Secure parking lot for participants 3. Participate in/volunteer at the run 4. Share event information to encourage participation 5. Recruit possible sponsors Yerks said the packet pickup will take place at Grace Church. Chair Leeper said there will be two shifts of three people each. Confirmation of volunteers will be at the May Commission meeting. D. PARTY FOR PRIDE June 24th, 8 am – 12 pm at Staring Lake Yerks said this is a new event that is being hosted by the fitness staff at the Eden Prairie Community Center. This is still in the early planning stages but they plan to have a fitness theme with sampler classes to take place at the amphitheater during the event. Chair Leeper said a table at the event would be a good idea and Weaver concurred. Yerks said if anyone else has additional ideas or would like to volunteer to let her know. E. PEOPLEFEST PLANNING Chair Leeper went over the guide timeline for this event. It is as follows: Guide Timeline: Goal of publishing by July 1st • April – May: Update content • 5/4 – May HRDC Meeting, review content updates • 5/18 – Revisions due to Communications • 6/8 – June HRDC meeting, review draft from Communications • 7/1 – Publish Guide HUMAN RIGHTS & DIVERSITY MINUTES April 12, 2023 Page 6 of 6 Yerks said she would like help with updating the content in the Guide. Chair Leeper, Singh, and Khan said they could help. Yerks said they can go over the updates with the Commission at the May 4th meeting. Yerks asked the Commission if there would be any additional social media that they would like to do to promote this event. Singh said she would like to have the Human Library posted on the City Facebook page and could assist with that. IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. EPREI: EMERGENCY RESPONSE/COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE B. EP REI: RECRUITING, HIRING AND RETENTION/DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS C. FACILITY AND PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY AND CULTURE/CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY D. ONE EP X. UPCOMING MEETINGS A. MAY 4, 2023 XI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Weaver moved, seconded by Knight, to adjourn the Human Rights & Diversity Commission meeting. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.