2018-482-E Finance - Human Rights Center DBA Refugee Community Partnership outside agency agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID: A2273A84- 8827 - 4141- A87E- C8CFF83C3936 EXHIBIT A: PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION 2. AGENCY INFORMATION (Be Very Brief and Concise) Please provide the following information about your agency (2 pages OR LESS): a) Years in Operation, Date of Incorporation (Month /Year): 9 years, 09/2008 b) Agency's Purpose /Mission (no more than a few sentences): Through long -term relationship -based support, opportunity development, and cultural stewardship, the Refugee Community Partnership enables and sustains the lifelong process of rebuilding home. Through strategic, cross - sector collaborations, RCP works to enable equitable access to community services and resources, and reshape pathways to opportunities for local refugees in a region with one of the worst economic disparities in North Carolina. c) Types of Services the Agency Provides (bullet format): Bridge Builders is RCP's anchor program, which provides comprehensive, culturally - appropriate support to help refugees find and retain employment and housing; learn English and increase literacy; acquire community navigation skills; improve academic performance among school aged youth; address food insecurity; and build pathways out of poverty. Neighborhood residents and local stakeholders work one -on -one with a refugee family long -term to help them identify and address immediate needs —such as learning the public transit system, improving English, and finding housing - -and develop personalized pathways to long -term goals, like obtaining a GED in order to improve employment opportunities. Volunteers serve as "cultural consultants" and as an on -call emergency contact, helping families navigate crises like natural disasters or police encounters. Bridge Builders families and their volunteers participate in Family Field Days where families, volunteers, staff, and board members go on community outings to public areas like the Farmer's Market, local parks, or downtown. These outings are designed to help families readjust to and gradually dissolve trauma - related fear of public and crowded spaces, and increase participation in civic environments. Refugees are reluctant to see professional service providers for trauma - related psychological distress, despite their eagerness for support. Our Women's Group provides culturally appropriate support to women and girls who are victims of trauma, torture, or abuse who otherwise are unable to access mental health services. Collaborating with UNC Refugee Wellness and the UNC School of Social Work, we draw on the existing kinship ties and social safety networks among refugee communities to create small, intimate support circles. The group meets once /month in a safe environment and focuses on specific themes, like mindfulness -based practices for trauma survivors, self- defense, psychological distress from acculturation and loss of cultural identity, among others. Refugees face food insecurity soon after resettlement and experience significant dietary shock and adverse health disorders due to the financial barriers to accessing fresh, healthy food. In partnership with Farmer Foodshare and the Carrboro Farmer's Market, Bridge Builders provides fresh produce donated by local farmers to over 100 people each week. In 2017 alone, local farmers donated over 9,000 Ibs of fresh food that fed refugee families who otherwise cannot afford it. • ESL Class which provides highly customized one -on -one ESL instruction to students at all levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and role -play scenarios of work, social, or Agency Information 1/23/2018 3:14:24 PM Page 9 o' 3