What We Do
Services
COVID Relief
The Latino community represents roughly one third of Mendocino County residents, but make up more than two thirds of positive COVID-19 cases. Latinos also face a disproportionate rate of casualties from COVID-19. This disproportionate impact results from a multitude of reasons including but not limited to pre-existing health disparities, employment in essential roles, established and interconnected social and familial circles, and a lack of clear health directives available in culturally relevant and preferred language.
Thanks to the connections UVA worked to build through community gatherings and events prior to the pandemic, UVA members were uniquely positioned to reach this most vulnerable sector of the community at large.
Translation Services
UVA members offer translation services when approached. Translations provided have included emergency information presented by the County of Mendocino, the City of Ukiah, Adventist Health, and the Fire Safe Council, as well as publications and event advertisements from nonprofit agencies.
LISTOS
UVA in collaboration with LISTOS California will be conducting this eight hour training on emergency preparedness throughout Mendocino County. The training allows people to learn how to keep themselves, their family and community safe in the event of an emergency. In the past the Latino community has faced a lack of resources and information during natural disasters. UVA wants to ensure that vulnerable communities are prepared ahead of time to keep each other and our community safe.
Platicando con Vecinos Podcast
Our Spanish podcast is another way UVA reaches out to and engages the Latino community and it is now available on all streaming platforms. Tune in as we discuss various topics relating to the health and wellbeing of the Latino community. Listen to our first episode.
UVA’s work is guided by the needs of the Latino Community. To fulfill the wide array of needs, UVA takes a varied approach that is adapted to each project and audience.
Approach
Community Gatherings
UVA hosts quarterly community gatherings to solicit feedback and direction from the community we serve. We share information and resources from partner agencies that benefit our community as well. Before the pandemic, community gatherings were held in person with dinner and childcare provided. Community gatherings transitioned to a virtual format via Zoom due to the pandemic but we are slowly transitioning back to in person outdoor gatherings following all COVID protocols for in person meetings.
Public Monthly Meetings
The UVA board hosts a public meeting via Zoom on the first Monday of each month. We invite agencies to present on topics relevant to the audience we serve, and gather feedback from participants to guide the work of the following month. All are welcome to join.
Outreach Activities:
UVA collaborates with agencies to distribute resources, information, and solicit participation from the community we serve.
UVA has proven successful in reaching the Latino community with accurate, accessible and timely information through door to door canvassing, texts and phone calls, Facebook posts, zoom calls, tabling at events and in-person meetings.
Advocacy
Political
UVA engages community members to foster political engagement and leadership development. Activities promoting nonpartisan political advocacy have included hosting bilingual candidate forums, workshop series, registering new voters, engaging community members in the census count, providing translation services at key city events, and promoting participation in governmental events such as planning sessions, city council meetings, etc.
Health Equity
UVA developed “Vacunas en su Vecindario”, which is a collaboration with Public Health to bring vaccine clinics into neighborhoods. These mobile vaccine clinics make receiving the vaccine more accessible to the populations disproportionately affected by COVID. UVA staff and members are a trusted source in assisting with scheduling vaccine appointments.
Hosting vaccine clinics after typical working hours, offering all vaccine options at the same event, assisting with making appointments, and focusing on families, UVA is advancing health equity by adapting to the unique circumstances of each community.
UVA facilitates communication between health experts and the Latino Community by hosting presentations from health experts. Through forums, gatherings, and our monthly meetings, UVA creates opportunities for community members and health experts to have direct conversations. The community is able to ask questions, express concerns, and share honest feedback which aids in improving access and the quality of services offered.
