As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close and we celebrate National Immigrant Day on October 28th, we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the national conversation about immigration and the local experiences of immigrants in our state. I noticed.
Utah is a caring and welcoming state for immigrants, from the 2010 Utah Compact on Immigration to this year’s designation of Salt Lake City as a “welcoming place” for immigrants by the nonprofit organization Welcoming America. It has a long history of being a popular place.
But too often, immigrant families in our communities face a lack of economic and social support as they strive to build their American dream.
At Guadalupe Center, recently rebranded from Guadalupe School, we are blessed to work with immigrant families every day. For nearly 60 years, our mission has been to change lives through education, and we have done this by providing academic education, life skills training, and comprehensive services to children, parents, and adult learners in one place, free of charge. We are realizing this.
What began in the 1960s as English classes for immigrant adults has evolved into a multigenerational learning community for individuals and entire families, with centers focused on early learning, elementary education, and adult education.
Our campus, located in the heart of Rose Park on Salt Lake City’s west side, offers a glimpse into the vibrant and complex lives of the families we serve. Of the more than 1,000 people we serve each year, 96% live below the federal poverty line, with a median income of less than $26,000 for a family of five. Despite facing financial barriers, they are resilient, come to class every day hopeful, and eager to learn and build a better life for themselves and their children. Families like the Soledads immigrated from Mexico while pregnant with their first child and now have three children enrolled. In our program. They, like so many others, are living examples of what it means to persevere and dream big in the face of adversity.
“I was six months pregnant when I left home,” Silvia Soledad said. “I wanted a better life for myself and my baby. A friend told me about Guadalupe and it gave me a great education and opportunity. Now I can imagine my family without Guadalupe. I can’t even do that.”
Our team’s commitment to serving immigrant families is deeply connected to our community’s broader story of the tremendous contributions of immigrants to our state. In Utah, immigrants make up nearly 9% of the population and more than 11% of the workforce, making significant contributions to Utah’s economy and culture. They are entrepreneurs, essential workers, and future leaders. They are our neighbors, friends, and fellow human beings. Utah’s immigrant families contribute $2.5 billion annually in tax dollars, but their contributions go far beyond the economy, bringing diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and a strong sense of community.
But it has become increasingly clear that we in Utah have more work to do to ensure that our values of caring and welcoming align with the experiences of new Utahns. During the recent rebranding process, more than 200 students, families and other stakeholders shared what Guadalupe means to them. We find that families value Guadalupe as a safe haven and community of belonging, as well as educational services. One student said, “Every community needs a place where children are taught with compassion and inclusion,” and another said, “Life is enriched by integrating people from diverse cultures.” “It will broaden your horizons around the world…” he said, emphasizing his sense of belonging. [Guadalupe] Respect the lives of excluded and despised minorities. ”
These perspectives suggest that too many people and places currently do not fit into Utah’s historical legacy of inclusion.
Guadalupe Center began as Utah’s first true community school, and our work is deeply rooted in the belief that education is the foundation, but not the only, component of opportunity. Supporting the whole student goes beyond academics, so we provide three meals a day, transportation to and from school, medical care, school supplies, warm clothing, and other comprehensive services. And perhaps most importantly, what we can all give: a smile, a kind word, and a warm welcome.
We know that when families are strong, communities thrive. And we’re proud to be part of that equation in Salt Lake City. We salute the many organizations that work here to ensure Utah maintains its heritage as a welcoming place, and the individuals who live those values. Join us at GuadalupeUtah.org.
(Richard Pater) Richard Pater is the Executive Director of the Guadalupe Center.
Richard Pater is the executive director of the Guadalupe Center.
(Lourdes Johnson) Lourdes Johnson is the Guadalupe Center Board Chair.
Lourdes Johnson is the Guadalupe Center Board Chair.
The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space for Utahns to share ideas, perspectives and solutions to move our state forward. To do this, we need your insight. Find out how to share your opinion here and email us at voices@sltrib.com.
