2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PREPARED BY:
MAX LONGHURST, DEREK TINOCO, AUSTIN TOPHAM, DIMASH ZHUMAGALI AND TEK NEOPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Program Highlights & Activities
Festival Celebrations & External Events
Our Partners & Public Relations
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance community capacity by providing resources, training, and support that engage residents in identifying and addressing their unique challenges. We are dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and appreciation through a variety of engaging events, workshops, and educational opportunities. By building strong networks, promoting equitable access to opportunities, and nurturing leadership skills, we aim to empower individuals of all age levels to explore and share their unique cultural heritage. Through collaboration with artists, educators, organizations, agencies, and community members, we strive to create a dynamic platform for cultural exchange that enriches lives, inspires collective action, and fosters positive change.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to empower communities to thrive through collaboration, resilience, and shared knowledge, fostering environments where all individuals and groups can realize their full potential and contribute to a sustainable future. We aim to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community where diverse cultural expressions are celebrated, fostering understanding, creativity, and collaboration among individuals from all backgrounds.
CORE VALUES
- CBS is committed to mutual respect, empowerment and learning rooted in wide-ranging life experiences.
- Diverse knowledge and life experiences are primary to address community issues.
- Understanding and knowledge are helpful tool for open, active, and mutual sharing of information and resources.
- It is the right of all community members to have equal access to the greatest range of opportunities and it is their choice how to make best use of these opportunities.
Board
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Language and Cultural Development Program at Community Building Services (CBS) is designed to preserve cultural heritage while empowering individuals through language learning and cultural exploration. This program fosters a deeper connection to identity, promotes inclusivity, and builds confidence by equipping participants with linguistic skills and cultural knowledge.
The purpose is to bridge generational and cultural gaps, enhance community engagement, and empower individuals, especially youth, with the tools to thrive personally and professionally while celebrating and sustaining their heritage.
DANCE AND NEPALI CLASSES
Since its inception in 2020, the Culture, Arts, and Language programs at Community Building Services (CBS) have been instrumental in engaging youth through activities designed to foster skills, confidence, leadership, and professionalism. These programs aim to preserve cultural heritage while empowering young individuals to grow holistically.
Taking place every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, the sessions provide a structured yet creative environment where participants explore cultural expressions, develop artistic talents, and enhance their language proficiency. By combining tradition with modern tools for personal development, CBS creates opportunities for youth to connect with their heritage while building a strong foundation for their future success.
NEPALI HUMANITIES
Nepali Humanities at Columbus Education Center is a Saturday program dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Nepali culture, history, language, and traditions. The project engages participants in exploring Nepal’s rich heritage while promoting cultural pride and identity. It provides a platform for individuals to learn about Nepali literature, arts, and historical milestones in a supportive environment. The program emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural roots while fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural appreciation. Through interactive sessions, it aims to empower participants with knowledge and skills to connect with their heritage and share it with the broader community.
INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING
The Individual and Organizational Capacity Building program at Community Building Services focuses on enhancing skills, knowledge, and resources to empower both individuals and community organizations. It provides training, mentorship, and workshops tailored to address specific needs and promote sustainable growth. Through this program, CBS fosters leadership, collaboration, and resilience to strengthen community impact
SOCIAL SERVICES AND CASE MANAGEMENT
The Social Services and Case Management program aims to support individuals and families by addressing their needs through tailored interventions and comprehensive assistance. In 2024, the program served 260 individuals, helping resolve their challenges through referrals, case management, and home visits. By providing personalized guidance and connecting clients to vital resources, the program fosters stability and self-sufficiency. Its purpose is to empower individuals to overcome barriers and improve their overall well-being.
COMMUNITY CHAMPION INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Community Champion Internship Program at Community Building Services enhances professional skills by providing hands-on experience, management, and professional development opportunities to empower individuals to create meaningful community impact.
TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS
The training and workshops conducted by Community Building Services aim to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional growth. These sessions are designed to foster leadership, enhance cultural understanding, and build capacity for effective community engagement. By providing practical tools and resources, the program empowers participants to address challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
CUMULATIVE INFO
Participation for our dance class has grown to 24 participants in 2024. Language and literacy program has grown to 34 attendees.
FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS
- Nepali New Year Celebration, April 20 2024
- Nepali Women Teej Celebration, August 31 2024
- Nepali Dashain-Tihar Festival, October 20 2024
EXTERNAL EVENTS
- Utah Asian Festival on May 10, 2024
- World Refugee Day Celebration hosted by the Refugee Services Office, DWS on June 22, 2024
- Craft Lake City Do It Yourself Festival on August 10, 2024
- Columbus Fair on August 17, 2024
- The University of Utah Union Programming Council performing a cultural dance organized by the Union Programming Council at the Cultural Fair on October 18, 2024
- Civic Engagement Event on October 26, 2024
- Human Rights Night performance downtown on December 12, 2024
Our Partners
University Neighborhood Partners U of U Professional Writing Center
Columbus Adult & Youth Education Center Utah Refugee Connections
Refugee Service Office, DWS
ZAP (Zoos, Arts & Parks program) Salt Lake City Arts Council
UBJJ (Utah Board of Juvenile Justice) South Salt Lake Arts Council/Promise SSL Utah Arts & Museums
International Rescue Committee – New Roots Program
Asian Association of Utah
Utah Community Action – HEAT Program
PUBLIC RELATIONS
1. Community Engagement:
Listening Sessions: Host town halls, focus groups, and community surveys to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by residents.
Feedback Mechanisms: Provide accessible channels for ongoing input, ensuring the community feels heard and valued.
2. Partnership Development:
Collaboration with Local Stakeholders: Work with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to expand the reach and impact of services.
Public-Private Partnerships: Establish relationships with industry leaders and local government agencies to pool resources and expertise.
3. Capacity Building:
Workshops and Training: Offer educational opportunities to empower community members with skills in advocacy, leadership, and resource navigation.
Volunteer Programs: Encourage residents to take active roles in service delivery, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
4. Inclusive Representation:
Community Ambassadors: Recruit and train local residents to act as liaisons, bridging the gap between the organization and the community.
Diverse Leadership: Include voices from underrepresented groups in decision-making processes to reflect the community’s demographics.
5. Capacity Building:
Workshops and Trainings: Offer educational opportunities to empower community members with skills in advocacy, leadership, and resource navigation.
Volunteer Programs: Encourage residents to take active roles in service delivery, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
6. Celebrating Community Success:
Public Recognition: Highlight achievements of individuals and groups through awards, events, or media campaigns to inspire and motivate others.
Cultural Events: Organize community-building activities like fairs, festivals, and neighborhood improvement projects to strengthen bonds and promote a shared vision of progress.
FUNDING
| Public Support | FY 2018 | FY 2019 | FY 2020 | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 |
| Gifts Contributions Membership fees Totals | $0 | $1,100.00 | $2,550.00 | $6,610.00 | $21,660.00 | $26,816.65 | $34,088.00 |
| Third party Services Totals | – | – | $5,000.00 | $6,500.00 | $6,500.00 | $10,000.00 | $35,000.00 |
Financial Growth & Support: Past, Present and Future
CBS has secured funding via gifts, grants, contributions, membership fees, and third-party support services. Third parties include Government and organizational entities. Year 2025 is projected to have a:
- 60% increase in the value of gifts and contributions
- 194% increase in the value of third party services
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