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Student Led Ministries Urban Initiative

Urban Initiative is dedicated to developing a Christ-centered heart for urban engagement at Westmont by raising awareness about urban issues and mobilizing students in thoughtful response.

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Support Urban Initiative

This organization is funded solely through the generosity of people like you. If you would like to support Urban Initiative, please click on the button below and select "Urban Initiative " when prompted.

Donate to Urban Initiative

Send a Valentine Gift

Pre-order flowers and/or chocolates for Valentine's Day through "Operation Valentine". Place a secure online order form by clicking button below. All proceeds will go to support the ministry of the Urban Initiative. Last day to order is Monday Feb 10th. Orders will be delivered on Feb 13th.

Order a Valentine Gift

Short-Term Immersion Trips

Spring Break in the City
SPRING BREAK IN THE CITY 2020

Registration is now closed. Join us next year!

 

Trip Descriptions

Santa Barbara: Spring Break in the City
Venture off the hill and into the city of Santa Barbara to encounter our city more deeply than you’d ever expect. Get to know the marginalized communities that coexist on the East and West Side, engage with the community of men and women experiencing homelessness in town, and witness how Christ is working to unify our city through the people and ministries throughout Santa Barbara.

Themes: Marginalized Communities, Poverty & Homelessness, Human Trafficking, At-Risk Youth, Vibrant Subcultures, Government and non-profit collaboration

Salt Lake City: Spring Break in the City
Journey to Salt Lake City to engage in interfaith dialogue with members of the LDS community, to witness the beauty of God’s creation in two national parks, and to gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate across different beliefs. This experience is unique from our other trips - you won’t want to miss out!

Themes: Interfaith Dialogue, Mormonism, National Parks, Temple Square, College students, Reconciliation

Chicago: Spring Break in the City
Encounter the rhythms and realities of the third most populous city in the United States. By partnering with an organization called BridgeBuilders, participants will have the opportunity to listen to and learn from the members of the Woodlawn community of Chicago. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the Bible’s teachings on shalom, poverty, justice, race and culture, and hospitality, as well as being able to engage with the community through responsible and sustainable service projects alongside BridgeBuilders' community partners. 

Themes: Marginalized Communities, Racial Equality & Justice, Biblical Shalom, Community Development, Hospitality

Los Angeles: Spring Break in the City
Immerse yourself in the diversity of the city of Los Angeles. Learn about homelessness on Skid Row, opportunities for formerly gang-involved men and women at Homeboy Industries, the work of Christ through various ministries throughout the city, and the unique complexities that come with living out the Gospel in a multicultural urban setting.

Themes: Skid Row, Homelessness, Former gang member rehabilitation, Cultural neighborhoods, Biblical Shalom

Fall Break Away
FALL BREAK AWAY | OCT 4-7, 2019

Registration is now closed. Join us next year! 

UI Breakaway

 

  • Spring Break in the City
  • Fall Break Away

Local Outreach

Conversation Cafe

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Conversation Café works to build relationships with the international students in Santa Barbara by providing a safe space for intercultural, interfaith, and interpersonal dialogue at The Loft in downtown Santa Barbara. Click here for more information.

JOIN US

The café runs every Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Meet in the KSC parking lot at 3:30PM. We look forward to having you join us at the cafe' this week!
 

Bread of Life

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Bread of Life is a weekly meal-sharing program at Alameda Park where Westmont students - in collaboration with SB ACT and local faith communities - spearhead a unique opportunity to meaningfully engage with our friends without homes in Santa Barbara.

JOIN US

We meet every Thursday at 5:50 PM in the KSC parking lot above the Dining Commons. Transportation is provided. So, join us this week!

East Side Kids Club

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East Side Kid's Club is a weekly faith-based after-school program where the children from the Eastside's lower income Latino community experience God's love through relationships, care, empowerment, and mentoring by volunteer leaders.

JOIN US

Kids Club happens Thursdays 5-7:30pm. Transportation is provided. Hope you can join us! 

Jesus Burgers

Jesus Burgers Logo

Join Jesus Burgers and Isla Vista Church to be a witness in the UCSB campus by providing free burgers on Friday nights and engaging in evangelistic conversations.

JOIN US

We meet every Friday at 7:30 PM in the KSC parking lot above the Dining Commons. Transportation is provided. So, join us this week!

Training C.A.M.P.

Training Camp

Training C.A.M.P. is dedicated to providing a bright future for our city's lower resourced youth. Our vision is to see every student in the Santa Barbara community graduate high school, fully equipped to excel in every area of life. We provide both after-school programs at local elementary schools and by hosting quarterly sports camps to the broader Santa Barbara community.

JOIN US

Weekly commitment is Mondays from 3:15-5 pm. 

Santa Barbara Organization Opportunities
Opportunities for involvement through great SB organizations

Explore great opportunities through the postings found in HandShake of local Non-profit organizations that need volunteers like you!

  • Conversation Cafe
  • Bread of Life
  • East Side Kids Club
  • Jesus Burgers
  • Training C.A.M.P.
  • Santa Barbara Organization Opportunities

Urban Initiative Information

Core Leadership Team

2020-2021 Core leadership TEAM
UI Director Hannah Webster
UI Business Manager Victoria (Vicki) Silva
UI Publicity & Travel Coordinator Emma Hammond
UI Local Coordinator Matthew Smith
UI Education & Outreach Coordinator Kurt Hildebrandt
Staff Director Jennie Fuentes
 

Contact

OFFICE HOURS
 

We look forward to meeting with you! Please email us if you would like to stop by during office hours.

The Urban Initiative office is located on the 2nd floor of the Kerr Student Center (KSC)

CONTACT US

Urban Initiative Core Leadership Team  
Phone: 805-565-6800 (office)
Email: urban_initiative@westmont.edu

Staff Director:
Jennifer Fuentes
Assistant Director of Campus Life for Ministry & Outreach
Email: jfuentes@westmont.edu

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955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 

805-565-6000

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Westmont College - All rights reserved