"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." -Martin Luther King

Hey Co-Conspirator, happy August! Big things are coming and we've been busy getting ready! Read more to learn about where we're headed, our current job openings, and more!
Supporting Healthy Black Families' Workgroup
Did you know that the human brain never stops changing? When you learn something new, the synapses in your brain get bigger to retain more information. Using the correct tools, you can rewire your brain and break free from negative thinking patterns, fixed ways of being, self-doubt, and anger, as well as the narratives and social constraints of white supremacy racism.

You might be thinking to yourself, “Well, that sounds easy. I’ll change my thinking patterns!” Well, unfortunately, it’s not that easy, especially as a Black person living in America.

You will have to get uncomfortable, and you will have to face your trauma and triggers, but you will also notice yourself saying “yes” more, taking more chances, and facing your fears. Our Supporting Healthy Black Families Workgroup was designed to guide you on your journey to personal power. 

If you’re looking for a sign or a signal to change your life, this is it, seriously. Our 7th cohort starts on September 21st, and we want to see you there! We’ve already changed the lives of over 170 people through transformative education, leading to breakthroughs and aha moments. What are you waiting for? Click the link below and take the first step! Join the revolution of personal change and development.
Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture
The first cohort of Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture (SHBA) graduated a few weeks ago, but the growth continues! In October, we will begin our next cohort.

Likewise, we are excited to share that a participant of our workgroup has been awarded a plot at a community garden! 

Thanks to our three volunteers, Ariel McClain, Sarah Beach, and Savannah Gentry, for helping our member move all of her plants from her previous apartment to her new garden plot! Taking part in agriculture and using it to heal and grow within one's own life is something we want to inspire within our community members. 

The second cohort of the SHBA is kicking off in October! We have not yet decided on the date because we are onboarding a new Agriculture Lead. You can still register. By August 15th, we'll confirm the dates. The workgroup meets twice a week. Alternating between zoom and in-field training. This is a program for youth and adults. Establish bonds with your children, nieces and nephews, foster children, mentees, etc., as you unpack trauma. We welcome all family constructs.

The revolution will not be televised because you are the revolution! Join us in learning how to grow your own food and yourself. You won't find anything like our workgroup.

Please sign up below if you or someone you know is interested in growing the things that matter!
DCCBSP Rental Support
The Dane County Collaboration of Black Service Providers (DCCBSP) is offering Rental Assistance pop-ups all over the city of Madison. Together we’ve already served numerous community members and changed countless lives.

Check out these great organizations doing the work with us!

Mt Zion: Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (2019 Fisher St. Madison WI 53713) 

Fosters of Dane County: Mondays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 4:00-6:00 pm at 700 Rayovac Dr. Suite 122 

Neighborhood Connectors: Wednesdays 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Public Library (5726 Raymond Rd.) If those times do not work for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with 608-284-8716
When we notice a problem in our community, we jump in head first to get the work done. Our community is in a housing crisis, and the process of getting assistance is frustrating and tedious for community members who are already dealing with the stress of financial hardship. 

We jumped into action alongside the Dane County Collaboration of Black Service Providers in early 2021 to support our community with processing rental assistance applications. Together we’ve served over 500 people in 5 months, and now we have the opportunity to change even more lives. 

On September 15th, 2021, we’re standing by our community members to continue providing stigma-free, humanity-centered services. In partnership with Dane County, we’re distributing over 10.7 million dollars (yes, you read that right!) to our community members who need assistance paying their bills. 

We’re asking our supporters to show up and show out like you always do as we get ready to take on this tremendous opportunity. To sustain our services for up to 18 months, we need to raise $300,000 to cover the administrative and operating costs. Our community members predominantly fund Urban Triage, and we know that you are just as committed to making a difference as we are. Our next newsletter will include an info-graph of what it takes to stand up a program that meets the needs of the most vulnerable.

Big things are on the horizon for us, and we’re so thankful to have you along with us as we continue making historical changes in Dane County. For more information, click the link below! 
Calling all allies! Where have y’all been? We need you on the frontlines with us in the fight for Black Lives. Black people are still facing injustice across America, and we need to utilize the power of partnership to make a lasting change in the way our society works. 

Since slavery, white people have disproportionately held power and resources to keep white supremacy racism alive in our country, but you already knew that, right? You might not know that you must work to understand and work to reverse internal biases to make a real change.

We’re inviting you to begin with our Co-Conspirators workgroup and hone in on your responsibilities, privilege, and power in the fight for Black Lives. Please stand with us on the frontlines as an ally equipped with the resources, tools, and confidence to fight back against the archaic systems of injustice that have stood pillars in our society for far too long. 

Our next cohort starts on October 27th, 2021, and we need you along with us. Join the 99% of previous participants in supporting the work, doing the work, and becoming an ally for a lifetime. Click below to sign up. We’ll see you on the frontlines. 
CDC Announces Mask Protocols
COVID is upon us...again! The CDC has now recommended that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wears a mask in all indoor spaces. 

This means that we will require anyone who enters our office space to wear masks, frequently sanitize their hands, and wipe down anything they use. We will be continuing with our COVID protocols and providing hand sanitizer, masks, and other PPE at the Urban Triage Offices. Thank you for keeping our staff and community safe! 
Boulders Climbing Gym Raises Money for Urban Triage
We are so happy to announce that Boulders Climbing Gym hosted a Climb4Community event to raise money for Urban Triage! Boulders created this program to break down financial and cultural barriers to climbing. Thank you, Boulders Climbing Gym! 

We’re so grateful for everyone who went out and climbed for the community yesterday! For more information about Boulders Climbing Gym, click the link below! 
Emergency Rental Assistance
Emergency Rental Assistance for tenants and landlords is now available through the American Rescue Plan! If you are struggling to pay your rent, please take advantage of this opportunity before the funding runs out! Click the link below for more information. 
Mad Lit takes over State Street!
Get out and enjoy some music, dancing, local businesses, and the warm summer nights at Mad Lit! On August 13th Mad Lit will be taking over State St alongside The Adem Tesfaye Band w/ Zander Anim + Vilas Park Sniper! Click below for more information!
5th Annual South Side Reunion!
South Siders! The 5th Annual Southside Reunion is on Saturday, August 7th 2021 from 12pm-9pm! Head over to Penn Park (2101 Fisher St.) and Enjoy food, drinks, music and community!
The CDC has issued a new order extending the moratorium on evictions due to non-payment of rent for 60 days, through October 3rd. The order is limited to counties with substantial or high rates of community transmission. Dane county is currently at a substantial rate of community transmission so the extension currently applies here. Click below for more information!
Urban League of Greater Madison is hosting the Foundations for the Trades Career Academy. Class starts September 7th! Attend the training to learn the ins and outs of construction work, and be supported by a Trades professional. You will also have access to job openings through our network of employer partners. Please click below to register!
We are so excited to announce that we have been awarded the COVID Adolescent Social & Emotional Health and Wellbeing grant through Wisconsin Partnership Program! 

Through this funding, we will be kicking off a youth-centered pillar of Supporting Healthy Black Families! We’re so excited to be teaching the youth about Black culture, family, and community. This is a massive opportunity for us, and we can’t wait to get started! Keep your eyes out for more information about our newest program. 
We welcomed Latoya Greer to our team this week! Latoya has been brought on as our Phone Support Specialist for our Rental Assistance program!

Latoya is a mother of one who served as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 10+ years. For the last three years, Latoya has been on a transformational journey for change. She is a community organizer, public speaker, spiritual/community leader, teacher, case manager and many more.

Welcome to the squad Latoya!
We welcomed Jazzmine Haygood to our team this week! Jazzmine is the new Executive Assistant to our CEO, Brandi Grayson!

Jazzmine graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Criminology and Law Studies in 2019, and also graduated from Madison College with a technical degree in Legal Studies.

As Executive Assistant, Jazzmine handles all operational tasks on behalf of Brandi. If you see Jazzmine around the office, make sure to say hi!
We're Hiring!! Please click below to visit our website and apply for our current open positions! Join Urban Triage and access wrap around services, community, competitive pay, and a dynamic work environment!