Join us as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations AND the 50th anniversary of our local chapter the United Nations Association of Southern Arizona.
"Tucson's Growing Unhoused Population" by Tisha Tallman
The Primavera Foundation was established in the 1980s by Nancy Bissell and Gordon Packer to provide a shelter for Tucson’s growing unhoused population. They wanted to tackle the problem at its root causes. Since then, the organization has focused on creating pathways out of poverty through housing, workforce development, homeownership and financial education.
Join Primaera Foundation CEO Tisha Tallman to hear about the current work of the Primavera Foundation. To learn more about the Primavera Foundation, go to their website here.
Youth On Their Own (YOTO) is a Tucson nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless youth in Pima County graduate from high school. In addition to helping unhoused youth achieve academic success, they also help students with the obstacles they face, such as housing insecurity and the transition to adulthood. Join Bethany Neumann, YOTO Development Director, to learn more about YOTO's important work.
For more about Youth On Their Own (YOTO) go to to their web page here.
“Wholistic Community Development” by Brian Benz
Most recently Bryan led a task force to reduce poverty in the city of Tucson using the same CHE strategies that have been so successful overseas. He has also been working part-time on the vision of Wholistic Transformation – Changing Hearts, Minds, and Communities for the past two years and is looking forward to committing himself full-time to create a prototype of his vision.
About Brian Benz: Bryan is a long-time resident of Tucson and very passionate about his city. He is a proud graduate of Tucson High School and the University of Arizona. He is an entrepreneur at heart and has been fortunate to have had a varied career.
Bryan has owned several businesses for over 25 years, did real estate development, served as Board Chair and Interim Pastor at Bethel Community Baptist Church, served as Chair of the Board and Chair of the Supervisory Committee at Tucson Federal Credit Union, and designed and built the house that he and his family have lived in for 20+ years, (which he considers one of his most significant accomplishments).
“Tucson’s Affordable Housing Crisis” by Brian Flagg
As a lifetime Catholic Charity Worker, Flagg has worked with the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen. As a council member for the City of South Tucson, he has been at the forefront of advocacy for affordable housing. Join us as he updates us on the status of Tucson's affordable housing.
“My Life as a Salvadoran Refugee” by Dora Rodriguez
In a life-saving attempt to flee El Salvador’s civil war in 1980, Dora Rodriguez was one of thirteen survivors found near death while crossing the border through the Sonoran Desert. By bravely publicizing her story of migration and through her unwavering support for migrants rights, Dora’s image has been propelled to the forefront of the sanctuary movement in Tucson, AZ.
Through her public speaking and advocacy work, Dora’s focus is to educate communities about the harsh realities migrants face in the desert, and to inspire transformative changes to the immigration injustices plaguing our border towns. Join us as we learn her story of survival.
For more information, go to her website here.
“My Walk from Innocence” by Maual Reer
Malual Reer in his book “My Walk from Innocence” writes a captivating and inspiring tale that takes readers on a remarkable journey through the eyes of eight-year old Malual Reer, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Second Sudanese Civil War, this poignant narrative explores the indomitable spirit of a young boy who overcomes unimaginable hardships to seek safety, hope and a brighter future.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and 50 years of the United Nations Association of Southern Arizona (UNASA).
“Health Disparities Affecting Asylum Seekers” by Diego Pina Lopez
Diego Piña Lopez is a former program director of the Casa Alitas Program for asylum seekers in Tucson, Arizona. He is a dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in humanitarian support, specializing in migration policy, refugee resettlement, and shelter management.
When Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher said that the county would wind down its shelter efforts in April 2025 after federal officials stopped releasing legally processed asylum seekers, this leaves the county on the hook for expenses to support two shelters in Tucson.
Learn more about this discussion on how Tucson will now house asylum seekers.
