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.
It’s with great sadness that we announce our spring break trips this year have been canceled until further notice due to the global pandemic.
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.
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.
Short-Term Immersion Trips
SPRING BREAK IN THE CITY
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
Registration is now closed. Join us next year!
Local Outreach
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 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 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!
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. 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.
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!
In conjunction with Urban Initiative and Residence Life, the Santa Barbara Outreach Coordinator (SBOC) is a resource within his or her residence hall community to educate and connect students with local volunteer opportunities by partnering with local ministries and non-profits, hosting educative events in the residence hall, and growing in his or her personal knowledge of urban issues.
SBOCs by Dorm
Page: Siena Keck & Faith German
Emerson: Emily Sirovatka & Nancy Saltamachio
Clark: Ethan Johnson
Armington: Matt Loke & Adeline Ndacyayisenga & Esther Green
Van Kampen: Abby Edwards & Joanna Martin
Off-Campus: Ella Jennings
Urban Initiative Education and Outreach Coordinator: Kurt Hildebrandt, kuhildebrandt@westmont.edu
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
