MOVING FORWARD
The Epitome of Innovation of Excellence. Self Ascension. A New Day.
Our
Story
BUILDING OUR STORY
The Story of a Mother: Building a World of Hope
Jeroldine Kaiser, the visionary Founder of Umoji and the inspiring Mother of Doc. Z, embarked on a remarkable journey. Like Bathsheba in the biblical tale, she faced a profound challenge – a world that often failed to see the true potential of her son.
Driven by a mother's unwavering love and a deep desire for a better future, Jeroldine issued a powerful call to action. She urged mothers everywhere to rise up and actively shape a world that celebrates and supports their children. This wasn't just about individual success; it was about building a collective movement of mothers who would champion their children's dreams and create a society that truly valued their unique gifts.
Jeroldine's story serves as a powerful reminder that mothers are the architects of the future. Through their love, guidance, and unwavering support, they can empower their children to reach their full potential and build a world filled with hope and possibility.
2020 DEER RIDGE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CLUB
From Prison Walls to Community Impact: The Birth of UMOJA NI NGUVU
Zhivago Rhodes, a visionary leader assisted by (Alexander Walton) within the confines of Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, ignited a spark of change. Denied access to resources and support, he and a group of men took matters into their own hands. Against the odds, they successfully established the African American Cultural Club, a beacon of hope within the institution's walls.
This groundbreaking initiative, aptly named "UMOJA NI NGUVU" (Unity is Strength), quickly gained momentum. Forty-four dedicated men, forming an executive board, meticulously crafted a comprehensive framework for the club, including by-laws and membership packets, to serve a population of 750 inmates.
From this "BIG IDEA" born in a "SMALL SPACE," three powerful events emerged: the Juneteenth celebration (sponsored by Juneteenth Oregon PDX), the Kwanzaa observance, and an annual fundraising banquet. These events not only enriched the lives of the incarcerated men but also served as catalysts for positive change within the prison community. UMOJA NI NGUVU stands as a testament to the power of collective action, demonstrating how even within the confines of adversity, individuals can cultivate hope, foster unity, and create a lasting impact.
From Prison Walls to Global Impact: The Evolution of UMOJA
In 2023, a remarkable transformation took place. UMOJA, born within the confines of Deer Ridge Correctional Institution as "UMOJA NI NGUVU," evolved beyond prison walls. This powerful initiative, founded by Zhivago Rhodes and a group of incarcerated men, transcended its origins to become UMOJI, The Global Community Hub – a thriving non-profit organization.
This evolution marks a significant milestone in UMOJA's journey. What began as a cultural club within a correctional facility has blossomed into a force for positive change on a global scale. UMOJI now serves as a beacon of hope, fostering unity, and empowering communities worldwide. This remarkable transformation exemplifies the enduring power of human resilience, demonstrating how even in the face of adversity, individuals can cultivate hope, inspire change, and leave a lasting legacy.
UMOJA: Building Bridges, One Person at a Time
UMOJA, The Global Community Hub, continues to evolve, now serving as a vital connection point both virtually and within correctional facilities. Recognizing the critical need for support during and after incarceration, UMOJA is currently focused on individualized assistance.
Currently, we are committed to serving one "Adult in Custody" and one "Adult in Custody" at Release at a time. This personalized approach allows us to provide tailored support, addressing unique challenges and fostering individual growth.
Looking ahead, UMOJA envisions a future where we can offer comprehensive transitional programs, including housing and on-campus living options. These initiatives will empower individuals with the tools and resources they need to successfully re-enter society and build a brighter future.
Expanding Our Reach: III International Corporation is Born
In November 2024, a significant milestone was reached with the birth of III International Corporation. This exciting development marks a new chapter in our journey, expanding our community and broadening our impact.
III International Corporation represents a significant step forward in our mission to the goal of III International Corporation, "foster global collaboration," "promote economic development," and "advance restorative justice." strategies, "leveraging international partnerships," "expanding our global reach," "developing innovative programs," we aim to achieve desired outcomes, "sustainable impact," "positive transformative social change," "empowerment of individuals and communities."
We are thrilled about this new chapter and eager to continue building a stronger, more interconnected global community.
Highlights over the years
UMOJI: A Global Impact Story
UMOJI has grown from a single initiative within Deer Ridge Correctional Institution in Madras, Oregon, to a global community hub. Our journey began in 2020-2024 with the Umoja Ni Nguvu program and UMOJA, the global community serving 800 men within the institution. In 2023, we expanded our reach to include the Kingdom Builders partnership cohort, impacting 300 individuals.
Beyond these direct community engagements, UMOJI's online platform has exploded. Starting with 230 visits as traffic online website in 2024, our website now boasts 5,068-10,058 users from over 90 countries, achieving a global reach of over 4 million. This digital presence has allowed us to connect with and support individuals worldwide.
To date, UMOJI has directly impacted over 2,000 Oregonians. This remarkable growth demonstrates the power of community building and the transformative potential of human connection. As we continue to expand our reach, UMOJI remains committed to fostering unity, empowering individuals, and creating a more just and equitable world.
Get to Know Us
UMOJI: Building Bridges and Empowering Communities
Since 2020, UMOJA, THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY, has emerged as a vital force within the Oregon community. More than just a physical space, UMOJI is a vibrant hub where individuals can connect, grow, and thrive. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all community members by providing a diverse range of recreational, social, and educational opportunities that foster unity and empowerment.
What began as a single, powerful idea in a small space has blossomed into a multifaceted organization. UMOJI now serves as a cornerstone for multiculturalism, offering a platform for individuals from all walks of life to come together, celebrate their unique identities, and learn from one another. We provide a vital link to essential resources, connecting community members with the support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
At the heart of UMOJI's philosophy lies a holistic approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding the justice system. We recognize that the impact of incarceration extends far beyond the prison walls, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. Therefore, our efforts encompass the entire spectrum of the justice system, providing support and guidance to individuals before, during, and after incarceration, while actively working to break the cycles of recidivism.
Through a wide array of programs and events, UMOJI empowers individuals and strengthens communities. These initiatives may include:
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Recreational and Social Programs: Offering a variety of activities such as sports leagues, arts and crafts workshops, and community events that promote physical and mental well-being while fostering social interaction.
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Educational Workshops: Providing valuable skills training, such as job readiness programs, financial literacy courses, and life skills workshops, equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed.
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Mentorship and Support Services: Connecting individuals with mentors, providing guidance and support during the re-entry process, and assisting with challenges such as housing, employment, and healthcare.
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Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals impacted by the justice system and advocating for restorative justice philosophy, principles, and initiative transformative changes that promote rehabilitation and reintegration.
UMOJI believes that by fostering a sense of community, providing access to essential resources, and empowering individuals to overcome adversity, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
THE STORY OF
UMOJI
Script Title: The UMOJI Initiative
Logline: A group of ex-convicts, gifted with extraordinary abilities, are recruited by a secret organization to become superheroes and protect their city.
INT. PRISON CELL - NIGHT A dimly lit prison cell. JAKE, a hardened criminal with a troubled past, sits alone on his bunk. JAKE: (muttering to himself) Another day, another dollar. Or, in my case, another day, another cell. A mysterious figure, shrouded in shadow, enters the cell. MYSTERIOUS FIGURE: (deep, resonant voice) Your time here is almost over, Jake. But your story is far from finished. JAKE: (startled) Who are you? What do you want? MYSTERIOUS FIGURE: (stepping into the light) I'm here to offer you a second chance. A chance to be something more. [SCENE END]