We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tami Urbanek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tami below.
Tami, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents always offered direction and love. They often told me they loved me and were proud of me. This encouraged me to offer those to myself – in a manner that was not egotistical. They demonstrated / modeled communication and self-respect without comparing myself to others. They also demonstrated work ethic and compassion for humanity.
They didn’t judge me. Even as a rebellious teen, they guided me and communicated without a sense of being wrong or negatively punished. Thankfully, I grew out of that phase at age 19.
They will always be my role models.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am now the president of our nonprofit, Universal Education Foundation. My parents founded this nonprofit in 1986 and I joined the board around 2007. As my father grew older, he stayed on as a valued board member (along with my mother) but wanted me to take the lead and continue their vision – but in my own energy and ideas.
The UEF began as a place for incarcerated youth to visit for a weekend – out in nature – with mental health workers. The goal was to temporarily move them out of their environment and experience a different part of life. My parents would share stories on how that evolved.
Now, in Colorado Springs, I wanted to begin peer-based support groups for different age groups. A place where people can feel valued, seen, respected and heard. Many people are seeking human connection and are lost in a world of technology and separation. We hope to be a respite from that.
We offer a group for high school age teens, young adults (ages 18-30), 30s/40s, and parents (of any age).
We only have 3 guidelines: confidentiality, judgement-free, and we respect for each other’s point of view.
We are a laid back group with a fireplace, couches, tables and refreshments.
We also have a Colorado Springs Nonprofit Collaborative group for nonprofits to meet and discuss ideas/challenges/resources. It’s once per month and also free.
We are here for you.
We also offer a community Free Clothing Giveaway several times per year and have a free digital magazine. We host a First Friday Art Showing from time to time and other activities.
Group facilitators (I am one in all groups) are certified in A.S.I.S.T. (suicide prevention) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I started as a public school teacher and earned a master’s in Special Education K-12 and then a master’s in Public Administration / Nonprofit Management. I loved being a teacher and would absolutely choose it again.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
At age 18, I married (against the advice of my parents) and had a daughter by 19. My then-husband had challenges with alcohol and anger. I experienced many incidents of his drunken anger.
At age 19 (no high school diploma, only a GED), I chose to leave with my then one-month old daughter. I was barely making it working at fast food as an assistant manager.
There were times, I was working 2-3 jobs and sometimes attending college with 1-2 jobs. I had to keep going for my daughter and myself. I was never going to give up. I know what life struggle looks like – at least for me. I was not going to let it define me or stop me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.universaleducationfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universaleducationfoundation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UEF-ColoradoSprings
- Other: TikTok: @universaledfound
Image Credits
All pictures of events were taken by Tami Urbanek