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May 2026 |
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May is National Mental Health and Foster Care Awareness Month, two areas that are close to our heart and central to our work here at Friends of the Children - Utah. We know there are no simple narratives when it comes to mental health and foster care, only real young people navigating uncertainty, transitions, loss, healing, and hope. For young people like Lisa*, a professional mentor makes a real difference.
When Lisa joined Friends - Utah, consistent participation was not always easy, but her professional mentor continued to show up with patience, care, and unwavering support.
In January 2025, Lisa moved in with her aunt, beginning a new chapter filled with healing, growth, and stability, but also full of the ups and downs that come as young people work through traumatic experiences. This spring, after nine years in foster care, Lisa’s adoption was finalized. For the first time in nearly a decade, she has a home where she truly feels she belongs.
Lisa’s story is a reminder that healing takes time and that caring, consistent adults make a lasting difference. Through every transition and challenge, her mentor remained by her side, proving that “No Matter What” is more than a promise — it is a commitment lived out every day. *Youth name changed to protect privacy. |
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Strengthening Families During Child Abuse Prevention Month |
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In April, our team focused on strengthening families through activities centered on building healthy habits, nurturing minds and hearts, and creating stronger family and community connections. Throughout the month, we intentionally provided opportunities for youth, caregivers, and staff to build protective factors that promote safety, resilience, and healthy child development. Building Knowledge and Supporting Families In partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Utah (PCAU), our staff received training on child abuse prevention strategies and the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, while youth participated in a session on bullying prevention and healthy relationships. We also hosted several caregiver gatherings to give parents space to connect, grow in confidence, and build practical safety routines for their families. Bringing Our Community Together Our month closed with Safety Squad Fest, a superhero-themed Safety Fair featuring interactive booths on water safety, bike and helmet safety, first aid, emotional safety, and more. Community partners like Intermountain Health joined us to make it a memorable experience for families. We're grateful to FinWise Bank for sponsoring this event and for their ongoing commitment to helping keep our families safe, supported, and strong. đź’™ Child Abuse Prevention Month reminded us that protecting children is a community effort, and we are grateful to walk alongside so many dedicated families, staff, and partners in that work. |
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Introducing our 2025 Gratitude Report |
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Our new Gratitude Report celebrates a "masterpiece" five years in the making. It has been extraordinary to witness our youth’s academic and social-emotional growth as they navigate childhood and approach adolescence. We are consistently inspired by our families, who, despite facing significant barriers to basic needs like housing and healthcare, demonstrate profound resilience and a relentless commitment to their children. Read the full report to discover what happens when we make, and keep, a long-term promise:
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Mark Your Calendars |
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We can't wait to celebrate creativity and the power of mentorship at our Community Arts & Crafts Friendraiser this year. September 24, 2026 Willow Creek Country Club Sandy, Utah Time TBA Come browse and purchase original artwork from talented local artists and the incredible youth in our mentorship program. Every piece you take home directly supports our work breaking harmful cycles through long-term, relationship-based mentoring. This is a wonderful chance to meet our youth, connect with fellow community members, and see firsthand the creativity and potential your support helps unlock. Stay tuned for more details and an RSVP link to come! |
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Did You See Friends of the Children During the NFL Draft? |
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Tylen and his Friend Timothy from Friends of the Children – Chicago took the stage at the 2026 NFL Draft to help announce the Chicago Bears' third-round pick Stanford TE Sam Roush on April 24th. The appearance marked a major milestone for Friends of the Children as a new grant partner in the NFL’s Inspire Change program, which spotlights nonprofits working to create lasting community impact. |
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Our mailing address is: Friends of the Children - Utah 5361 S 4220 W |