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February 2026 |
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Brave Hearts, Big Connections |
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When Liam* first joined Friends - Utah, social situations felt more like hurdles than opportunities. Making a friend or even starting a basic conversation felt overwhelming and uncertain, often leaving him watching from the perimeter of the playground. He had plenty to share, but the courage to take that first step—and the words to initiate it—felt just out of reach.
Chris, Liam's professional mentor, began by helping Liam practice. They roleplayed how to say hello, offer a kind compliment, or ask another kid a question at the playground. Small words, shared with courage, became the first sparks of connection. Over time, those skills began to stick.
Now Liam can walk up to new friends, ask what they like to play, and join games with confidence. At our clubhouse he has his own circle of buddies, and he has even made new friends completely on his own. Chris sees it every time they return to the playground, where it is obvious that Liam's confidence is growing and his young heart opening up to possibility.
With encouragement, steady support, and someone who believes deeply in who he is becoming, Liam is discovering that friendship isn’t just about finding your people, it’s about knowing you are worthy of connection. And that’s something to celebrate with full hearts! *Youth name changed to protect privacy. |
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Partner Spotlight: Utah Financial Services Foundation |
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Friends - Utah is proud to announce our 2026 partnership with the Utah Financial Services Foundation, the charitable arm of the Utah Association of Financial Services (UAFS). As a member organization of industrial banks, UAFS is a leader in driving economic development and community stability through the strategic direction of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) funds, which are dedicated to supporting low-to-moderate-income individuals and families. This vital partnership bolsters our mission to provide youth with 12+ years of professional, trauma-informed mentorship from kindergarten through high school graduation by focusing on:
🧠 Mental Health: Addressing critical needs through consistent support.
🎓 Education: Individualized academic help with a focus on literacy.
🤝 Empowerment: Strengthening caregivers to disrupt cycles of poverty and adversity.
Together, we are creating pathways for lifelong success. Thank you, Utah Financial Services Foundation, for supporting Utah youth!
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Advocacy in Action |
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Our current legislative efforts focus on two vital Requests for Appropriation (RFAs). The first is a TANF funding renewal to sustain our professional mentorship model, which provides the stability families need to foster long-term economic independence. The second is a Juvenile Justice Prevention initiative aimed at keeping at-risk youth on a path toward success through early intervention. These funding requests are fundamental to our ability to break the cycle of generational poverty in Utah.
We are deeply grateful to Senator Luz Escamilla and Senator Kirk Cullimore for their leadership and for recognizing that investing in our youth today creates a stronger, more resilient community for everyone. |
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Women Supporting Women |
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Last year we announced that Friends - Utah was named one of the 100 Companies Championing Women! An initiative of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity and the Utah Women & Leadership Project, the100 Companies Championing Women award highlights organizations committed to fostering a workplace where women and all employees can thrive through supportive family-friendly policies, and a culture of equity.
Last month, our Executive Director, Kelsey, and Program Director, Kami, accepted the award at a reception alongside several dedicated Utah companies. As an organization that seeks to break generational cycles and empower families, this recognition underscores that we are not only modeling these values for our youth but living them within our own professional team.
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Literacy Corner |
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Across Utah, nearly two-thirds of 4th graders are not reading at grade level. For the youth at Friends of the Children, literacy isn’t just academic, it’s a pathway to increased confidence, stability, and lifelong opportunity. We’re proud to launch our Literacy Initiative with one clear goal: every child reading at grade level by 3rd grade. Through trauma-informed, one-on-one mentorship, our professional mentors help Utah youth build strong reading skills and the belief that they can succeed. Because when Utah kids can read, they can thrive! |
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Our mailing address is: Friends of the Children - Utah 5361 S 4220 W |