Issue No. 2

June 2024

Kicking Off Summer with Friends

School is officially out for summer! At Friends of the Children – Utah we are kicking off summer break by celebrating our incredible young achievers. Earlier this month, we gathered with our youth and families at the awesome Wheeler Historic Farm for a fun-filled bash to mark the end of another school year. ‍‍‍

Each amazing youth was recognized individually for their hard work and dedication, and they left with awesome gift bags filled with books, headphones, and more! Youth and their families played games, made crafts, and ate dinner together with our Friends – Utah team. 

A special thank you to Chick Fil A Fort Union for providing a delicious dinner for our celebration and to Lakeshore Learning for lots of fun activities and crafts.  

We are so grateful for everyone who joined us bright and early on May 20 to raise funds in support of our work with youth and families! Mountain America Credit Union hosted the gathering and several of our founding donors, the visionaries who brought Friends – Utah to life, joined the celebration; Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, O.C. Tanner, Intermountain Health, Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation.

Board Chair Stephen Foxley and Emcee Sharlene Wells led the ceremony. Dr. Neal Davis, Pediatrician, Intermountain Health, shared stories of healing and change he has witnessed in children referred to Friends – Utah. 

A special thank you to all of our staff, board members, generous sponsors, and everyone who contributed to such a successful event.

"I had the pleasure of attending Friends – Utah's breakfast fundraiser, and it was truly inspiring! Their innovative approach to supporting children from kindergarten through graduation is remarkable. By intervening early and committing throughout childhood, they're empowering children facing significant challenges to reach their full potential. The long-term outcomes they achieve are extraordinary!" 

Ginger Chinn

Vice President Public Policy | Salt Lake Chamber

A huge thank to our generous sponsors! 

O.C Tanner

Mountain America Credit Union

Dr. Jeffery DeGrauw & Mrs. Grimely DeGrauw

DoTerra Healing Hands

First Utah Bank

Cambia Health Foundation

Lincoln Hill Partners

Call to Action Foundation

AArete

Robert H. & Katharine B. Garff Foundation

In-kind donors

Rodizio Grill

Brighton Ski Resort

Snowbird Ski Resort

Alt Ski Area

Edison House

Lagoon Amusement Park

Pioneer Theatre

Cariloha

DoTerra

Pet Spawt

Peak Day Spa

Centerpoint Theatre

Skull Candy

The Beanyard Coffee

At Friends – Utah, we support youth facing immense challenges for 12+ years, no matter what. For more than 3 years, Will, one of our professional mentors, has been paired with Dan*, an 8-year-old who loves playing Roblox and trying new things. In that time, Dan has experienced a great deal of transition in his family life and housing situation and has struggled with behaviors at school as a result. Will has been a consistent presence in Dan’s life throughout, telling Dan, ‘anywhere you are, I’ll go there to pick you up’.

When another housing change became necessary earlier this year and the Department of Child and Family Services became involved, Will and Friends – Utah Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) Maddy were able to work together with Dan’s family to create a plan to reunite Dan with his biological mother and get their entire family established in positive routines and consistent support.

Today, Dan’s mother is taking advantage of resources and opportunities offered by Friends – Utah, and Will has seen a decrease in the challenging behaviors Dan was previously exhibiting in school. As Will puts it, “Our pledge is no matter what and I try to do everything I can to show Dan and his family that Friends of the Children really means that.” Thanks to the support of our community, and the work of our Friends and entire team, we are able to make good on that commitment to the youth and families we walk alongside.

At Friends – Utah, our north star is to “Put Children First”. That is just one of the reasons we celebrate Pride Month each June—it is an opportunity to support all LGBTQIAP2S+ youth, staff, and allies, regardless of how they identify. Each youth in our program is unique, and we strive to ensure they feel supported and loved.

We also want to give a shout out to some of the local organizations that work all year round to support the LGBTQIAP2S+ community in Utah. Thank you to organizations like Utah Pride Center, Encircle Together, and Equality Utah for all that you do for our community!

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Friends of the Children - Utah

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Kearns, UT 84118