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Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County, makes a presentation during the organization's 60th Anniversary Celebration at Nu Skin Enterprises in downtown Provo on Oct. 16, 2023.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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Attendees are shown at United Way of Utah County's 60th Anniversary Celebration at Nu Skin Enterprises in downtown Provo on Oct. 16, 2023.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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Children participate in an activity during Summer Learning at the United Way Community Center at South Franklin in Provo.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A volunteer helps at a United Way Day of Caring project.

Courtesy Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

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Families help with United Way's Sub for Santa program.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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A volunteer helps a community member file their taxes through the VITA program.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

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Traditionally, January is a time of reflection and recommitment. The start of a new year offers us the opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the opportunities of the past year and look at our priorities for the new year.

This January, I have been reflecting on the many amazing things that have happened at United Way of Utah County as we celebrated our 60th anniversary in 2023 and look forward to the bright future of our community.

2023 was a significant year for United Way. We celebrated 60 years of service here in Utah County with support from so many wonderful partners in our community. It’s hard to describe the impact that dedicated donors, partners and volunteers have made over the past 60 years. Thousands of families have been strengthened and supported during very challenging times thanks to the generosity and dedication of our community.

I have talked to so many people whose lives were changed by a program that provided resources to them at just the right time. I have talked to so many volunteers who lives were changed by their experiences working with community members. I have talked to so many donors whose lives were changed through the impact of their generosity. Thank you for continuing to make a difference!

During the past year, as we celebrated such a landmark anniversary, United Way continued to work hard to make sure that everyone in our community could access the resources they need. We are so grateful for the volunteers, donors and staff who work so diligently to provide the best service available for our friends and neighbors in these programs. Today, I’d like to briefly share some of the amazing work that is being done by these dedicated individuals.

Help Me Grow, which provides personalized parent support and development screenings for children, continues to expand to help more families. The Summer Learning Program at the United Way Community Center at South Franklin offers free music, language and computer classes as well as other programming. These programs are taught by volunteers and provide new skills to participants as well as a stronger sense of community and connection.

Our Sub for Santa program recently provided assistance to more than 2,200 local families thanks to a truly inspiring outpouring of support from our community. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the 2-1-1 Information and Referral network continue to connect thousands of Utahns with financial resources that assist them when times are lean. And, of course, volunteers with Welcome Baby and Digital Inclusion continue to provide individual support to those who need a little extra help.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the amazing support we received from so many long-term and new partners and friends at our 60th Anniversary Celebration. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many who were instrumental in the development of these programs and the growth of United Way. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated corporate partners who care passionately about our community and are willing to give back in any way they can.

We are also fortunate to have so many partners who are experts in the fields of community development, home and family research, child development and education. We are so grateful for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise with us as we continue to use the very best data available to understand our community’s needs and how to help.

As we look forward to another year, I am optimistic that these partnerships will continue to help us come together and support our community in the best ways we can. There are always challenges that will come, and it is essential that we continue to learn from the past and utilize the best information we have to prepare to meet those challenges. As we do, I am confident we will find new ways to combat the loneliness epidemic, connect with each other, prepare our children to live happy and vibrant lives, and make sure our community continues to come together for the good of everyone. I am excited to see the impact we can make over the next decades – together.

To learn more about United Way programs and how to get involved, please visit unitedwayuc.org.