United Way: RAH Services’ community impact continues to be inspirational
- An RAH participant is shown during an art class.
- RAH participants and a supporter are shown during the RAH Walk.
- An RAH participant is shown during an art class.
- Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.
The start of a new year is always a time of reflection and possibility. This year, as I reflect on our recent Sub for Santa season, I’m filled with gratitude for all of you who gave so freely to ensure that each of our Sub for Santa families could get the help they needed.
At a time when we saw such exceptional need, I was humbled and grateful to witness the exceptional generosity of our community. Thank you so much for your kindness. And as I look forward to this new year, I am reminded of how much possibility there is to make an impact again and again by supporting one of the amazing programs in our community.
Over the past decades, United Way of Utah County has been privileged to work closely with many inspiring organizations and programs that work tirelessly to support the most vulnerable members of our community. United Way has also had the opportunity to be involved in the founding of some of these agencies over the years, including organizations such as the Volunteer Care Clinic, Mountainlands Family Health Center and The Refuge Utah.
Supporting and bringing these types of organizations together is one of United Way’s important roles, and it has been amazing to witness them grow and expand over the years. These organizations differ in their missions, their size and their scope, but they all work diligently to promote healthy and happy lives in Utah County.
Today, I’d like to highlight one of our inspiring long-term partners: Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) Services. RAH is a beloved organization that provides individuals with developmental and physical disabilities support and life-enhancing opportunities. Since its foundation more than 40 years ago, RAH has provided activities and programming that help participants increase their independence, social awareness and confidence. From skills training classes to community involvement, RAH is helping its participants lead happier, healthier lives.
When RAH was founded by Kathy Edwards in 1971, it was the first program of its kind in our community. Kathy, a visionary leader who directed RAH for more than 37 years, was one of the first in our area to recognize a need for this type of support and to foresee how important RAH would be in strengthening community bonds and contributing to the dignity of the families and individuals it serves. The foundation that she laid has helped RAH grow and expand far beyond its initial reach.
For the past decade and more, Kathy’s legacy has been carried on by Cheryl Adamson, the executive director of RAH. Under Cheryl’s leadership, the organization has continued to grow and to provide essential services and life-enriching experiences to all its participants. Cheryl’s hard work and dedication is truly inspiring, and it is such a privilege to witness the impact that RAH is making in our community.
The success of RAH and its enduring legacy demonstrates the amazing impact that comes when people dedicate their time, their resources and their passion to causes that support individuals and families. An organization or program does not need to be large to make a difference. The efforts of each of us, in our own spheres and interests, contribute to a vital, caring network of support that lifts up our entire community.
Each time I think of RAH, I am reminded of the possibilities that lie ahead when we resolve to do something about the needs we see in our community. I encourage each of us to take some time at the start of this new year to look for ways that we can use our own passions, our own talents and our own resources to make a difference for someone else. Whether we resolve to spend more time volunteering, give just a little extra in our payroll donations or help spread the word about the amazing work that community organizations are doing here in Utah Valley, we can each make a difference this year.
For more information about how to get involved, visit unitedwayuc.org.