1 / 4

A United Way of Utah County Tocqueville Society volunteer adds handprints to a mural during a service project at Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) Services.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

2 / 4

Volunteers help with a service project at Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) Services.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

3 / 4

A United Way of Utah County Tocqueville Society family helps paint a mural during a service project at Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) Services.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

4 / 4

Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County

❮ ❯

We at United Way of Utah County are so fortunate to be able to witness the amazing goodness that exists in our community. We frequently have the opportunity to see so many people come together to create so much good in our community.

Two weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to once again see this in action as members of our United Way Tocqueville Society participated with their families in a volunteer project at Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) Services.

The United Way Tocqueville Society is a group of local leaders — neighbors, business owners, change makers — who believe in building a stronger future for Utah County. By giving annually to United Way of Utah County, members help tackle our community’s toughest challenges.

RAH provides services and support to adults with intellectual disabilities to meet their needs and enhance their lives. Their services include skill classes to promote independence, social and recreational programs, community involvement services activities and providing a network of friends in a safe and support environment.

Volunteers from United Way of Utah County’s Tocqueville Society served alongside RAH’s participants, doing extensive work around the property to beautify the space, cleaning inside and outside the building, helping with organizations projects and painting a mural.

Caroline Glissmeyer, our volunteer center manager, helped coordinate and implement the project. She said, “The RAH participants were so fun to work with and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. They were such hard workers and so fun to talk to. They kept thanking us for letting them join in on the project, but we kept thanking them back for letting us join THEM! It was fun to all put our handprints on the mural together and to remember that every one of us has something to give.”

There are many things that are affecting our community members right now, but the good news is that we can all help to lift each other. And we can ensure that future generations understand the value of building and strengthening community bonds.

Amy Magleby, business banking team lead at Zions Bank and Tocqueville Society member, said, “I want my kids to grow up knowing that kindness isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we do. Volunteering gives them the chance to step outside their everyday routine and connect with people whose lives might look different from theirs. It’s easy to get caught up in our own little world, but real growth happens when we take the time to understand and support others. Through service, my kids learn gratitude, empathy and the simple but powerful truth that community is built by showing up for one another. My hope is that these experiences stay with them, shaping them into the kind of people who don’t just recognize inequality and hardship but do something to help.”

Volunteering in our community is a wonderful way to create connections in our families, among community members and with the organizations in our community that help so many. These activities have an impact on generations of our friends and neighbors here in Utah County.

Devin Baer, director of sales at Google Fiber and another Tocqueville Society member, said, “Serving at the RAH Services building in Provo was an incredibly rewarding experience for my family. We tackled everything from cleaning and organizing to yard work and painting a vibrant mural, and seeing the immediate, positive impact on the facility was truly inspiring. But beyond the tangible good we did, working side by side with fellow Tocqueville Society members reinforced the power of our collective commitment. It was a powerful reminder that when we unite for a common cause, we not only uplift organizations like RAH Services but also strengthen the bonds within our own community.”

Here at United Way of Utah County, we understand that long-term impact is possible only when people from all sectors of the community work together. We are so fortunate to have many people in our community who are passionately dedicated to meeting local needs. These community members generously donate their time and resources to ensure that individuals and families who need support can access essential resources.

We are so grateful for the strong commitment of our Tocqueville Society members and their dedication to tackling important issues and building connections in our community. We invite you to find ways to strengthen connections within your families and your community.

For more information about the Tocqueville Society or volunteering with United Way, visit www.unitedwayuc.org.