The initiative is a partnership between the city, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other religious and community organizations to create a community resource center to hold English language classes and other courses, like sewing or computer skills, at the Latter-day Saint stake center at 546 N. 500 West.

The program also will expand next spring to offer regular neighborhood service projects for the community to participate in.

“The strength of our city lies in its people, and we are excited for this new initiative that will uplift and strengthen our residents,” said Jennica Jones, Orem City liaison for MyHometown, in a statement. “We are working closely with MyHometown to tailor the programs and resources to the needs of our residents, and we believe this will truly transform the community and bring needed resources and opportunities to many.”

Orem City Council member LaNae Millet said the partnership is all about facilitating connections in Orem neighborhoods and bringing the community together.

“I cannot emphasize enough how incredibly grateful we are that MyHometown has chosen to come to Orem. It’s amazing,” she said.

She said bringing in the organization is part of the city’s vision to create an “environment where families can thrive.”

So far, they plan to start in the Geneva Heights neighborhood to see how it works out and then hopefully expand into other areas of Orem.

The classes at the community center will be tailored toward the needs of the community, Millett said, adding that English language lessons are an important aspect of the initiative. Classes at the community center will be open to everyone in the community, she added, not just residents of the Geneva Heights neighborhood.

The educational opportunities aren’t the only benefit for the community, Millett said, pointing to the service opportunities that also are part of the initiative.

Service projects will focus on “renewing and beautifying” the neighborhood and helping to lift the residents who live there, she said.

The MyHometown organization will help recruit volunteers and staff for the services and manage the community center, shared Pete Wolfley, city communications manager, in an email. Orem City will conduct background checks on volunteers and staff and help provide materials and volunteers for service projects.

“We’re in a support role,” Millet said. “This is their (MyHometown) program, and … we are so grateful that they have chosen Orem to benefit from this program.”

The organization first opened up in West Valley City in 2020, The Salt Lake Tribune reported, and now is in 11 different neighborhoods in West Valley City, Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden.

The program is set to open in August, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for Aug. 24 at Geneva Park from 5-8 p.m. Millett added they also have invited the organization to do a presentation at an upcoming City Council meeting.