This November, I’m especially grateful for the amazing members of our community who dedicate their time to making an impact on others and build connections with the people around them. In this season of gratitude, I want to take this opportunity to thank some of the many people who have devoted their time to serving others and strengthening our wonderful community.

Leading with purpose

I want to take a moment to acknowledge our outstanding board of directors, currently guided by Chair Jeanette Bennett and comprised of many amazing board members. Our board brings passion and expertise to United Way, and I am often moved by their willingness to give with all of their many other responsibilities.

Their leadership has opened doors, strengthened partnerships and helped us stay focused on what matters most. They are highly engaged and involved with United Way and our programs and bring invaluable expertise and understanding of our community and its needs. We are truly thankful for the insight, support and encouragement they provide.

Building up the community through partnership

I’d be remiss not to recognize our many amazing partner organizations and the incredible work they do in the community. For many years, we’ve been lucky to work with incredible local organizations and programs that care for our neighbors in need. We’ve even helped start some of them, including the Volunteer Care Clinic, Mountainlands Community Health Center and The Refuge Utah. One of United Way’s most important roles is helping these organizations connect, grow and succeed.

United Way of Utah County

Though each group brings different strengths and focuses, they all share a passion for helping families and individuals in Utah County live healthier, happier lives. Each of these agencies and their directors inspire us with their dedication and ability to unite others around a cause. I don’t have the space here to talk about all our amazing directors and agencies, but I do want to take this opportunity to highlight our longtime partner Family Haven.

Formerly known as the Family Support & Treatment Center, Family Haven was founded in 1984 to help prevent and treat child abuse. Under the leadership of Janelle Christensen, their amazing executive director, they have been a strong partner with United Way for over 30 years as they work to strengthen families in our community. They provide a free 24/7 crisis nursery, parenting classes, prevention education for abuse and therapy for children and families.

As a partner of United Way, Family Haven has participated in Day of Caring for many years, hosting a variety of painting, redecorating and remodeling projects. Our Welcome Baby and Help Me Grow programs, as well as our 211 service, often refer members of the community to Family Haven’s essential services. We are so grateful for their dedication and the support they provide to children and families in the community.

Creating change through service

So many of our programs wouldn’t be possible without our wonderful volunteers, and while I am not able to thank every amazing volunteer individually, I do want to take the time to highlight a particular group as we head into the holiday season.

With our Sub for Santa program, every year I get the wonderful opportunity to see our community come together and serve each other. I am continually amazed as volunteers devote their time to buying, sorting and delivering presents to families in need of a little extra help. From family sponsors to open house volunteers, Angel Tree contributors and Santa’s Workshop volunteers, each person plays an essential role in helping us provide support to our many Sub for Santa families.

Last year for Sub for Santa, we had an incredible 1,912 volunteers and 1,346 sponsors. Because of the generous donation of their time and resources, we were able to help 2,603 families, including 6,933 kids, and a total of 7,619 individuals. One volunteer last year remarked that, “It’s really touching to be able to help out when others can’t help themselves sometimes,” recognizing the value of volunteering both for themselves and for the people they are serving.

Time and time again, I’ve seen that meaningful change happens when leaders and organizations come together. We are so grateful to the many local leaders, community organizations and volunteers who are deeply committed to serving our neighbors. Through their time, resources and care, individuals and families are better able to access the supports they need and begin to thrive. These organizations’ services, opportunities to volunteer and dedication to our community make it possible for all of us to become more connected to our neighbors.

As this year comes to a close, I hope we will each look for opportunities to share our gifts, abilities, passions and resources to help strengthen the community and build relationships with others. That could mean serving as a volunteer, giving a little more  or championing the incredible organizations helping families across Utah Valley. Every act of support contributes to lasting change.

To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit unitedwayuc.org.

Bill Hulterstrom is president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.