One of the things we are seeing is the increase in families struggling with all the demands that are placed on them. Parenting is not an easy job! In fact, the U.S. surgeon general recently issued an advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, saying that there is a “need to better support parents, caregivers and families to help our communities thrive.”

The report indicates that 41% of parents and caregivers are “so stressed they cannot function” most days and nearly 50% said their stress completely overwhelms them.

We can see that stress levels of parents and caregivers have greatly increased over the last few years, which makes it hard in every aspect of their lives. These increased levels of stress can also create harmful effects on the children with whom these parents and caregivers are interacting, which in turn affects our community as a whole.

There is a huge value in strengthening families for the future of our children and for ensuring that our community is thriving. I really believe that supporting children and families is one of the most important things we can do as a society.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

At United Way, many of our programs are designed to help support families. Our Welcome Baby program helps support parents with new babies as they adjust to having a new little one. Our Help Me Grow program then helps parents as their children grow, providing support for development, social and emotional health, and parenting in general.

Our community centers provide gathering places for parents and families to build connections and learn about community resources available to them. We provide parenting classes and playgroups opportunities for learning and bringing people together. Our digital literacy courses help prepare people for better employment opportunities to help relieve financial strain. Our Sub for Santa and VITA programs also help families better their financial situations.

United Way is also very fortunate to work with many other nonprofit partners across Utah County that help support parents and families as well. Our partners provide family therapy, a respite nursery, mentorship, help for basic needs and food and housing, and additional opportunities to connect and learn.

All of these programs and partners also provide wonderful volunteer opportunities so our community members can participate in strengthening and supporting families.

Our community is very unique in the way that we all come together as community members, nonprofit organizations, corporations and local leadership to help, support and strengthen each other. This is what matters now and in the future. We all have a role in making sure our community thrives.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

I’m grateful for the opportunity for all of us to work on integrated solutions to improve lives and our community. We are stronger when we work together. I’ve seen time and time again that when we collaborate, we are able to tackle some of the most pressing issues in our community.

There are so many opportunities to get involved with United Way or any of our amazing partners. To find an opportunity to support United Way’s work or volunteer with us or one of our partner agencies, please visit unitedwayuc.org.

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

A young student participates in the United Way Community Center summer learning program.

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

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