5 Outstanding Organizations Helping Kids In Utah

Not all kids are given equal opportunities to succeed in life, and many require additional academic, financial, or emotional support to get by. Luckily, there are many groups dedicated to helping children overcome tough situations and thrive. In no particular order, here are some organizations in Utah supporting kids in need.

First up, at #1, we have the DOVE Center, which provides safe shelter, crisis intervention, and prevention for clients who have been victimized by violence or sexual assault in their home, whether by a family member or cohabitant. The group works directly with law enforcement and the Dixie Regional Medical Center to provide advocacy for victims 24 hours a day. Services are offered free of charge and kept confidential.

DOVE Center provides evidence-based prevention education to middle and high school students throughout the local school district and at Dixie State University. The class is titled Healthy Relationships, and it teaches students about warning signs of abuse, personal boundaries, how to help themselves or a friend, and how to be an effective bystander.

Coming in at #2 is the Park City Education Foundation. Founded in 1986, it aims to lead the community in funding initiatives that inspire and challenge students to successfully reach their academic and life-long potential. With seed funding from the foundation's donors, the Park City School District Preschool Program, which started in 2011, ensures more of the city's young learners have access to affordable education.

In 2012, the foundation, the school district, and the Kimball Art Center came together to create the Elementary Visual Arts program, which allows students who struggle with the traditional educational model to gain confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment. The organization has also funded an afterschool program that focuses on providing academic and homework support to kids outside of the classroom.

Next up, at #3, is The Leonardo. Located in Salt Lake City, this museum allows guests to explore the unexpected ways that science, technology, art, and creativity connect. Its summer camp program challenges kids to see the world around them in a different way, encouraging critical thinking and helping them develop the skills they need to seek out knowledge.

The Leonardo acts as an educational hub that encourages visitors to keep learning wherever they are. Through Leo at Home, it provides various resources and educational materials to children and teachers online, including lesson plans, videos, printable projects, and more, all targeted to elementary, middle, and high school students.

Taking the #4 spot is the Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning. Operated by Valley Behavioral Health, the school provides behavioral and educational services to students. It assists families in coping with the challenges presented by autism and trains current and future teachers and professionals in best practices and procedures.

Multiple educational programs are offered to children ranging from toddlers to adolescents. Class sizes are kept small, giving teachers the ability to have one-on-one time with each student. The center also offers in-home services that aim to help children develop communication, social, academic, self-help, and functional living skills.

Finally, at #5, we have the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art. Established in 1931, it strives to be a place where people of all ages can explore the pressing issues of our time through socially relevant art exhibitions and educational programming. Its classes and workshops are designed to offer an in-depth learning experience by stimulating critical thinking and creativity for both adults and children.

Its Artists-In-Training Summer Camp provides young people with a unique opportunity to hone their craft in a behind-the-scenes residency at the museum. Participants can take advantage of various resources, such as studio space, a variety of materials, visits from working professionals, and individualized attention as they work towards their finished product.