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Many different factors contribute to a child or family's well-being—from basic needs like affordable housing and financial stability, to educational resources that support academic success. Together with our partners and supporters like you, United Way of Salt Lake serves Utah kids and families across many of these areas to ensure they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive throughout the summer and all year long.
In this month's newsletter, discover how we're supporting out-of-school time programs to keep kids engaged and avoid academic setbacks during the summer break. You can also read about the launch of the Arbor 515 Emergency Fund intended to promote housing stability for residents who share our building, and learn about the impact of Tax Help Utah, which provided free tax preparation services for community members during the 2026 filing season. Finally, see how you can get involved with our annual Stuff the Bus initiative to help equip Utah students for back-to-school. Thank you for your generous support of this work.
Sincerely,
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Amy Ahrens Terpstra
Chief Impact Officer
United Way of Salt Lake |
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PROGRAM UPDATES
Summer Learning & Back-to-School Support
Many students experience academic setbacks during the summer break and must then work to catch up when classes begin again in the fall. Several of our funded partners, including Salt Lake County Youth Services and Utah Afterschool Network, provide Utah students with summer programming that keeps kids engaged and prevents the "summer slide." These programs support academic achievement by providing enrichment opportunities through hands-on and project-based learning.
We also ensure that Utah students start the school year with the supplies they need to succeed. Stuff the Bus supply drives are in full swing now until August 3! You can help us fulfill 6,000+ requests from schools by hosting a supply drive, donating school supplies, or contributing financially. Additionally, volunteer sign-ups opened yesterday for sorting donations and stuffing backpacks, and shifts are already filling up! Visit our website to learn more and get involved.
Arbor 515 Emergency Fund
Earlier this year, we moved into Arbor 515—a mixed-use building that includes office space for several nonprofits, a Montessori school, and 96 affordable housing units. In addition to providing a smarter use of our organization's resources, the Perpetual Housing Fund (PHF) supports economic mobility for Arbor 515 residents through their innovative Tenant Wealth Initiative. This program is designed to help residents build financial security and wealth over time.
Now, United Way of Salt Lake is partnering with PHF to launch the Arbor 515 Emergency Fund, an initiative that will provide eligible Tenant Wealth Initiative participants with up to $1,000 annually in emergency assistance, applied directly as a credit toward rent. Intended to prevent small financial emergencies from becoming housing crises, the fund creates a more comprehensive approach to resident stability and long-term financial security. The Salt Lake City team for 211 Utah will administer the program, helping residents access the fund while also connecting them to additional community resources and support programs.
Learn More
Tax Help Utah: 2026 Impact
In partnership with United Way of Salt Lake, 211 Utah, and other community partners, Tax Help Utah served 3,347 community members through free tax preparation services during the 2026 filing season, and more than 1,100 clients were connected with Tax Help Utah through 211. Tax Help Utah recruited, trained, and IRS-certified 19 new volunteers, operated 12 tax preparation sites throughout Salt Lake County during the tax season, and helped Utah families save hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees by utilizing free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services. Tax Help Utah also connects families to valuable tax credits and refunds that support financial stability, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. These free services helped Utah families keep more of their hard-earned money, and taxpayers gained access to refunds and credits that strengthen household financial stability.
Tax help is still available until October 15. Services include assistance with back tax filing, IRS letters, auditing support, ITIN applications, and more. Visit the Tax Help Utah website or call 211 to make an appointment. |
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Lift As We Climb
For Women United member Tiffany Baires, giving back is about creating opportunities for others. While attending Westminster University as an accounting student, she received a scholarship which inspired her to pay that generosity forward.
While in college, Baires volunteered in local elementary schools through United Way of Salt Lake, beginning a lifelong commitment to serving her community. Today, as Finance Director for Occupational & Environmental Health at the University of Utah and a mother of two, Baires continues to live by the motto, "lift as we climb." Whether through volunteering or financial support as a member of Women United, Baires believes every act of generosity builds a stronger community where more people can thrive. For Baires, giving isn't just about making a difference today; it's about opening doors so others can build brighter futures for generations to come. |
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Cricut Employees Pack Hope for Students
Cricut, a creative technology company that produces smart cutting machines, heat presses, and crafting materials used for DIY projects, is helping students succeed while building a culture of service among its employees. In partnership with United Way of Salt Lake, Cricut transformed a volunteer opportunity into an in-office team event, engaging 50 team members in a hands-on project assembling snack kits for students in Jordan School District.
Together, volunteers packed 768 snack kits and created handwritten notes of encouragement for local students. These kits help ensure children have access to nutritious snacks that support focus, learning, and success in the classroom. Cricut's commitment to giving back and investing in local opportunities helps strengthen the community and ensures students have the support they need to reach their potential. |
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
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Stuff the Bus Supply Drives
June – August
Stuff the Bus is just around the corner! This summer, help gather school supplies for students in the new school year.
Learn More |
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