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Utah is set to receive $212 million over the next decade as part of a $12.2 billion national settlement with Meta over child safety practices. This is one of the largest consumer protection settlements in U.S. history and a huge victory for Utah leaders who led the fight over the past three years. With the settlement secured pending court approval, the next big test is what comes next.
I recently collaborated with Amy Ahrens Terpstra, Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Salt Lake, and Ben Trentelman, Director of Operations for the Utah Afterschool Network, on an op-ed for Deseret News. We highlight the importance of making sure these funds are used to benefit the Utah children and youth who were harmed. The legislature already passed SB165, the Economic Mobility Initiative, establishing the REACH (Raising Expectations through Accountability, Community, and Hope) Initiative — a statewide framework that coordinates community-based services, tracks outcomes, and directs resources to families who need them most.
Now, Utah has the chance to turn the victory over Meta into safe, accessible, community-rooted spaces where Utah kids can thrive offline. Read on to learn how your support benefits kids in our community.
Sincerely,
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Bill Crim
President & CEO, United Way of Salt Lake |
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PROGRAM UPDATE
Promise Child & You Launches in South Salt Lake
In September, the first cohort of 20 families with children ages 4-6 years gathered for the launch of Promise Child & You at the Tony Finau Foundation Literacy Center at Olene Walker Elementary School. This free, 9-week workshop provides families with hands-on learning activities, connections to schools and community resources, and effective strategies for transitioning into kindergarten. Promise Child & You builds on the early learning foundations established in Promise Baby & You (for families of children ages 0-3), strengthening kindergarten readiness and school success. Additional Promise Child & You cohorts will take place in Kearns starting in January 2027, and in South Salt Lake in summer 2027. Fill out the interest form here. |
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Williams Golf Tournament Celebrates 25 Years
Williams' Salt Lake City office hosted its 25th annual golf tournament as part of the company's workplace campaign. This year, Williams achieved a remarkable milestone, raising a grand total of $246,000 through $146,000 in employee giving and participating Williams vendors, plus a $100,000 company match.
Through the dedication of employees, support of Williams' leadership team, and the generosity of their contractors and vendors, the golf tournament has grown from raising $9,000 in its inaugural year, to nearly a quarter of a million dollars today, helping strengthen the communities where employees live and work.
This success reflects the power of Williams' partnership, teamwork, and shared commitment to making a lasting difference in the community. |
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT/OPPORTUNITIES
PNC Volunteers Invest in Early Learning
Nine PNC volunteers supported early childhood learning in Utah by packing 100 learning kits for Promise Child & You. The kits provide local parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support their young child's learning and development at home.
Since 2004, PNC has partnered with educators and communities to help children discover, learn, and grow through Grow Up Great®. The initiative encourages employees to volunteer and take an active role in helping children from birth to age 5 build the skills they need to succeed in school and life.
By bringing employees together around early learning, PNC is helping children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive, while laying the foundation for greater opportunity later in life. |
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ADVOCACY UPDATE
Looking Ahead to the General Session
We are gearing up for the 2027 general session and will be looking to all of you to advocate with us! Two key components of our policy agenda will be to ensure the funds from the Meta settlement are spent and reach the youth impacted, and to follow up on our big win last year with the passage of SB165 Economic Mobility Initiative. SB165 established the framework for statewide locally led, community-based partnerships to align locally-driven community efforts and state priorities into a unified economic mobility plan that will significantly improve youth and family outcomes. The grants component of the bill was pulled out because it was not funded during last year's session. We plan to go back this session to ask for funding to support putting communities, families, and children on the path to economic mobility. |
Upcoming Events
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Financial Literacy Lunch and Learn
Oct. 23, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m.
You're invited to a Financial Literacy Lunch & Learn, hosted by Women United, to learn about tax-advantaged giving, wealth planning, and more from financial professionals.
Get Tickets |
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Midterm Elections
Nov. 3, 2026
Be sure to vote in the midterm elections! Learn more at Utah's official voter registration portal. |
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Giving Tuesday
Dec. 1, 2026
Support United Way of Salt Lake on this global day of giving.
Save the Date |
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Legislative Preview Breakfast
Jan. 12, 2027
Save the date to come learn about United Ways of Utah's legislative priorities for the 2027 General Session. More details coming soon. |
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Power of Your Purse 2027
May 7, 2027
Le Meridian Hotel
Save the date for an unforgettable evening at our annual gala hosted by Women United. More details coming soon. |
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