The Children’s Center Utah Connection

February 2024 | Vol.13

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

Rebecca J. Dutson, President and CEO

Dear Mary,

 

Happy New Year! I hope that in these first few months of 2024, you’ll consider how to take care of your mental wellness throughout the coming year.


The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah recently released data reinforcing the significant impact adult mental health has on children’s mental health.


Many factors influence children’s mental health, and we know that poor mental health among adults makes it more likely the children in their care may also experience mental health challenges. 


  • Rates of adults with a mental health condition are higher in Utah than in most other states and the rates of parents reporting difficulty coping with the demands of raising children are among the highest in the nation.


  • Nearly 50% of Utah adults with a mental health condition are not receiving treatment, and untreated mental health needs for children in Utah are the highest in the U.S. (Relational Health: The Connection between Adult and Childhood Mental Health, October 2023.)


Establishing and maintaining mental wellness looks different for each of us. It may often include seeking professional therapy or medical advice, getting plenty of rest, engaging in regular exercise, and good nutrition. Mental wellness among adults helps create an environment where children can thrive! 


We have many ways for you to engage in our important work! I invite you to come by for a tour of our new children's mental health campus to learn more. To arrange a visit, please contact Joni Clark, Development Director, at jclark@tccutah.org or Amy Bosworth, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at abosworth@tccutah.org.


We hope to see you in March at our Annual Jewelry Luncheon and throughout 2024.

Rebecca J. Dutson

President and CEO

THE CHILDREN'S CENTER UTAH IN ACTION

Team members celebrate this outstanding recognition

President and CEO Rebecca Dutson receiving the Best Companies to Work For Award

Utah's Best Companies to Work For


In December, Utah Business Magazine named

The Children's Center Utah as one of Utah's Best Companies to Work For!


Our outstanding team works tirelessly to support the children and families we serve and has certainly earned this incredible distinction.


Working in the mental health space often results in high levels of burnout. As an organization, we are proud to have a lower team turnover rate than similar organizations.


One team member said of her experience at The Children's Center Utah, "Everyone is incredibly friendly, always looking for growth, smart, sensitive to others’ needs, and willing to accommodate if needed. The [organization] is progressive in what is best for its employees."


Your investment in the success of

The Children's Center Utah means we can attract and retain a talented, dedicated team of clinicians and others who bring hope and healing to children and families every day. The commitment and passion of our employees make The Children’s Center Utah an exceptional place to work.

Utah Business Article

100 Companies Championing Women


The Children's Center Utah recently was recognized as one of Utah’s 100 Companies Championing Women!


As part of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity's Inspire In Utah initiative, 100 Companies Championing Women focuses on recognizing and highlighting the stories of 100 Utah companies and organizations that offer family-friendly policies and practices, as well as women-specific initiatives known to impact the recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing of women employees, managers, and leaders.


We are proud of the strong female leadership at every level of our organization and appreciate this outstanding recognition!

GET INVOLVED

Jewelry Luncheon


Save the Date! Join us for our much-anticipated Annual Jewelry Luncheon on Thursday, March 7, at The Grand America Hotel. More space! More Jewelry!


  • Designer Gems
  • New: Custom Fitted Permanent Jewelry
  • Local Artisan Wares
  • Opportunity Drawings!


Prepare to explore a vast array of pieces for sale, where each purchase contributes to providing hope and healing for children and families.


Tickets are limited! Secure yours before they're gone. Click the link below to reserve your spot now.


Don't miss this exclusive event!

Purchase Tickets

Jewelry Sorting and Donations


We are looking for new or used jewelry pieces to sell at our event!


  • Necklaces
  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Rings
  • Watches
  • Designer gems
  • Costume jewelry



All funds go to provide hope and healing to young children and their families through comprehensive mental health care.


Interested in donating jewelry or helping sort jewelry donations? Email Mary at mburchett@tccutah.org.

playful-family-portrait.jpg

Parenting Q&A Webinar Series


Join us for a comprehensive 3-part webinar series where experts address your burning questions, offering guidance, strategies, and support to empower you on your parenting journey. Attend just one or all three! 



FREE to attend! When you register, we will email reminders and the link to join us as webinars get closer. Recordings will be sent to registrants.


Webinars are hosted by the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT) and The Children's Center Utah (TCCU).


The first webinar will be on Tuesday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Register Now

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Utah Philanthropy Day


On November 15, our team and board members attended the Utah Philanthropy Day awards ceremony to honor the driving forces behind our community's philanthropic efforts.

 

Big congratulations to The Children's Center Utah Board Member Jenn Barlow and phenomenal event chairs, Jenniffer Clark and McKell Lowe, for receiving the Heart & Hands Award for their outstanding service to our organization and the children and families we serve.

 

Also, our heartfelt congratulations to Intermountain Health for receiving the Corporate Spirit of Giving Award! This recognition highlights Intermountain Health's commitment to philanthropy and community service. Lisa Nichols accepted the award on behalf of Intermountain Health. The Children's Center Utah was proud to nominate Intermountain Health for this award and is grateful for their partnership.


We honor all who were recognized!

Corporate Spirit of Giving Award Video

The Children's Center Utah's Board, Event Chairs, and team members attend Utah Philanthropy Day

The Children's Center Utah is grateful for Intermountain Health's important partnership

Ze Min Xiao

President and CEO, Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging

Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging


Congratulations to board member, Ze Min Xiao, President and CEO of the Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging for celebrating an incredible milestone.


At the beginning of the year, the organization became an independent 501(c)(3).


The Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging promotes actionable solutions to disparities through engagement with communities of color and then catalyzes private, philanthropic, and public partnerships.

RAISING AWARENESS

Infant-Toddler Court Program


Our President and CEO, Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Innovation, and Teleconsultation Director presented at the National Federation of Families conference, held in Chicago in November. They were joined by Eric Tadehara, Assistant Director, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, State of Utah.


In front of families, parents, community leaders, providers, partners, and legislators, our team presented the impact of our new statewide Training and Teleconsultation Program.


The National Federation of Families is a nationwide advocacy organization that helps parents, caregivers, and families of children—of any age—whose lives are impacted by mental health and substance use challenges.

Presenters: McCall Lyon, Eric Tadehara, Rebecca Dutson, and Dr. Jennifer Mitchell

Jennifer Mitchell, PhD

Vice President, Clinical Strategy

and Innovation

Community Champion Award


The Utah Association of Infant Mental Health (UAIMH) presented Dr. Jennifer Mitchell with the Community Champion Award.


This award recognizes her work engaging and uplifting the voices of young children, their families, and communities and supporting infant and early childhood mental health providers here in Utah and nationally.


"It is one of my greatest pleasures to work together with Jennifer every day at The Children’s Center Utah to strengthen IECMH outcomes for Utah’s children and their families and caregivers. Jennifer’s brilliant mind and compassionate heart draw support for this critical work from all sectors, including key state leaders. She is a professional and a leader in every way. She is a wonderful human being and I’m also grateful to call her a colleague and friend. Congratulations, Jennifer. So well deserved! ," Rebecca Dutson.


REASONS TO CELEBRATE

Hope &Healing 2024 Coloring Page

Hope & Healing Online Fundraiser


Thank you to everyone who supported our Hope & Healing Online Fundraiser. Together, we raised $61,668!


Each donation helps provide comprehensive mental health care to children and families.


Thanks to generous supporters, every dollar you donate was doubled, up to $30,000!


Special thanks to our Matching Donors: HJ and BR Barlow Foundation, Florence J. Gillmor Foundation, Jerry and Shari Seiner Family Charitable Fund, and Willard L. Eccles Charitable Foundation!

Recognition in National Publications


Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, our Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Innovation, for publishing three articles in collaboration with other mental health experts including Dr. McCall Lyon our Teleconsultation Director. These articles highlight important work by The Children's Center Utah and our team of experts.


 Journal of Child and Family Studies

Closings Gaps in Care: Effects of CARE Training on Early Childhood Provider Trauma-Informed Attitudes and Collaboration


Taylor & Francis Online

Reflective supervision as a vehicle for trauma-informed organizational change in early childhood education settings


Infant Mental Health Journal

Infant and early childhood teleconsultation and training: Program description and feasibility outcomes from a statewide implementation


Pilots Day



Pilots for Kids made a heartwarming landing at the children's mental health campus, to spread high-flying joy this holiday season!


Pilots from multiple airlines brightened the day for children in our Therapeutic Preschool Program, bringing holiday gifts, sharing fascinating insights about planes and aviation, and patiently answering every flying-related question!


Pilots for Kids is an international organization that was founded in 1983 by airline crew members. Today, major, national, and regional airline crewmembers, corporate, military, and private pilots, along with aviation enthusiasts visit children in hospitals and other healthcare facilities bringing toys and other needed items.


We're looking forward to welcoming pilots back next year for more smiles and aviation adventures!

Huge thanks to all the pilots for their time and generosity!

Toy planes brought huge smiles!

Every child received a stuffed animal, thanks to generous partners!

Santa's visit made for a very special day in our Therapeutic Preschool Program.

Santa Day


Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa made a surprise visit to our Therapeutic Preschool Program, where he delighted children with presents and candy canes!


Holiday merriment was in full swing as the children met Santa and received incredible gifts. Each child received a stocking, a special toy, and a cuddly stuffed animal.


A huge thanks to our generous individual donors who made this magical day possible and a special shoutout to Chik-Fil-A, Fidelity Investments, Hape Toys, and First American Title for their partnership.

Upcoming Events


  • Jewelry Luncheon - March 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at The Grand America Hotel
  • SHINE Gala - Thursday, May 30, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Gallivan Center


Your investment matters more than ever. Your generous gift helps us continue our mission to provide comprehensive mental health care to enhance the emotional well-being of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.

Make a Donation
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