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The Children’s Center Utah Connection
June 2024 | Vol.14
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO | |
Rebecca Dutson, President and CEO | |
Dear Mary,
As we close May Mental Health Awareness Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in raising awareness and supporting mental health care for children.
Your involvement profoundly impacts the lives of the youngest members of our communities.
At The Children's Center Utah (TCCU), we are committed to providing essential mental health services to children ages birth to six, ensuring they and their families have the support they need during these critical developmental years.
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June marks Pride Month and Juneteenth, a time to celebrate our communities' vibrant diversity and strength.
Let's stand together in promoting communities, where children, families, and caregivers, are seen, heard, and safe.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a difference!
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Rebecca J. Dutson
President and CEO
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THE CHILDREN'S CENTER UTAH IN ACTION | |
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Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Initiatives
We are excited to announce two new policy briefs from the ZERO TO THREE Policy Center and Safe Babies, summarizing recent meetings of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Financing Policy Project (FPP). The Children’s Center Utah is featured in both briefs.
"The Foundations of Well-being: Policy Strategies for Integrating Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health into Child Welfare" discusses the importance of IECMH in child welfare policy, emphasizing early investment to improve outcomes for children and families. It highlights integrating IECMH supports into existing settings and adult-serving systems to maximize resources and relationships.
"Centering Babies and the Adults Who Care for Them: States Explore Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Financing and Policy" outlines essential practices and policies for integrating IECMH into child and family services. It showcases state progress, addresses challenges, and emphasizes systemic racism, aiming to inspire ongoing improvements.
The Children’s Center Utah is recognized for integrating IECMH clinical services, therapeutic preschool, and Utah Infant-Toddler Courts, as well as plans to create an IECMH financial resource map, design a communications plan, and support state leadership.
We are proud of the work together with many state and private leaders to enhance Utah's IECMH policy strategies.
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Summer Drive
Join us in supporting children’s mental health by donating summer clothes, toys, hats, and more!
We are in high need of shorts, t-shirts, and underwear size 2T-5T for boys and girls.
All items will support children enrolled in Family Therapy and our Therapeutic Preschool program.
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Amazon Bestseller
Congratulations to Board member Nikki Walker for her Amazon bestseller "Awareness Put Me On."
Featuring an array of authors sharing soul-stirring stories of transformative moments, the book aims to increase awareness about mental health and break down the barriers silencing the stigma surrounding mental wellness.
Since the launching of the book in April, “Awareness Put Me On" became the #1 new release in Diversity & Inclusion and six other categories.
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The Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA) will be the beneficiary of the proceeds from launch and will continue to receive proceeds for three months post-launch! | |
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30 Women to Watch
Congratulations to Board members Jenn Barlow and Kara Rogers for being named by Utah Business as 30 Women to Watch honorees!
This award celebrates women role models and their accomplishments in the community. We are incredibly proud of Jenn and Kara and feel fortunate they serve on our Board of Directors.
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"I’ve been fortunate to experience opportunities in my life that have ignited within me a deep desire to give back to my community."
Jenn Barlow.
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"The work of The Children’s Center Utah is so important... I am humbled by the work they do, and I am proud to be affiliated with such an amazing organization." Kara Rogers | |
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Amy Bosworth
Director Philanthropic Partnerships,
Julie Hadlock Director Talent and Operations, and Board Chair, Greg Summerhays
with Jenn and Kara at awards ceremony.
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Parent Webinars
From February to April, The Children's Center Utah hosted a free 3-part webinar series, in partnership with the Utah Center for Evidence-Based Treatment. Mental health experts from both organizations addressed questions about parenting.
Over 90 people registered and topics included: understanding early signs of developmental disorders, tackling tough behaviors, and balancing self-care in parenthood.
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Past and current board members in front of mural at The Children's Center Utah campus
in West Valley City
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Past Board Members Gather
In February, we hosted an open house and welcomed past board members to our Children's Mental Health campus in West Valley City.
It was an opportunity to express our gratitude to members who paved the way to a brighter future for countless children and their families in our community.
We look forward to providing hope and healing throughout Utah and realizing our vision of becoming a statewide resource for our youngest children and their families.
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Jewelry Luncheon
Our 2024 Jewelry Luncheon was a tremendous success, raising over $190,000!!!
Huge thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, guests, and volunteers for making this possible and supporting our mission to provide comprehensive mental health care to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families and caregivers.
Jesselie Anderson was honored with the Inaugural Diamond Award, a champion for The Children's Center Utah for over 30 years!
The Diamond Award is presented annually to an individual whose passion for changing lives and building strong communities has elevated the statewide conversation about the importance of infant and early childhood mental health.
Can’t wait to see you all again in 2025!
Special thanks to the Jeffrey S. and Helen H. Cardon Foundation for matching donoations dollar for dollar up to $25,000!
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Guests browsing thousands of pieces of jewelry | Jesselie Anderson, 2024 Diamond Award honoree | | |
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Mental Health Awareness Month
Kid's Mental Health Can't Wait" launched our May Mental Health Awareness campaign to increase awareness about infant and early childhood mental health.
Thank you to all who supported our efforts, especially the 62 businesses (an increase of 30% over last year) and partners who supported cause marketing efforts throughout the month.
Together, social media efforts reached over 50,000 people and raised more than $8,000 for children, families, and caregivers!
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Become a Partner! Contact Carla at cfrein@tccutah.org for more information. |
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Intermountain Health receiving award | |
SHINE Gala
Thank you for helping young hearts SHINE at The Children's Center Utah's SHINE Gala, which raised an incredible $771,000 (and counting)!
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the event—from guests to sponsors and in-kind donors to volunteers. With your support, we create a brighter future and provide essential mental health services to Utah's children, families, and caregivers.
This year, we introduced the inaugural SHINE Award, recognizing Intermountain Health for its extraordinary commitment to the mission and vision of our organization, strengthening early childhood mental health for Utah children, their families, and caregivers.
Thank you for being a part of our mission!
Special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and in-kind donors, including Grandeur Peak Funds,
Pat and Florence King, Joan O’Hare, and
Optum Bank for their generous matching gifts.
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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. | | | | | |
