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Last year was filled with powerful reminders of why our work matters. I encourage you to take a moment to read our recent blog post, 2025 Wrapped: Ten Highlights from a Year of Impact, and celebrate the incredible difference we made together last year.
United Way of Salt Lake is jumping into the new year reinvigorated and ready to continue improving basic needs access and education outcomes for Utah kids and families—particularly at the systems level. Throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, United Way of Salt Lake is advocating for policies that support strong public education, healthy children and families, and economic mobility for all Utahns. Read on to learn more about these legislative priorities and other updates about our work.
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make 2026 a great year!
Sincerely,
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Bill Crim
President & CEO |
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ADVOCACY UPDATE
We’re Advocating for Utah Kids and Families
The 2026 Legislative Session began on January 20, and we are advocating for policies that put families first. Our top priority this year is the REACH (Raising Expectations through Accountability, Community, and Hope) bill, which would create a statewide initiative that supports community-based work to improve outcomes for young people from birth to education to workforce. Our other legislative priorities include early literacy, funding for 211 Utah, and child care access and affordability.
Last week, more than 250 attendees joined us at the Legislative Preview Breakfast hosted by United Ways of Utah. In addition to learning about our policy priorities, attendees heard directly from state legislators during a panel featuring Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, House Majority Whip Candice Pierucci, and House Minority Leader Angela Romero. The panelists discussed many current issues facing Utah including housing affordability and cost of living, child care and family supports, early literacy, and budget concerns.
To advocate with us and use your voice to create lasting systems-level change, please sign up for Action Alerts and subscribe to our Policy Matters emails. You can also access our 2026 Bill Tracker to follow our priority bills throughout the session. |
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PROGRAM UPDATE
REACH Supports Education & Economic Mobility
This legislative session, we’re working with Senator Lincoln Fillmore to introduce REACH—Raising Expectations through Accountability, Community, and Hope. This bill (SB 165) would create a grant program to support community-based partnerships across Utah. A strategic state investment would align community efforts into a unified action plan that will significantly improve outcomes like third-grade reading, high school graduation, and self-sufficiency. REACH has the potential to impact 200,000+ youth in 24 communities statewide and help create a tipping point for improved results and outcomes for kids and families throughout the entire state of Utah. |
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Volunteers in Action
Volunteers are the heart and hands of positive change in Utah. This past year, 1,568 people volunteered with United Way of Salt Lake and contributed 2,957 hours of volunteer service to improve the lives of local kids and families. That’s a total of $102,857 in volunteer time value.*
We are proud to celebrate the generosity and dedication of our volunteers who turned compassion into action across our community throughout the year.
2025 Volunteerism by the Numbers
📖 32,000+ books distributed to schools
🎒 8,554 backpacks collected for more than 10,000 Utah kids
🥪 2,883 food kits given to schools and pantries
📚 1,090 literacy and learning kits prepared
🪥 930 hygiene kits assembled
🧤 576 warm winter items collected
2026 brings new opportunities to serve and grow our impact. Explore how you can get involved and create change in our community this year.
*Based on the national value of volunteer time in 2025 as calculated by Independent Sector. |
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
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National 211 Day
February 11, 2026
Learn about the impact of 211 Utah, connecting people in need with basic needs resources and support.
Learn More > |
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Women United Galentine’s Gathering
February 12, 2026
Women United members are invited to bring their gal pals for a book drive and valentine-making social.
Please contact adrienne.smith@uw.org for more information. |
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Legislative Reception
February 19, 2026
Join us at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda to meet with legislators and advocate for our policy priorities.
RSVP > |
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Read Across America Day
March 2, 2026
Help us promote a love of reading in elementary students across the Wasatch Front.
Learn More > |
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Power of Your Purse Gala
May 8, 2026
Save the date for an unforgettable evening at our annual gala hosted by Women United. More details coming soon. |
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