All Along the Wasatch

Mike chats with Executive Director Dr. Ben Abbott. Grow The Flow Utah is a citizen-led initiative dedicated to restoring and protecting the Great Salt Lake by advocating for policies and water practices that return more water to the lake. An initiative of Conserve Utah Valley, it brings together community members, scientists, and leaders to raise awareness and support sustainable solutions that protect the lake’s environmental and economic future. GrowTheFlowUtah.org

Mike chats with Founder & Artistic Director Derryl Yeager about Odyssey Dance Theatre, a Utah-based professional repertory company dedicated to producing high-quality theatrical dance while supporting local artists. Their lively spring showcase, “Shut Up & Dance,” features a dynamic mix of styles and original works highlighting the company’s versatility and creative talent, and runs April 7–11 at The Grand Theatre. OdysseyDance.com

Mike chats with President and Co-Founder Cherstyn Stockwell, Board Chair Layne Thompson, and Executive Director Amanda Meyer. Dahlia’s Hope is a Utah nonprofit providing trauma-informed aftercare to survivors of sex trafficking and sexual violence. The organization offers holistic support—including therapy, housing, and life-skills resources—to help survivors heal and build independent lives, empowering them to reclaim their strength and resilience. DahliasHope.org

Mike chats with Marketing and Communications Manager Candida Benson & Featured Artist Erin Blundell. Community Nursing Services is a Utah nonprofit founded in 1928 that provides home health, hospice, and charitable care regardless of ability to pay. Its annual Art & Soup fundraiser runs March 10-12 at Mountain America Expo Center, featuring local artists and restaurant soups, with proceeds supporting CNS’s Charitable Care programs. CNS-Cares.org

Mike chats with Founder and Executive Director Jacob Crane. Cultural Fire Events Inc. is an Indigenous-led nonprofit in Utah that creates spaces for Native culture to thrive. They put on powwows and other community events, and they also organize support efforts like firewood drives for families on the Navajo Nation. Everything they do centers on strengthening Indigenous communities, celebrating tradition, and making sure Native voices lead the way. www.CulturalFireEvents.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Alex Yrungaray. Building Up Youth promotes dignity, equity, and community through the principles of Restorative Justice. Our team of like-minded professionals provides curriculum and support to schools and community programs, helping foster stronger, more connected communities. We empower youth to embrace their authentic selves today so they can become caring parents, partners, coworkers, and community members tomorrow. www.BuildingUpYouth.org 

Dansie. For nearly 100 years, Community Nursing Services (CNS), Utah’s oldest nonprofit home health care agency, has delivered compassionate care. Serving 93% of Utahns through nine offices, CNS provides home health, hospice and palliative care, therapy, telehealth, and essential services regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Its Charitable Care Program supports thousands of low-income and underinsured Utahns each year. www.CNS-Cares.org

Mike chats with Founder & President Dan Henry and Executive Director Elizabeth Henry Weyher.  The Danielle Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people living with migraine through education, advocacy, and support. It offers programs like Migraine at School and migraine management courses to help individuals and communities better understand the disease. The foundation was created in memory of Danielle Byron Henry to honor her legacy by empowering those affected by migraine. DanielleFoundation.org

Mike chats with Founder Luke Mickelson. Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a national nonprofit dedicated to making sure no child has to sleep on the floor. Through a network of local chapters, volunteers build and deliver beds—complete with a mattress and bedding—to children ages 3–17 who lack a safe place to sleep. SHP exists because a bed is a basic need tied to a child’s health, comfort, and dignity, and its mission is summed up in a simple promise: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” SHPBeds.org

Mike chats with Downtown Food Pantry Assistant Director & Community Involvement Coordinator Erika Gee. Crossroads Urban Center is a Salt Lake City nonprofit that has spent over 50 years supporting Utahns with low incomes, people of color, and individuals with disabilities. They operate two emergency food pantries, a low-cost thrift store, and offer essential assistance like bus and prescription vouchers. In addition to direct services, Crossroads leads advocacy efforts through groups such as FACE Hunger & Homelessness and Powerful Moms Who Care, pushing for policies that address poverty, homelessness, and hunger. www.CrossroadsUrbanCenter.org

Mike chats with Kyle Doubrava, Tobacco Prevention Media Coordinator and Marci Nelson, Tobacco Prevention Cessation Coordinator. Tobacco-Free Utah is the state’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, dedicated to reducing tobacco use, nicotine addiction, and related health harms across Utah. The program provides quit services, promotes smoke-free policies in homes, workplaces, and public spaces, and supports community and school prevention efforts. Serving all Utahns — with special attention to groups facing higher health risks — the organization works to prevent addiction, reduce disease, and create a healthier, tobacco-free future for the state www.WayToQuit.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Celeste Edmunds. The Christmas Box International is a Salt Lake City–based nonprofit that protects children who are abused, neglected, trafficked, or facing homelessness. Through its three “Christmas Box Houses,” youth programs, and community partnerships, it provides shelter, essentials, and support to children and young adults in crisis. For Christmas 2025, the organization is hosting “Project Elf,” “Kids Helping Kids,” and other holiday drives to collect gifts and raise funds for the children they serve. www.TheChristmasBox.org

Mike chats with Founder & Artistic Director Derryl Yeager. Odyssey Dance Theatre is a vibrant non-profit dance company dedicated to making professional dance performances accessible to the community through outreach, workshops, and a diverse full-season of shows that reflect cultural creativity and excellence. Their signature holiday production, the “Christmas Spectacular: SPECTACULAR!”, is a fast-paced festive showcase of beloved holiday stories and dances—running December 17-23, 2025 at the Grand Theatre in SLC — offering everything from ballet-inspired classics to hip-hop Santas in one 90-minute experience. www.OdysseyDance.com

Mike chats with Community Development Program Coordinator Camille Morgenstern. Women of the World (based in Salt Lake City) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting refugee, asylum-seeking and immigrant women and girls — regardless of immigration status — by providing tailored case-management, English classes, job-skills training and community support so they can achieve self-reliance, economic empowerment and a meaningful voice in their new community. On December 6th, Women of the World will hold its annual “Celebration of Success” event to honor the achievements of the women they serve and raise support for their work. www.WomenOfWorld.org

Mike chats with Education Director Liz Anderson, and Plants Stewardship Director Ella Abelli-Amen. Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood, and Mill Creek Canyons form a vital ecosystem within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Visited by over five million people a year, they offer hiking, biking, climbing, and world-class skiing while supplying 60% of Salt Lake City’s drinking water. The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation educates the public about this unique environment and provides opportunities for stewardship and volunteerism—helping ensure the Canyons remain healthy and beautiful for generations to come. www.CottonwoodCanyons.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Gina Cornia. Utahns Against Hunger is a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Utah has access to the food they need. Through advocacy, outreach, and education, UAH connects people to programs like SNAP, supports local farmers markets, and raises awareness about hunger and its causes. Their work helps low-income families, seniors, students, and underserved communities by expanding access to nutrition programs and shaping better food policy. The discussion also addresses how the current government shutdown is affecting SNAP recipients. www.UAH.org

Mike chats with Development Director Joni Clark. The Children’s Center Utah is a nonprofit mental health organization providing trauma-informed care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Founded in 1962, it offers therapy, a therapeutic preschool, and early-childhood consultation while ensuring financial barriers don’t limit access to care. The Hope & Healing Online Fundraiser is a 90-hour campaign to raise $90,000—providing 90 children with four sessions of family therapy—running from 6 a.m. Monday, November 3rd, to midnight Thursday, November 6th. www.ChildrensCenterUtah.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Stacie Kulp. Seven 2025 Walks to End Alzheimer's are coming up in Utah in Spetember & October. More than 38,300 people in Utah are living with Alzheimer’s. 115,000 caregivers dedicate 137 million hours of unpaid care. From Logan to St. George and every town in between, your local Utah chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. Whether it’s offering support to anyone facing Alzheimer’s, advocating for the needs and rights of those facing dementia, or advancing critical research, we work toward methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure.   www.Alz.org/Utah

Mike chats with Executive Director Encarni Gallardo & Development Director Francesca Perkins. Since 1884, we've stood as Utah's trusted guardian of child welfare. Through our core programs - Adoption, Building Blocks, Care About Childcare, GRANDfamilies, and Home Visitation - we empower families and transform lives. As Utah's oldest non-profit dedicated to child welfare, we provide comprehensive, coordinated care that meets each family's unique needs. One child, one family, one future at a time. This year’s Perennial Hope Gala & Auction is September 19th at The Garden Place at Heritage Park. www.CSSUtah.org 

Mike chats with Director of Operations Shirlee Draper. Cherish Families was founded by individuals with a wide range of life experiences and a shared commitment to community well-being. Our team brings meaningful insight and understanding to the unique challenges people face in navigating systems, building stability, and finding resources that meet their needs. www.CherishFamilies.org

Mike chats with Senior Project Manager and Director of Marketing Bailey Rivera-Wymes.The Center for Economic Opportunity & Belonging (CEOB) envisions a Utah in which all of our residents experience a sense of belonging and access to opportunity so they can contribute their whole selves to the growth and enhancement of the economic, social, and political life of our state. When we have opportunity for all, we can create the kind of state in which everyone can and should thrive. www.BelongInUtah.org  

Mike chats with Executive Director Rachel Garrett. At Common Thread, we believe every teen deserves a place where they belong. We exist to fill the gaps left by traditional systems, creating safe spaces for Utah’s youth impacted by foster care and other vulnerable experiences. Through joy-filled events, mental health resources, and mentorship, we build resilience and empower teens to chart new paths forward. More than a nonprofit, we are a movement—led by teens, for teens—committed to breaking cycles and transforming futures. www.CommonThreadUt.com

Mike chats with Music Director and Conductor Michael Palumbo. At Chamber Orchestra Ogden, we believe in providing the community with a series of state-of-the-art shows and performances that truly make an impact. In truth, Chamber Orchestra Ogden has been dazzling audiences with magical productions since 2011. We’ve produced and hosted a wide range of performances and have an outstanding group of performers that bring each of our productions to life. www.ChamberOrchestraOgden.org

Mike chats with Director of Operations Stephen Cook & Deputy Director Gunnar Bjorklund. Our organization is dedicated to the rescue of starved, abused and slaughter-bound horses to help heal and rehabilitate those that can be adopted out to loving homes and to  provide a permanent home for those that are disabled. In support of these efforts, the organization seeks to increase beneficial human and equine relationships through animal/human interaction. www.lazybequine.org

Mike chats with Clinical Director for Utah County Lisa Hansen & Certified Social Worker Stephanie Stevers . At Flourish Therapy, we are committed to expanding access to affordable, culturally competent, evidence-based behavioral and mental health services for LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families. Flourish Therapy is a clinical care program that provides individual, couples, family and group counseling for all age groups, including short- and long-term counseling, crisis intervention, parent intervention, and support services with a focus on quality care for LGBTQIA+ clients and their families. www.FlourishTherapy.org

Mike chats with Education & Outreach Director Katie Newburn and Membership & Programs Director Holly Simonsen. FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake was founded in 1994. The mission of FRIENDS is to preserve and protect the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the Lake through education, research, advocacy and the arts. The long-term vision of FRIENDS is to achieve comprehensive watershed-based restoration and protection for the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. www.fogsl.org

Mike chats with Community Relations Supervisor Deb Jordan. ARUP Blood Services is a nonprofit collection center that is proud to be the sole blood provider to The Huntsman Cancer Institute and The University of Utah Health. ARUP Blood Services is a component of ARUP Laboratories, an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Children and adults undergoing bone marrow transplants or suffering from cancer, burns, trauma, surgery, or illness count on ARUP to have an ongoing supply of blood for their treatment. www.UtahBlood.org

Mike chats with Chief Operating Officer Ryan Erickson. Kids On The Move provides a comprehensive range of services to families who have children with development delays, lifelong disabilities, and other special needs that impact families. Our core mission is to support the positive development of young children through empowering parents, and immersing them as partners in improving their own lives and the lives of their children. Programs include an Autism Center, Early Head Start, Early Intervention, Respite Care, Preschool & Child Care, and Family Support Services. www.KOTM.org

Mike chats with Chief Executive Officer Karen McCandless & Chief Operating Officer (and CEO starting July 1st) Tom Hogan. Since 1967, our agency has stabilized people’s lives by meeting their basic critical needs during crises and offering long-term solutions to rebuild financial and social self-sufficiency. We proudly serve Utah, Wasatch, and Summit County in Utah. We are not only a food bank – we provide FOOD+MORE to our community, including housing, food, nutrition, education, and support services. www.CommunityActionProvo.org 

Mike chats with Executive Director Elizabeth Rasmussen. We work to impact our election system, elevate the voice of Utah voters, and ensure that lawmakers represent the interests of the people above all. As a group of voters we Utahns are generally moderate/conservative, but some elements of our system favor extremism and result in leadership and legislation that don’t reflect who we are.  This is why voters need to continually refine our election system and remind elected leaders that ours is a government of the people and that their purpose is to represent our opinions and interests. www.BetterBoundaries.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Paige Huff & Board Member Damon Talbot. Adults with serious mental illness in Salt Lake City deserve every opportunity to build self-confidence and self-esteem, reintegrate into their community, become independent and productive members of society and live happy, healthy lives. That’s why Alliance House exists to provide a supportive environment where adults with serious mental illness can rebuild their self-respect, dignity, and abilities through education, productive work, and meaningful relationships. We do this by helping Members complete educational goals, develop necessary work skills in order to return to productive employment in the community, and where needed, help Members find and secure affordable housing. www.AllianceHouse.org

Mike chats with President & Founding Director Rich Csenge and Secretary Cindy Von Halle. Amazing Earthfest is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Kanab, Utah, established in 2007 to produce an annual public festival celebrating National and State Parks, National Forests, Monuments and Public Lands of the Colorado Plateau. This year's festival is May 8th-11th in Kanab, UT. Our educational festival brings enjoyment and learning opportunities to residents and visitors while enhancing community and economic resilience in Kane County, Utah. www.AmazingEarthfest.org

Mike chats with Jets Members Rudy Wolfgramm, Haini Wolfgramm, and Vanessa Naeata,Opening Act Analea Brown, and Gary Robison with Integrity Music management. The 10th Annual 100 Mile Walk to Wendover, to benefit the Life's Worth Living Foundation, starts Friday April 25th. The Jets will performa benefit concert at the afterparty on April 26th at The Peppermill Concert Hall. Buy tickets: www.WendoverFun.com Founded in 2014, Life's Worth Living Foundation is a  created to raise awareness of, educate on, and prevent suicide. We are a registered 501c3 charity primarily focused on the Tooele County area, but our support often stretches throughout the State of Utah.   www.LifesWorthLiving.webflow.io

Mike chats with Executive Director Staci Duke, Director of Litigation at Utah Legal Services Jacob Kent, and Public Affairs Supervising Attorney at the Disability Law Center Nate Crippes. The mission of “and Justice for all” is to increase access to civil legal services for the disadvantaged and for individuals with disabilities in Utah by creating and sustaining resources to ensure that Utahns across the state have access to the legal system, regardless of income level, disability, age or minority status. www.AndJusticeForAll.org

Mike chats with Founder & Executive Director Richelle Gruber, Veterinary Technician Paige Ludwig, and Volunteer Cat Adoption Advisor Nickolas Rodesch. Angel Paws Veterinary Services is Utah’s only veterinary clinic that focuses on providing medical care to homeless pets being cared for by shelters and nonprofit rescue groups.  This includes preventative services such as spaying and neutering, vaccinations and wellness visits, as well as treatment for illness or injuries. www.AngelPawsUtah.org

Mike chats with Founder & Director Derryl Yeager. Shut Up and Dance is being performed April 2nd through the 5th at The Grand Theatre, 1575 South State in SLC. Odyssey Dance Theatre’s mission is to provide quality entertainment and artistic excellence in theatrical dance as a professional dance company; to provide employment for Utah’s talented dancers; to exercise and maintain fiscal responsibility and be debt free; and to make theatrical dance more accessible to a wide audience by utilizing current social themes and music, as well as creating and re-creating classical and full-length works that are exciting to all demographics. www.OdysseyDance.com

Mike chats with Executive Director Brandon Harding & Co-Creator and Veteran Anthony Droz. At Veterans in the Wild, our mission is empowering veterans through nature by providing transformative wilderness expeditions that promote healing, resilience, and community. Through veterans wilderness trips, we aim to support veterans in their transition to civilian life, fostering physical and mental well-being, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Our commitment is to honor their service by offering a sanctuary in nature where they can reconnect with themselves, build lasting camaraderie, and embrace new challenges in a supportive and restorative environment.   www.VeteransInTheWild.org 

Mike chats with Executive Director Annie Bommer. The idea of a ski museum originated in 1989 when a group of enthusiasts led by Alan Engen recognized the need to honor the pioneers and athletes who had significantly contributed to winter sports in the Intermountain Region. Its location was chosen for its proximity to Ecker Hill and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games venues. The groundbreaking for the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center took place in 2000, and the building served as a media center during the 2002 Winter Games. The museum then moved into the Sports Center and opened to the public in 2002. The George Eccles Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum opened in 2005.   www.EngenMuseum.org

Mike chats with President and CEO Ginette Bott. The Feed Utah Food Drive is March 15th. Residents across the state will receive door hangers during the week leading up to the food drive, and Utah Food Bank asks those able to support the effort to place nonperishable food donations outside their door by 9:00 am on Saturday, March 15. Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but has always remained true to our mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide. 415,000 Utahns, which equates to 1 in 8 individuals, are at risk of missing a meal today. www.UtahFoodBank.org

Mike chats with Festival Owner & Co-Director Marhsall Moore. The Zions Indie Film Fest is February 24th through March 1st at the SCERA Center in Orem. Zions Indie Film Fest (ZIFF) is a premiere presenter of cinematic stories from independent filmmakers around the world. Set alongside Utah’s spectacular Wasatch Mountains, ZIFF brings together a sophisticated and diverse audience of movie-goers, film industry leaders, movie critics, film students, government leadership and sponsors. Selected films will cover a wide range of trending topics that uplift and inspire, as well as simply entertain and provide a much-needed laugh. www.ZionsIndieFilmFest.com

Mike chats with Executive Director Chauma Kee-Jensen & AIS Prep Director Kevin Sekaquaptewa. Established in 1981, we are one of the nation's longest-running American Indian scholarship non-profit organizations. We're dedicated to helping Native Americans have access to a quality education, while still preserving their culture and honoring their heritage. Our mission is to provide preparatory programs for youth and financial assistance for those in pursuit of a college degree. Join American Indian Services for our 21st Annual Scholarship Gala, Saturday, March 1st at The Grand America Hotel.   www.AmericanIndianServices.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Carie Fanning & Program Director Keith Burns. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit aiming to end local hunger. We partner with food pantries across the Wasatch Front to provide free home delivery of food pantry items. This is especially beneficial for feeding low income families, immigrants, the disabled, the elderly, and those who lack reliable transportation. There are also many individuals who live far away from food pantries or work while food pantries are open. It is our mission to make sure these communities and each individual has sustainable access to high quality food. UCFR's Big Hearts Charity Bash is on Saturday, February 15th at 7:00 PM at Club House SLC.   www.UtahCrisisFoodResponse.com

Mike chats with Program Development Director Abby Warr & KeyBank Utah Market President Drew Yergensen. People Helping People, Inc is a local grassroots 501c3 non-profit Employment Program dedicated to reducing the number of children living in poverty be helping low-income women, primarily single moms, reach an adequate income through successful employment. PHP helps families break the cycle of poverty by teaching low-income women how to reach their full potential in the workplace. People Helping People has officially expanded our reach to serve women in Tooele, Box Elder, & Cache counties thanks to a $75,000 expansion grant from Key Bank. www.PHPUtah.org

  Mike chats with cross country cycling event participant Kai Shapiro. The Ability Experience is the philanthropic initiative of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Each year, approximately 50 men embark on a cross-country trip to test their limits, spread awareness, and celebrate the abilities of all people. With two routes kicking off on the West Coast, teams spend the summer crossing the country over a combined 8,000 miles with an arrival at the Capitol Lawn in Washington DC to mark the end of a life-changing event. Along the way, the team spreads the message of disability awareness through local media and makes stops at partner organizations where we deliver joy to our friends from the disability community. www.AbilityExperience.org To sponsor Kai go to: https://give.abilityexperience.org/fundraiser/5344224 

Mike chats with Executive Director Kristen Floyd. Ability Inclusion Services enriches the lives of people with disabilities by actively providing community opportunities for independence and individual growth. We are enthusiastically committed to helping adults with disabilities create meaningful lives through personalized services that focus on individual enrichment and community inclusion. We continually focus on what ability is—a beautiful, affordable, inclusive, and accessible life! www.AbilityIS.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Brandon Harding & Co-Creator and Veteran Anthony Droz. At Veterans in the Wild, our mission is empowering veterans through nature by providing transformative wilderness expeditions that promote healing, resilience, and community. Through veterans wilderness trips, we aim to support veterans in their transition to civilian life, fostering physical and mental well-being, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Our commitment is to honor their service by offering a sanctuary in nature where they can reconnect with themselves, build lasting camaraderie, and embrace new challenges in a supportive and restorative environment.   www.VeteransInTheWild.org 

Mike chats with Co-Owner Lindsey Armstrong. In September of 2020 the idea of Clementine Ranch started becoming a reality. Rob and Lindsey's goal was the ranch would be a place of compassion, life, and creativity—one that combines their love of animals, a vegan lifestyle, and music. The future of the ranch would not only include the animal sanctuary, but also an organic greenhouse and a state-of-the-art recording studio for bands to create their art in. Things starting moving much sooner than expected and on October 2, 2020 Lindsey and Rob made it public that they had taken over an existing animal sanctuary. Clementine Ranch was born. www.ClementineRanch.org

Mike chats with Co-Founder and Director of Community Outreach Jennifer Simonic. Loose Ends aims to ease grief, create community, and inspire generosity by matching volunteer handwork finishers with projects people have left undone due to death or disability. Loose Ends welcomes textile handwork crafters of all sorts, from anywhere in the world. www.LooseEnds.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Shauna K. Brown and Tutor Vickie Venne. Project Read changes lives through literacy and empowers individuals, strengthens families, builds communities, and creates new cycles of intergenerational literacy. We believe that every person has the right to the options and opportunities that literacy provides. When literacy is achieved, doors are opened, opportunities gained, and lives are changed. We provide individual tutoring and small group instruction to help individuals improve their ability to read, write, compute, and use technology sufficiently to meet personal goals, function well in society, and become more productive citizens. www.ProjectReadUtah.org

Mike chats with Executive Director Michelle Flynn & Communications Specialist Alicia Gleed. The all-day Mediathon, an annual tradition to raise money and other essential items for the Road Home, is happening on Friday, December 20th. The broadcast is a friendly competition among the radio stations to see who can bring in the most money by asking listeners and businesses to make donations. The broadcasts are the largest fundraiser for the shelter each year. The mission of The Road Home is to help people step out of homelessness and back into our community. The Road Home is a private nonprofit social services agency that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake County and along the Wasatch Front. www.TheRoadHome.org