As a nonprofit and program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, Utah Community Builders recognizes an organization each month that is making a meaningful impact in the community. This initiative aligns with their mission to activate the Utah business community to address pressing community issues that strengthen Utah’s workforce.
Since its founding in 2015, The Other Side Academy has given hundreds of people a second chance — offering structure, accountability and hands-on job training in a peer-led, two and a half year residential program. It all began when Joseph Grenny received a heartfelt letter from an inmate named Zach, searching for a better path than prison. Inspired, Joseph and his wife, Celia, joined forces with Tim Stay, a business colleague, and Dave Durocher, a Delancey Street graduate to bring the model to Salt Lake City.
At The Other Side Academy, students suffering from addiction, criminal recidivism and homelessness take ownership of their futures. So far, 188 have graduated — and many choose to stay longer, becoming “master students” who mentor others.
“Everyone here, all program staff and students, has lived this program,” said Cathy Holt, Development Director. “Staff share the same histories as our students, which creates a powerful peer mentorship model. They hold each other accountable, make real behavior changes, and model the same path they once walked themselves.”
Students also serve the community — volunteering at events, helping refugees and running the Academy’s businesses, which provide both revenue and real-world experience. As Holt puts it, “A key component here is that students have to get outside of themselves. Who we really are is how we impact people. Service becomes important to our students.”
Holt encourages people to shop at their thrift boutiques, use their moving company and hire their construction team. “Our students work hard to change their lives. What they’re doing here is powerful and it’s working.”
The Other Side Village is their latest venture — a planned community in Salt Lake City that offers affordable, permanent housing for people recovering from chronic homelessness. It combines safe shelter with support, jobs and community to promote long-term stability and purpose.
Through unwavering dedication to personal transformation and community impact, The Other Side is not just changing lives — it’s reshaping the future for those who need it most.
Learn more about their mission and how you can get involved here.
