As a program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, Utah Community Builders spotlights one organization each month that’s making a meaningful difference in the community. The initiative supports the Foundation’s mission to engage Utah’s business community in addressing key issues that strengthen the state’s workforce.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, The Family Support Center continues helping families thrive by easing stress and reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect through a range of programs.
What began in 1977 in Sugar House started with its foundational program, the Crisis Nursery, created to support parents facing short-term crises and protect children at risk of abuse or neglect.
Today, that program has expanded to additional locations in Midvale and West Valley City, alongside services like LifeStart Village, which provides safe housing and supportive resources for single-parent families working toward stability.
Operations Manager Natalie Krall shared, “We envision a world where every family feels safe from abuse, supported through trauma and surrounded by a community that helps them grow stronger together.”
The Family Support Center also offers parent education programs that include one-on-one support, peer cohorts, free workshops, classes and resources designed to help caregivers build stronger, healthier home environments.
Speaking about the families they serve, Krall said, “The parents that participate in our programs love their kids. They’re often overwhelmed and sometimes just need a safe place for a few hours. We try to meet families where they are — walking alongside them and connecting them to the resources they need.”
Whether families need direct support or are simply looking for guidance, The Family Support Center helps parents better understand what resources are available to them across Utah.
As Krall explained, “We’re tackling a big systemic issue from multiple angles — raising awareness about child abuse in Utah and showing that we care enough to learn, support and be a resource. Preventing child abuse also comes down to supporting families, whether that’s through community efforts or building more family-friendly, flexible workplaces.”
Discover their resources or get involved at familysupportcenter.org
