Navigating family life can be challenging. Chastity is a fabulous example of how to use resources available to her and make it work. Whether you’re seeking affordable childcare, parenting support, or crisis assistance, we are here to help. Stable housing is where it starts, and we are honored to provide that for hundreds of families. Once that stability is attained, there are many more resources available to assist. Families come in all varieties, large and small, nuclear and extended, single parents, and same gender parents. We are here to support all forms of what we call family. There is nothing that shapes our future and present more profoundly than those we call family. Keeping families taken care of on a budget can be tricky, but numerous local organizations and state programs are here to help.
We wish you good health and much happiness.
MAY
RESOURCES
A few more resources for our UNPHC EdX topic of the month: Family Living & ChildCare
First stop shopping is United Way of Utah 211.org, or simply dial 211 on your phone, they can connect you to everything listed below, and more!
🏥 Medical Care & Health Services
- State CHIP Program: Utah has expanded its Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to include undocumented children and teens under 19 from low-income, working households who don’t qualify for other insurance or Medicaid due to their citizenship status. This initiative provides health and dental coverage to eligible children and teens under 19 years old from low-income, working households who don’t qualify for other insurance or Medicaid due to their citizenship status. Are you looking for childcare or assistance in paying for it? USU can help you sort it all out, and also has grants should you be thinking of starting a childcare business. chip.utah.gov/
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy foods for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk. Services include one-on-one counseling, group classes, and web-based education. wic.utah.gov
- Medicaid Enrollment Assistance: Despite Medicaid expansion in Utah, many eligible low-income individuals and families remain unenrolled. Assistance is available to help navigate the enrollment process and ensure access to necessary health services. medicaid.utah.gov
🥕 Food Assistance & Nutrition
- Double Up Food Bucks: A program that matches SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery outlets, allowing families to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables. dhhs.utah.gov/double-up
- Produce Rx: A fruit and vegetable voucher program implemented in healthcare settings, providing eligible patients with up to $300 to spend at participating farmers markets and local retailers. Eligibility includes being 18+ years of age, having a household income 125% below the federal poverty level, and experiencing food insecurity. Department of Health and Human Services
- Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Offers an annual benefit of $50 to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at authorized community locations for eligible seniors. Eligibility includes being 60+ years of age and having a household income 185% below the federal poverty level. Department of Health and Human Services
- FeedUT: An online resource developed to help individuals quickly and easily find their nearest food pantries or prepared meal sites, providing information such as who qualifies, the days and hours open, and items to bring.
SaltLakeCounty.gov
📚 Education & Childcare
- Utah Community Action (UCA): Offers a range of programs including Head Start preschool, which provides free early childhood education, healthy meals, medical and dental screenings, and holistic support for children aged 0-5. Additionally, UCA offers HEAT Utility Assistance, Housing & Case Management, Home Weatherization, and Workforce Development programs. utahca.org
- Children’s Service Society of Utah (CSS): Provides services supporting the safety and well-being of children through programs such as Adoption, Building Blocks Childcare Center, Care About Childcare, Grandfamilies, and Home Visitation. CSS offers low-cost quality early childcare and education, as well as support for families caring for a relative’s child.
cssutah.org - Care About Childcare: A program by CSS that provides free resources to parents looking for quality child care in Salt Lake and Tooele counties, including information on licensed providers and financial assistance options.
mihp.utah.gov
🏠 Housing & Family Support
- Family Support Centers of Utah (FSCU): Offers a 24-hour crisis & respite nursery, professional therapy, parental education classes, and in-home programs such as family mentoring and adoption respite to help parents from the comfort of their own home. FSCU aims to strengthen Utah families by supporting parents, protecting children, and preserving families. utahfamilies.org
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides financial assistance to low-income families with children to help them achieve self-sufficiency. Assistance includes cash benefits, childcare, and work-related expenses. Childcare.gov
- Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS): For applications and information on TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and CHIP. Phone: 866-435-7414.
- Utah WIC Program: For nutrition assistance and counseling. Phone: 877-942-5437.
- Utah Community Action: For Head Start, HEAT, housing, and nutrition services. utahca.org
- FeedUT: To locate food assistance sites. dhhs.utah.gov/communityfood/
