A new community center in central West Valley City is helping residents feel a greater sense of belonging in their neighborhoods and the community at large. 

The Community Resource Center, as it’s called, is actually a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located at 4145 S. 3920 West, it is the newest gathering spot of the My HomeTown Initiative in West Valley City for people who would like to be more engaged and involved by learning new skills such as English as a Second Language, Spanish, sewing, art, piano, choir, dance, yoga, children’s literacy, and even how to play the ukulele. There are also classes on parenting and self-confidence. 

“Local citizens can come and participate in free classes that are offered in a variety of (topics),” said Rich Irion, associate director of My HomeTown in West Valley City. “These are things that can be of value to people that are new to the area and trying to establish a home.” 

Classes are taught on Tuesday and Thursday nights starting Sept. 10 and will run eight to nine weeks. A similar schedule of classes is held in the winter and spring. 

My HomeTown Initiative is a consortium of government, faith, and civic organizations that contribute financial and material resources to bring a better quality of life on a neighborhood and community level. West Valley City and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are two such partners. “This venture is created to strengthen and improve individuals, families, and homes in West Valley City neighborhoods,” Irion said. 

My HomeTown also gives back by way of its program “Days of Service” in which volunteers help neighborhoods repair and clean up homes and other properties. It occurs every other weekend in late spring, summer and early fall. “There are designated service projects and people from all over the valley come…and take care of fixing up a fence, cleaning up a yard, painting a structure, and so on,” Irion said.

To celebrate this newest Community Resource Center in West Valley City, a grand opening will be held Thursday, Sept. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. Food, music, booths, and fire trucks will be part of the festivities. The event is free.  

My HomeTown has three other Community Resource Centers at church buildings in West Valley City: 2835 S. 2855 West, 2850 W. 3835 South and 3305 S. Scottsdale Drive. It also operates centers in Salt Lake City and Provo. 

For more information on the West Valley City program, visit www.wvc-ut.gov/1789/My-Hometown-Initiative. λ