Each year, more than 900 students and their families are served by the Salt Lake County Youth Services after-school program within the Granite School District. On Oct. 23, a celebration of the program was held at Matheson Junior High School, one of 11 sites within the District running after-school programs where students can enroll to be part of the program.

A games room, reading area and classroom are among the special sections set aside for the program. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

“Providing safe places for youth to gather after school is crucial to their health and well-being,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “In addition to building confidence in youth, these programs strengthen our neighborhoods, support working families, and contribute to community resiliency.”

She said the Lights On After-school Celebration helped highlight the importance of continued investment in after-school programs. At Matheson, booths were set up in the lobby outside the school auditorium showcasing various services and community partners who are part of the program.

The Matheson program is housed in a former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Seminary building adjacent to the campus. The building has several different “sections” where students can spend time, including a games room, library-type reading area, a Grub Hub for snacks provided by the Utah Food Bank, a classroom area with desks where they can finish homework or other projects, and the Zen Den, a room where they can sit in quiet and/or meditate. The entire facility is brightly decorated and inviting.

Salt Lake County Associate Deputy Mayor Katherine Fife spoke to the audience, saying she got to see the benefits of the program “by having my son enrolled when he was younger. Everyone who runs and works and dedicates their careers to after-school programs is experiencing an opportunity that stays with you for life—investing in the future for our youngsters. I also want to pay tribute to all the parents who are here for participating and having your children enroll in such enriching activities. And for you kids, I hope you know how lucky you are to have the opportunity to be part of these activities every day. You’re probably going to think back on this in about 10 years and realize it was the coolest thing.”

The Zen Den allows students to sit quietly or meditate while at the Matheson after-school facility next to the regular junior high. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

She said the programs are vitally important and “I am honored to be here to celebrate it. Our partnership from the county with the Granite School District is so important to us. The difference these programs make in our lives is so incredibly important.”

“These programs provide peace of mind to parents, knowing their children are in a safe, structured, and supportive academic environment during out-of-school hours,” said Danielle Latta, after-school program manager with Salt Lake County Youth Services.

Following a tour of the facility, families enjoyed a dinner as well as visits to the resource booths showcased at the school.

“Thanks to our nearly 20-year partnership with Granite School District, high-quality after-school programs…have served approximately 18,000 Salt Lake County youth and families,” Mayor Wilson said. “We look forward to serving thousands more in the years to come.”