Picture a playroom full of young children, adults enjoying zumba dance, mothers participating in parenting classes, and teens being taught arts and receiving tutoring. These are just a few of the things that occur daily within the walls of Provo’s South Franklin Community Center.

“Our purpose is to advance the common good through things like education and other skills. We are making sure the community has what it needs, and creating a community where the people feel they have social connections,” said Stephanie Anderson, one of the directors at the Community Center.

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Although it may feel like Provo is filled with people ready to serve, sometimes we are lacking the kind of service we need, explained Stephanie. Not long ago, there was a talk given by a leader of the LDS Church. The purpose of the talk seemed to be to get the people involved in service, specifically in the service for refugees. We know that nothing is wrong with this desire to serve refugees, but Stephanie makes the point that there are people in our neighborhoods that need help as well, and they may be being overlooked.

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“After these talks by the church leaders about refugees, we had many people calling in wanting to serve. One of the services we do for people locally is we put together quite a few newborn baby kits,” said Stephanie. “People calling in wanted to help put the kits together. However, many people started to ask if the ones they made could be used strictly for refugees, not for those other people struggling.”

Growing up, Stephanie felt she was surrounded by those who loved and valued her. She lived in a safe environment. Her town of Meridian, Idaho was small enough that she felt many social connections with those around her. Her naivety lead her to believe that everyone grew up in this sort of community and with this home life.

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“It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized the significance of the strong support system and social connections I had growing up. These people and skills I learned growing up helped shape me into who I am today,” shared Stephanie.

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For Stephanie, childhood and youth years were spent observing her parents as they always found ways to serve in their community. Though it was hard for her at the time to feel a desire to give up her time to service, the positive attitude of her parents inspired her to do the same. “I do feel that their actions helped me to see the benefit of service and the intrinsic feeling service brings,” said Stephanie.

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The hope is that people can see that service is not only for those who are from outside of the country. There are people in our backyards that are in need of our help. The best way to give them help is to give them social connections. People’s lives change when they feel that have somewhere and someone to turn to for help and comfort. People need to feel connected to their community so they can develop themselves and eventually give back to those around them, creating a cycle of service and growth rather than a cycle of poverty. United Way has the hope of helping to facilitate this shift.

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“Additionally, I would hope to see that volunteers and those who can donate will invest in local organizations and work together as we build relationships in our own neighborhoods and communities,” said Stephanie. “I believe that small changes can produce great change and we must work hard to be a part of positive changes in education, income and health.”