South Salt Lake has set some lofty goals: foster a community where every child has the opportunity to earn a college education, where residents have clean, safe neighborhoods and where families and individuals have the resources needed to succeed.

The city also knows that volunteers and programs are crucial to reaching its goals. Because of its dedication to building a supportive and inclusive community, SSL recently earned a designation from JustServe, an organization that matches volunteers with programs. 

The JustServe City designation honors cities that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to volunteering and that have made a significant impact in their communities through these efforts. SSL is only the second city in Utah to earn the title, with South Jordan being the first.

“We are committed to giving everyone the opportunity to succeed and we know that we cannot do it alone,” said Promise SSL Deputy Director Edward Lopez. “Volunteerism is instrumental to us being able to work towards our promises. Volunteers help us expand our impact by supporting the work of Promise South Salt Lake and other city departments through events, arts programming, recreation activities, emergency management needs, maintaining and revitalizing public spaces, assisting with animal care and adoption, and more.”

Volunteers assist with Promise SSL programs including afterschool mentors, child care and tutoring. The city’s recreation department utilizes volunteers as coaches and referees during spring and summer sports leagues. SSL Animal Services uses volunteers at the shelter to spend time with the dogs and the city’s neighborhoods department has opportunities for planting trees, cleaning up parks and beautifying the area.

The SSL Arts Council uses dozens of volunteers to help organize and staff several city events including the popular Mural Fest and CraftoberFest, celebrating local music, food and art. 

To receive the JustServe designation, SSL officials had to create and display a city volunteerism proclamation, encourage unity and city values by supporting diverse groups in their service efforts and formally recognize individuals for community service. 

The proclamation, signed by SSL Mayor Cherie Wood, states, “The City recognizes that the strength of our community lies in the collective support of one another, forming the foundation of a harmonious and thriving society.”

Paul Wood is a coordinating council JustServe specialist who worked with SSL leaders to help them get the designation. He said the level of volunteer engagement they received, and their dedication to creating community programs, raised the bar for other cities to follow.

“What sets them apart is their spirit of wanting to aid people in the community to progress in their lives,” Wood said. “The notion of volunteerism in a city becomes critically important for the existing climate. People are cooperating. People are working with each other and on projects, and they may be working next to someone they’ve never met before. There’s the opportunity to become acquainted with new people within the community and with people you know. South Salt Lake is a very diverse community.”

JustServe is an online platform created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was designed to help communities find program volunteers and to give people the opportunity to volunteer for causes they support.

The JustServe program has expanded to nearly 20 countries with more than 50 JustServe designated cities worldwide. For more information, visit JustServe.org. 

“The proclamation that was filed by the mayor is one of the fundamental issues which sets them apart,” Wood said. “If you read through it, you understand the nature of their commitment to the residents of South Salt Lake and their desire, through volunteerism, to bring unity among the residents and raise the quality of life in South Salt Lake.” λ