Three foundational goals stand at the heart of Promise SSL: every child has the chance to attend and graduate from college, each resident has a safe, clean home and neighborhood, and everyone has the opportunity to be healthy and prosper. 

What began as a grassroots initiative from South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood in 2004 became an official city department in 2012, and Promise SSL continues to redefine what success looks like in its diverse communities. 

This year, the organization reached a new evolutionary point as it earned its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a nonprofit. The newly formed Promise South Salt Lake Foundation will continue its programs that serve more than 2,500 youth, families and community members each year.

“The growth and evolution of Promise South Salt Lake is the result of over a decade of hard work from our staff,” Wood said. “What started as a youth after-school program is now a complete cradle-to-career pipeline that uplifts youth and families beyond traditional services and infrastructure. And our senior service programs ensure we support and address the needs of our residents at every age.”

With more than 26,000 residents in South Salt Lake, the Promise SSL model features something to fit every demographic, from its Baby & You classes and after-school programs to the teen tech center and community resource pantry. 

It has also added a senior services liaison position to create more ways for the older generation to be involved with the community. The Promise SSL nonprofit status will open doors for more partnerships and funding opportunities for these types of services. 

The success of the program has gained national recognition as community leaders from other states have studied the Promise SSL model and have begun replicating it in other locations.

“It might look a little different, because every community might need something a little different, but it’s the idea of having services and programs that support a cradle-to-career pipeline,” said Promise SSL Director Kelli Meranda. “We’ve had organizations or communities from outside the city come and tour to see how we’ve set up our work here in South Salt Lake.”

With measurable goals and consistent tracking, program directors can see what’s working and what needs to be improved to create better outcomes for children, families and neighborhoods. 

Promise SSL Advancement Manager Tim Johns will oversee initiatives related to the nonprofit’s fundraising while cultivating relationships to grow the programs. He will also implement a storytelling program to help share success stories.

“We’re reaching out to the community to get input from parents, students who participate in our programs and volunteers with the organization,” Johns said. “We want to hear exactly how the program has changed their lives.”

While progress has been incremental, Promise SSL has reported positive changes in the city. In a recent survey, 100% of parents reported their kids feel safe in the after-school programs. Organizers know its success is a combination of the coalition work, community integration and family support.

“The results speak for themselves,” Wood said. “The true purpose is to give all our residents the opportunities and resources they need to succeed and lead happy, healthy and meaningful lives.”

Learn more about the organization’s programs at sslc.gov.