Friends of the Utah Jazz

April 2012: Friends of the Utah Jazz Assists Utah National Guard

During April, Jazz players generated funding for the Utah National Guard Charitable Trust. Richard Smith, director of basketball operations for the team, presented a donation check at a Jazz home game to a representative from the nonprofit.

The Utah National Guard Charitable Trust provides assistance to Utah military service members and their families who are suffering financially due to factors related to deployment and active service. Many of the families struggle to meet basic needs after deployment occurs, and emergency funds are made available to help with expenses such as unexpected home and car repairs, groceries, or transportation costs incurred when spouses travel to military treatment centers to be near husbands or wives injured in the line of duty.

Throughout the 2011-12 season, one community agency per month was selected as a recipient of a Friends of the Utah Jazz charitable donation. Other organizations that benefited from the program this past season include The Haven, Family Counseling Center and YWCA Family Justice Center.

February 2012: Friends of the Utah Jazz Assists Family Counseling Center

During February, Jazz players generated funding for the Family Counseling Center. Richard Smith, director of basketball operations for the team, presented a donation check at a Jazz home game to a representative from the nonprofit.

Founded in 1912, the Family Counseling Center has been helping Utahns for the past 100 years. The nonprofit offers professional counseling services that address a wide variety of issues, and it strives to provide therapy at an affordable cost for families. The organization also serves individuals, couples and groups.

December/January 2012: Friends of the Utah Jazz Assists The Haven

During January, Jazz players generated funding for The Haven. Team general manager, Kevin O’Connor, presented a donation check at a Jazz home game to a representative from the charitable group.

The Haven is a residential treatment center for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug abuse issues, and it was formed in 1969 to provide an alternative to expensive hospital care. In addition to providing in-house therapy, The Haven also provides post-treatment resources and support.

April 2011: Utah Parent Center Aided by Friends of the Utah Jazz

During April, funding was generated for the Utah Parent Center. Richard Smith, team director of basketball operations, presented a donation check for $5,000 at a Jazz home game to a representative from the nonprofit group.

Founded in 1984, the Utah Parent Center provides the parents of children with disabilities the tools to help their children lead more socially integrated and productive lives. Resources include one-on-one consultations, information and referrals, and free training. Thousands have benefited over the past 25 years from the facility’s parent-to-parent peer support model.

Other charitable organizations that received assistance from Friends of the Utah Jazz during the 2010-11 season include: South Valley Sanctuary, Family Promise, Midvale Family Health Clinic, Salt Lake City Mission and Common Ground Outdoor Adventures. More than $200,000 in charitable aid has been distributed via the program over the past four years.

March 2011: Common Ground Aided by Friends of the Utah Jazz

During March, funding was generated for Common Ground Outdoor Adventures. Richard Smith, team director of basketball operations, presented a donation check for $6,200 at a Jazz home game to a representative from the nonprofit group.

Common Ground helps over 2,400 youth and adults with disabilities annually by providing recreational opportunities such as hiking/climbing, snowshoeing, skiing, canoeing and fishing. Through participation in adaptive sports, individuals are able to overcome perceived limitations and increase their quality of life. Many of those assisted by Common Ground come from low-income households.

Over the past four years, Friends of the Utah Jazz has partnered with the team in reaching out to numerous local nonprofit groups. More than $200,000 in charitable aid has been distributed during that time.

February 2011: Salt Lake City Mission Aided by Friends of the Utah Jazz

During February, funding was generated for Salt Lake City Mission. Richard Smith, team director of basketball operations, presented a donation of $5,580 at a Jazz home game to representative from the nonprofit group.

Established in 1993 by Reverend Wayne Wilson and Fred Roennbeck, Salt Lake City Mission is a member of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. The organization helps those struggling with poverty, homelessness and drug or alcohol addictions move toward productivity and independence. Services provided by the mission include food, shelter, clothing, counseling and crisis intervention. The nonprofit also assists individuals with vocational guidance and job placement.

Over the past four years, Friends of the Utah Jazz has partnered with the team in reaching out to numerous local nonprofit groups. More than $200,000 in charitable aid has been distributed during that time.

January 2011: Midvale Family Health Clinic Aided by Friends of the Utah Jazz

During January, funding was generated for the Midvale Family Health Clinic. Richard Smith, team director of basketball operations, presented a donation check for $7,940 at a Jazz home game to a representative from the clinic.

Midvale Family Health Clinic works to assist those who may have difficulty locating and receiving health care due to poverty, language and cultural differences, lack of insurance, illiteracy or other barriers. The clinic helps qualified applicants access government assistance programs and provides basic health care services and education to children and adults in need. Services are paid for on a sliding scale or waived based on the patient’s income and ability to pay.

Over the past four years, Friends of the Utah Jazz has partnered with the team in reaching out to numerous local nonprofit groups. More than $200,000 in charitable aid has been distributed during that time.

December 2010: Family Promise Aided by Friends of the Utah Jazz

During December, funding was generated for Family Promise. Richard Smith, team director of basketball operations, presented a donation check for $6,280 at a Jazz home game to a representative from the nonprofit group.

Family Promise works with local congregations to provide homeless families temporary shelter. The nonprofit also operates a day center that offers access to laundry facilities, computers, daytime meals and transportation, and the organization has staff that provides assistance and case management. A high percentage of the families served by Family Promise successfully transition to permanent, stable housing.

Over the past four years, Friends of the Utah Jazz has partnered with the team in reaching out to numerous local nonprofit groups. More than $200,000 in charitable aid has been distributed during that time.

November 2010: South Valley Sanctuary Aided by Friends of the Utah Jazz

During November, funding was generated for South Valley Sanctuary. Kevin O’Connor, team general manager, presented a donation check for $9,300 at a Jazz home game to a representative from the domestic violence shelter.

South Valley Sanctuary provides refuge, shelter and support services to women, children and men who are experiencing domestic abuse. In-house services include individual advocacy and case management, life-skills classes, parent education, children’s programs and support groups. South Valley Sanctuary also operates a 24-hour crisis hotline and participates in domestic violence education and prevention community outreach efforts.

Over the past four years, Friends of the Utah Jazz has partnered with the team in reaching out to numerous local nonprofit groups. More than $200,000 in charitable aid has been distributed during that time.