Event Details
Suggested Dress code: Cocktail Attire
About The Work Activity Center
The Work Activity Center enriches the lives of people with disabilities by actively providing community opportunities for independence for individual growth.
The Center was founded in 1958 by a group of parents whose children had disabilities. The group was able to rent a barracks building at Fort Douglas for $1 a year. When public education for all children was mandated in 1975, our focus changed to assisting adults with disabilities.
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, services grew to support a wider variety of needs. Employment programs were created so that individuals could go out into the community and earn a paycheck. Residential services were started to address the needs of individuals that needed support to live on their own. Additional day services were opened in the 90’s so participants could have community and sensory experiences.
Today the center is one of Utah’s most vibrant work and training alternatives, providing an invaluable resource for over 250 participants and their families.
Fundraising for a Cause!
There are too many individuals living with disabilities that require government aid, yet many lack avenues to obtain it. The waiting list for state assistance through the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) exceeds 5,000 people, with some enduring waits of over 15 years. This figure only accounts for those formally on the waiting list, excluding those unaware of the process or who have given up hope of assistance. While Governor Cox allocated some funding in this year's budget, it will only accommodate 270 individuals from the list.
The Work Activity Center is hosting their first annual Spring Fling Gala that will establish a scholarship program to help fund people that can't access state funding so they can get the services they need. These services include day, residential and employment programs. Organizations like the work Activity Center exist to provide these vital services, but without DSPD support, many families simply can't afford to pay even the low rate required to offset our costs to provide these services.
Additionally, there are occasions where additional funds are needed for outings, essential supplies, and/or food for our individuals. This scholarship program will ensure the ongoing success of our vital community inclusion program and enable us to meet the diverse needs of the people we serve.
Bring together your friends, family, and colleagues for an enjoyable evening of fun, socializing, meaningful interactions, and building connections on March 21st at the Work Activity Center. Join us as we celebrate and raise awareness of this unique population and work toward raising $50,000 that will allow us to create this scholarship fund that will support access to these much-needed services.
Gala Sponsors
Thank you to all of our event sponsors! We appreciate you!
