The Carbon County Family Support and Children’s Justice Center (CJC) has many events and activities that they host year-round but this last year has been a bit different due to the COVID pandemic. Director, Shelley Wright took some time from her busy schedule to speak with Castle Country Radio about how the year went for the CJC.

“When COVID hit we seen a decrease in families. Not just because families were afraid to get out into the community but because we had to have restrictions put in place and we still have restrictions. It really affected the services that we wanted to provide to families, and there were a lot of families out there that didn’t get the service because of the restrictions. We still were never the less providing services to families and giving them that break, and providing their crisis care services,” said Wright. Many of the organization’s events and activities for the year were altered to fit COIVD guidelines.

One of those events that was held was the Child Abuse Campaign activity that the organization ties into the Easter Holiday. “Instead of having an event at the center we provided like a drive-thru opportunity where families came and picked up child abuse prevention information and resources, and different opportunities for us to bring awareness to the community,” said Wright. The event was a great idea and led to other events being held during the year while complying with the COVID guidelines.

June was Utah Family Month which is a big event for families to come out and enjoy kite flying. “Normally, we have a kit flying day and we invite the community and serve lunch. This time we didn’t have the opportunity but we still did an activity. We provided it through a drive-thru. Families drove through our parking lot, we provided each child with a free kite, an activity for the kids, and we also provided some resources to the families who drove through our parking lot,” said Wright. Again, this event went well and families were pleased with the resources and information that was shared with them while complying with the COVID guidelines.

The next huge event that took place at the center was the Back-to-School event, it was held but altered. “We set it up at the event center, the county was gracious to let us use the space to set it up, all of our backpacks and school supplies and all the clothes that we had, and we just scheduled families in by appointment. So they were able to come in, they spent about 30 minutes, children received backpacks and school supplies. It was still very successful, we served approximately 175 families,” stated Wright. This is just shy of the 250 families that were served in 2019 during the Back-to-School event.

The year finished with the annual Christmas Tree Regalia which was held in the downtown area throughout various business store fronts. “It was such a success, it was on Main Street; normally we have it at the Event Center but it opened up Main Street, it brought different people to the community out and it just brought a lot of cheer and hope to our community, I think” said Wright. The event is put on by the Friends Board for Carbon and Emery Children’s Justice Center. Officials have received feedback from many residents who enjoyed having the regalia inside the businesses on Main Street and hope the tradition will continue into the future.

To learn more about the Family Support and Children’s Justice Center in Carbon and Emery Counties visit their website or Facebook page.