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Volunteer "My Hometown" group pitches community resource centers and days of service to Layton
Summary
State-linked volunteer organization My Hometown (program directors from Barr West/Utah) presented a model of community resource centers and recurring days of service, seeking Layton partnership and local commitment; staff asked for follow-up materials and noted a potential city component and financial/operational partnership.
Representatives of the My Hometown initiative described a volunteer-driven program that pairs a community resource center (CRC) offering ESL, basic computer skills, music and trade classes with recurring "days of service" that mobilize volunteers to renovate yards, repair fences, remove debris and provide small accessibility upgrades.
Steve Peterson, associate director for My Hometown, said the model began in West Valley City five years ago and has expanded to Ogden, Provo and other Utah cities. Peterson said the program uses volunteers (including faith-based missionaries, corporate volunteers and local residents), coordinates with schools and nonprofits, and operates with no paid field staff — instead relying on a local city partnership and a supporting 501(c)(3) called City Strong.
Craig Burton, who works with the initiative’s CRCs, described classes and services: English as a second language (ESL) with thousands of students served across cities, homework help, basic computer training, sewing and music lessons, and youth-engagement programming called "Youth in Action." Peterson and Burton said the initiative had achieved thousands of volunteer hours and multiple community projects (painting, yard cleanup, fence repair, tree removal) and that the My Hometown team has helped residents obtain citizenship and other stabilization services in partnership with local stakeholders.
Council members asked about city involvement and funding. Peterson said the program requires a formal city partner and some local investment; volunteers operate under the city's auspices when the city participates. The presenters offered to forward program materials and cost estimates for staff review. Council staff asked for specifics about how existing city programs might be folded into the model; staff and the presenters agreed to follow up.
The council did not take action at the meeting; presenters said they will send more detailed materials for staff consideration of program scope and any potential financial contributions or logistical support.
