When teens experience difficulties at home, the only escape they sometimes see is to run away; which often leads to further and even greater harm due to their vulnerability. Kristen Mitchell, Executive Director of Youth Futures Utah (Youth Futures), became aware of this trend of teens suddenly becoming unsheltered, without family or other resources to turn to. When she determined that no other existing organizations were directly focused in this area, she founded Youth Futures to provide the needed shelter, support, resources, and guidance to youth experiencing homelessness—helping them move from crisis to stability and toward a healthier future. Tune in to this episode to hear powerful stories of youth who gained hope and healing with the help of Youth Futures!

Did you know human heart rates can slow down when time is spent around horses? This phenomenon can be harnessed through therapeutic riding offered to individuals who endure varying challenges. On this episode of the Tanner Impact podcast, we are joined by Dennis Bromley, Executive Director, and Nancy McMurtrey of Courage Reins, a Utah county based nonprofit organization that provides equine‑assisted therapeutic riding, mental health services, and natural horsemanship programs designed to support physical, emotional, and mental well‑being for children, teens, and adults. Tune in to learn more about the empowering environment where individuals can build confidence, improve communication, and experience meaningful personal growth with the assistance of horses and trained professionals.

When learning starts outdoors, something special happens. The benefits of being in nature are immeasurable, as are the benefits of intentional early childhood education. On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, we learn more about Wonderbloom, Utah's first licensed nature-based preschool, from Lesley Gulledge, Outreach Specialist. Tune in to learn how they are helping the youngest among us learn, grow, and thrive through outdoor exploration and intentional early childhood education. Since the podcast was recorded, Wonderbloom has announced an exciting new partnership with Tracy Aviary, with plans to open a second location in 2026.

On this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast, Carin Crowe, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Salt Lake, joins us to share how the Organization is doing more than just helping to build homes; they are building hope in the community. You'll learn more about their four pillars of service: building affordable homes, making critical home repairs, offering low-cost building materials and household items in their ReStore, and supporting Habitat for Humanity's global housing projects.

Families and communities are at the heart of our society. On this episode of the Impact Podcast, Kent Bowman, Scott Sorensen, Dan England, and Mark Durham highlight the Organization "Cities Strong Foundation" and its efforts to foster connection, improve education, and support mental health and legal immigration needs, as well as to fund neighborhood improvement projects. Tune in to learn more about their grassroots initiatives like days of service, school mentoring programs, and their partnerships with organizations like myHometown and The Good Samaritan Foundation.

Developing a strong foundation of reading skills early in life is a critical step that contributes greatly to future success! Dr. Matt Hill, CEO of Waterford.org (Waterford Institute), joins us on this episode to highlight Waterford's Upstart program, among other things. Upstart is an interactive learning program that helps children in PreK to 2nd grade build strong skills in reading, math and science with activities that adapt to each child's level and needs. We hope you enjoy learning more about Waterford.org and the significant positive impact this nonprofit organization is making for children in Utah and beyond!

We all need to eat to live, and the way we manage our food and food waste has a real impact. Wasteless Solutions was founded in 2018 and has since diverted millions of pounds of food from our landfills into the hands of members of the community who need it most. Join us on this Episode of the Impact Podcast with Alexx Goeller, CEO, as she shares the incredible ways the Organization, along with many volunteers, participate in food rescue, and many other important programs.

Returning to work after a career break can be daunting, particularly for mothers. No one knows this better than Heather Nemelka, CEO and founder of Elavare, whose personal journey from an 18 year career gap to executive roles inspired her to start Elavare. Join us on this episode of the Tanner Impact Podcast as Heather outlines how the Organization helps empower women by sharpening their skills, rebuilding their confidence, and helping them re-enter the workforce.