HIGH 5

High 5: Volunteer Helps Others Achieve Financial Stability Through Utah County Program

Dec 23, 2019, 8:49 AM | Updated: Dec 24, 2019, 8:00 am

PROVO, Utah – Alan Thomson is a man who embodies service, and he volunteers for a program that is changing lives.

Circles Utah Valley is a community-based initiative where volunteers step into the circle of a struggling individual or family to help them achieve financial stability. Alan is one such volunteer.

Homes come in many shapes and sizes. For the last four months, the Reece family in Provo has been calling a trailer their home.

That’s two adults, seven kids and two dogs in one trailer. It’s what poverty looks like. However, Tenteshia Reece is working to change her family’s future with the help of Circles and volunteers like Alan.

“The way Circles works is I’m what they call an ally,” Alan said. “… Tish — she’s the leader. She tells me what she wants to accomplish, and then she asks me what I can do to help her.”

Alan helped  Tenteshia find the temporary home, and he helped set up a kitchen in a nearby shed.

“This is where we cook dinners or lunches,” Tenteshia said, showing KSL TV the kitchen area.

Together, their next goal is to find a real home.

Each week, the Circles program meets at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Provo. Here, individuals and families have a meal and then work with volunteers like Alan on goal setting, budgeting, and other life skills.

“We work those budgets and how to do a resume and how to increase job skills,” said Circles Utah Valley Coordinator Kathy Givens. “We tap them into the resources in the community that might give them scholarships to further their education. Just all kinds of coaching. Whatever coaching they might need.”

During one of these meetings, KSL TV met Trevor Buit, who was one of Alan’s previous leaders.

He said Alan had a major impact on his life.

“He was a very valuable part of my circle,” Trevor said. “Being in the situation I was and looking for employment, there was never any judgement with that. (There was) never any, ‘I know better than you,’ or anything like that.”

At a recent Circles meeting, we recognized Alan for his efforts in changing lives and changing generations by helping better the life of one person at a time.

And America First Credit Union was there to help further Alan’s efforts.

“I can see these people’s faces,” said Carlie Brown with America First Credit Union. “They truly admire you for all that you’re doing. As a thanks, America First would like to extend $1,000 to you to put towards what you’re doing in the community.”

Alan and Circles Utah Valley are both deserving of a KSL High 5 for bringing hope to families in Utah County, for being willing to spend time in another person’s circle, and for providing guidance along the way.

“Alan is the best,” Tenteshia said. “He is an amazing guy. This is more than anyone has ever done for me. I’m thankful I have Alan because, without Alan, I don’t think I would have accomplished anything that I’ve accomplished in the past two years.”

She’s accomplished even more since we spoke to her. Days ago, the Reece family was approved to rent a four-bedroom home in Orem.

Circles Utah Valley is always looking for people who want to help, from childcare volunteers to donating meals to becoming an intentional friend or ally to sharking skills as a consultant. For volunteer opportunities, email volunteerconnection@communityactionuc.org. You can also get more information at the program’s Facebook page or at the organization’s website.

KSL 5 TV Live

High 5

(KSL TV)...

Dan Spindle, KSL TV

HIGH 5: Utah Group Packs Thousands Of Bags To Feed Kids Through Summer Months

There are Utah children who won't go hungry thanks to some caring volunteers with USANA Kids Eat.

3 years ago

Chris Schunk is a special education teacher at Snowcrest Junior High School. (KSL TV)...

Haley Smith, Cary J. Schwanitz, KSL TV

High 5: Special Ed Teacher Treats Students As People First

Students and parents at Snowcrest Junior High couldn’t imagine a day without special education teacher Chris Schunk as they navigated the highs and lows of the last school year in the middle of the pandemic.  

3 years ago

Crossing Guard Verl Creager makes sure to wave at every car, every day. (KSL TV)...

Haley Smith & Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

High 5: Crossing Guard’s Kind Gesture Brightens Community

Verl Creager is the school crossing guard at Valley Elementary School. Many don't know his name, but they know who he is because of a simple gesture. He makes sure to wave at every car that passes by.

3 years ago

Photo provided by Sticky Chicken...

Dan Spindle & Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

High 5: Cooking Up Life Lessons That Stick At Sticky Bird

Sticky Bird in Farmington seems like any other fast, casual chicken restaurant, but what happens behind the scenes is the real recipe for a better life. 

3 years ago

(KSL TV)...

Shara Park, KSL TV

High 5: Utahns Step Up To Help Clear The Snow

During the recent winter storms, countless Utahns stepped up to help both neighbors and strangers clear snow.

3 years ago

...

Grant Weyman & Matthew Jacobson, KSL TV

High 5: Grant Elementary Grateful For Attentive Principal

At Grant Elementary School in Murray, there are some very grateful people who appreciate their principal. 

3 years ago

Sponsored Articles

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Close up of an offset printing machine during production...

Les Olson IT

Top 7 Reasons to Add a Production Printer to Your Business

Learn about the different digital production printers and how they can help your company save time and money.

vintage photo of lighting showroom featuring chandeliers, lamps, wall lights and mirrors...

Lighting Design

History of Lighting Design | Over 25 Years of Providing Utah With the Latest Trends and Styles

Read about the history of Lighting Design, a family-owned and operated business that paved the way for the lighting industry in Utah.

Fiber Optical cables connected to an optic ports and Network cables connected to ethernet ports...

Brian Huston, CE and Anthony Perkins, BICSI

Why Every Business Needs a Structured Cabling System

A structured cabling system benefits businesses by giving you faster processing speeds and making your network more efficient and reliable.

notebook with password notes highlighted...

PC Laptops

How to Create Strong Passwords You Can Actually Remember

Learn how you can create strong passwords that are actually easy to remember! In a short time you can create new ones in seconds.

High 5: Volunteer Helps Others Achieve Financial Stability Through Utah County Program