ROTARY POVERTY INITIATIVE

 

The Cedar City Rotary Club supports the work of eradicating poverty in Iron County. As members of a worldwide organization that focuses on economic and community development, maternal and child health, and basic education and literacy, we believe we have a responsibility to support local programs and organization that have the power to improve residents’ lives by lifting them out of poverty and giving them the tools to remain that way. We recognize that our county’s high rate of poverty, and especially intergenerational poverty, is somewhat invisible to many residents; however, the data and our service experiences tell us otherwise. For these reasons, we will continue to serve, lead, educate, and support efforts to lift our neighbors and improve the lives of all who live here.

Over the past several years our Rotary Club has supported the following projects in an effort to improve the lives of residents in Iron County:

  • Ongoing support for the Canyon Creek Crisis Center
  • Ongoing support for the Iron County Care and Share
  • Ongoing support of scholarships to Southwest Technical College
  • We renovated and assist in the maintenance of the Iron County Food Pantry located by the soccer fields at Cedar High School
  • We provide food for children at Fiddler’s Elementary working with the Utah Food Bank and the Iron County School District
  • We assist in providing supplies for the Wellness Rooms in the Iron County School District
  • This is not an all-inclusive list – we strive to continuously serve those in need locally.

Longtime Rotarian and past-President, Neal Smith, is committed to this endeavor.  He hosts a weekly radio show on KSUB News Radio (FM 107.7 and AM 590) on Tuesday mornings at 6:30am.  You can find out more information about Intergenerational Poverty and listen to broadcasts of this program by following this link: Iron County Local Homeless Council.

Resources:    Iron County Care and Share - Emergency Homeless Shelter and Community                                                                             Food Pantry

                      Canyon Creek Services - Provides shelter and services to victims of domestic                                                                             violence

                      Angel Flight West - They arrange donated flights for people in need

                      Southwest Tech - Their goal is to help you gain the technical skills required for                                                                 success in today’s dynamic workforce.

                      Children's Justice Center - Where Small Voices are Heard.

                     Iron County Sheriff's Office - The Sheriff has been charged with the responsibility to maintain the public peace and protecting life and property of all citizens of Iron County.

                      American Legion Post 74 - Dedicated to serving veterans, their families, and                                                                             our local Iron County Community.

                      Boy Scout Troop 74 - Our vision is for our scouts to become better citizens and                              better leaders through the building of self-confidence via the scout method.

                      True Life Center - that they might win the life that is true life!  1Timothy6:19

                      Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity of southwest Utah is an advocacy group and a home builder of affordable housing in Southern Utah.  The Habitat for Humanity Restore of Cedar City is a thrift shop for building materials, houseware and clothing.  All the proceeds go towards our mission to provide affordable housing in Southern Utah.

                      Root for Kids - Deep Roots Grow Strong Trees.  Organization that works with families and children under 5 to build a strong foundation for a great future.

                      Five County Community Action Program - A dedicated organization that works towards improving the lives of low-income households by helping them become self sufficient.

We wish to extend heartfelt appreciation to Tim Nesmith for hosting, and Townsquare Media for donating the airtime to, the Intergenerational Poverty Initiative. Without their ongoing support these broadcasts would not be possible.

Intergenerational Poverty Radio Broadcasts:

2025 Radio Broadcasts

03-25-2025  Alex Neville on the current status of Veterans services Part I

                    Alex Neville on the current status of Veterans services Part II

03-18-2025  Shane Wagers with the 5 County Community Action Partners Part I

                     Shane Wagers with the 5 County Community Action Partners Part II

03-11-2025  Sheriff Ken Carpenter on drugs and poverty in Iron County Part I

                    Sheriff Ken Carpenter on drugs and poverty in Iron County Part II

03-04-2025  Neal Smith with a recap of the IGP  Part I

                     Neal Smith with a recap of the IGP  Part II

02-25-2025  Whitney Allan and Jessica Fisher with Root for Kids  Part I

                     Whitney Allan and Jessica Fisher with Root for Kids  Part II

02-18-2025  Krista Longhurst and Deidre Heroux with Habitat for Humanity Part I

                     Krista Longhurst and Deidre Heroux with Habitat for Humanity Part II

02-11-2025  Jacob Miner with the Utah Food Bank Part I

                    Jacob Miner with the Utah Food Bank Part II

02-04-2025  Jodi Simmons at Southwest Tech on Life Skills classes Part I

                     Jodi Simmons at Southwest Tech on Life Skills classes Part II

01-28-2025  Diane Dreyer and Hugo Ramos on the Care and Share Part I

                    Diane Dreyer and Hugo Ramos on the Care and Share Part II

01-21-2025  Alex Neville, Veteran Service Officer, discusses obtaining VA Benefits Part I

                    Alex Neville, Veteran Service Officer, discusses obtaining VA Benefits Part II