Park City Honors Mental Health Volunteers Thursday

Park City's mental health agencies are saying thank you to the volunteers who help them do the impossible with too little.

On Thursday evening, eight local nonprofits will gather at the Park City Library to honor the volunteers who answer phones, organize events, raise funds, and carry hope into the community. These aren't therapists or clinicians. They're neighbors who show up so understaffed mental health agencies can reach more people.

"Volunteers really stretch what agencies can do," said John Davis, founder of Summit Support, which organized the free celebration with the Summit County Mental Wellness Alliance. Snacks, beverages, and a Spanish translator will welcome volunteers and their families at 5:30 p.m.

The event caps off six weeks of mental health programming across Summit County. Davis and partner Anna Frouchou have coordinated seminars, workshops, and open houses throughout April and May, shining light on services many residents didn't know existed.

Davis started Summit Support in 2024 after experiencing mental health challenges in his own family. As a donor and Peace House volunteer, he thought he understood the landscape. Then he met the full network of agencies tackling different pieces of the puzzle.

"I didn't know Live Like Sam. I didn't know Holy Cross Ministries or Jacky's Recovery, and I want to say they are fantastic," Davis said.

The Ripple Effect

The eight organizations being honored work in beautiful cooperation. When one agency can't help someone, they refer them to another who can. Holy Cross Ministries, Jacky's Recovery Support Services, Jewish Family Service of Utah, Live Like Sam, Christian Center of Park City, Peace House, People's Health Clinic, and Summit County Clubhouse each bring unique specialties to the table.

Christian Center of Park City alone needs volunteers for food pantries, thrift stores, donation receiving, and service events. Executive Director Steve Richardson says volunteers help them "meet people at their point of need with dignity and respect."

That matters because every agency faces the same reality: excellent staff, not enough of them, and budgets that don't stretch far enough. Volunteers fill the gaps that make or break community programs.

Davis has two missions for Summit Support. First, demolish the myths and stigma around mental health. Second, support agencies doing hard work with limited resources by connecting them with volunteers, donors, and each other.

Thursday's certificates and introductions are small gestures for people doing big work behind the scenes.