Bishop Richard C. Edgley, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has dedicated a new welfare services center in Harrisville, Utah.
The 54,817 square-foot facility will house multiple Church welfare services, including the Deseret Industries and LDS Family Services, as well as Church Distribution Services and a humanitarian service room, which will open in October. The new center replaces an existing facility in nearby Ogden, Utah.
Many recognize Deseret Industries, the anchor of the complex, as a great place to find quality merchandise at a great price. But Deseret Industries is more than just a thrift store. The employees at these stores, known as associates, not only receive work; they learn job skills and receive training in order to find permanent employment.
Development specialist Kathryn Francks provides mentoring and support to the associates at the Harrisville Deseret Industries. “We assist associates in transforming their lives. They’re the ones who do it, but we help by giving them the tools they need, which are founded in gospel principles,” Francks said.
Associates at the Deseret Industries work hard to overcome personal challenging circumstances to improve their lives. At Deseret Industries they can receive training that would have been difficult to receive elsewhere. Training is customized to the individual’s learning and physical capacity. In addition to the in-store training, Deseret Industries also helps associates pay for further education or vocational training that will help them become self-reliant.
In all, the new center anticipates serving more than 500,000 individuals each year in and around the Ogden area. For example, through its community partnership program, Deseret Industries assists charitable agencies in the Ogden area. These agencies can offer vouchers to those they serve, which allow them to receive needed merchandise from Deseret Industries free of charge.
Deseret Industries is managed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established in 1938 as a single thrift store, there are now 43 stores serving people in seven western states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.