The Utah State Legislature's Social Services Appropriations Subcommittee convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss critical funding requests aimed at addressing pressing social issues, including sexual assault prevention, addiction recovery, and mental health support for veterans.

One of the primary requests came from the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which sought $3.2 million in ongoing funding for a statewide sexual assault prevention program. Executive Director Liliana emphasized the urgent need for prevention efforts, citing that one in three women in Utah will experience sexual violence. The coalition aims to educate families and communities on safety and prevention, highlighting the long-term societal costs of failing to invest in such initiatives.

The meeting also featured a significant proposal from The Other Side Academy, which requested $10 million to expand its self-sustaining program for the chronically homeless. The academy's model focuses on empowering individuals to transform their lives through peer-run communities rather than traditional aid. The program has reportedly saved the state nearly $100 million by reducing incarceration rates and aims to house over 600 individuals permanently.

Additionally, the Sobriety Foundation presented a request for $750,000 to support sober living scholarships for individuals recovering from addiction. Executive Director Susan Peterson shared her personal connection to the cause, advocating for the importance of transitional support to reduce recidivism rates among those exiting rehabilitation.

The Forge Forward Project introduced a $2 million request for a virtual reality program designed to assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The initiative aims to provide accessible mental health support through innovative technology, which has shown promising results in restoring brain function affected by trauma.

Lastly, the committee discussed a $1.5 million ongoing request for the Utah State Dementia Care Specialist Program, which seeks to implement specialists across the state to support individuals with dementia and their families.

The discussions underscored a collective commitment to addressing social issues through targeted funding and innovative solutions, with committee members expressing strong support for the proposed initiatives. The outcomes of these funding requests will be pivotal in shaping the future of social services in Utah.