June 2026 | Vol. 35 Iss. 6
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Herriman
See Inside...
Breaking ground
Second Life Time center in state coming to Herriman Page 10
Top educators
Three Herriman teachers recognized by Jordan School District Page 14
Offering support, hope and belonging: Herriman’s Compassion Community Center relies on faith to meet community needs By Elisa Eames | elisa@mycityjournals.com With a focus on helping people feel seen, the center aims to prevent anyone from falling through the cracks.
What was the process to get it on its feet?
H
erriman is quickly gaining a reputation for helping those in need. One of multiple charitable organizations in the city, the Compassion Community Center depends solely on volunteers and donations to help alleviate food insecurity. Located at Advantage Arts at 6171 W. 11800 South, the center operates from multiple locations, but as of early May, it began searching for a new home. Executive Director Cortney Denison shares the center’s origins, needs and plans for the future.
What led to the establishment of the center? Cortney Denison serves as the Compassion
It started as a principal’s pantry at Athlos School and was then taken over by local churches. The mission was simple, but powerful— to bring the community together and to love others as Christ loved us: sacrificially and without expectation. Over time, things grew and shifted,
Community Center’s executive director. (Photo courtesy Cortney Denison)
and in 2024, I had the opportunity to make it a stand-alone entity. But one thing never changed—the mission. It started small—we just helped where we could—but it quickly grew into something
Wow. There were lots of hurdles. Learning how to become a 501(c)(3) took time. But what carried us wasn’t a perfect plan. It was people. The community showed up. Churches showed up. Organizations showed up when we needed donations, help moving, deliveries, pickups—all of it. We truly did not build this alone. It was a lot of faith, a lot of learning as we went and a lot of saying ‘yes’ before we felt ready. We started serving immediately and built around the needs in front of us. Something I don’t talk about often is that God was preparing my heart long before I stepped into this. I let go of some things that meant a lot to me. And I asked God, “Where now?” One goal of Herriman’s Compassion ComAnd the answer was: the community. munity Center is to make everyone feel they People kept coming to me with quesbelong. (Image courtesy Compassion Commutions—about hours, food and how things nity Center) worked. I didn’t realize those moments were leading me somewhere. much bigger. We were serving 65–75 families Eventually, I was asked to help direct the a week, and today that impact continues to pantry. I almost said no. But then I felt a regrow in ways we never could have planned. minder in my heart: the community. We just want people to feel seen, supContinued on page 5 ported and not alone. Everyone is welcome.
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