CENTERVILLE—It’s hard to believe that there is homelessness in Davis County, but the numbers say it all. There are 1,600 homeless teens sleeping in cars, couch hopping or finding other ways just to get by. 

The Davis Education Foundation has made it their mission to help these kids get what they need to be successful in school and in life. Teen Centers that provide a safe place for kids to study, do laundry, shower and take care of other basic needs are opening throughout the school district.

In an effort to support those centers, Young Caring for Our Young and Young Powersports hosted “Power Up Against Teen Homelessness” on Monday by donating $20,000 to the Foundation. As part of the National Day of Service celebration, the organization assembled 400 backpacks filled with clothing and living essentials for teens experiencing homelessness.

“It’s mind boggling to me that there are 1,600 homeless teens,” said Young Powersports director Jeramie Young. “We know children are our future.”

The Teen Center opened at Clearfield High School in 2021. “We’ve had fast growth,” said Jenica Whitworth, Davis School District Teen Center Coordinator. “Kids come, then they tell their friends to come and see what’s going on. Our goal is to have centers all the way to Woods Cross to serve every student. Every high school will have a teen center by the 2024-25 school year.”

“One visit to Clearfield High Teen Center and to see the need we knew what we were a part of was truly special,” said Young. “It was a huge motivator. It took very little effort for people in our organization to want to be a part of it. It’s super exciting.”

The Young Automotive Group is a privately held corporation that’s been family owned and operated for 99 years. Young Powersports is a part of the group and was established in 2015. Their flagship dealership is located in Centerville. The Young Caring for Our Young Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) established by Spencer and Sherry Young in 2007. Together with its partners, the foundation has provided more than $5 million to local education foundations and other non-profit causes that impact youth in Utah and Idaho, according to material provided.

Cintas, a business service company that provides uniforms, mats, mops, cleaning supplies, etc. donated beanies and gloves to the project. 

“We’re participating in helping teens in the area who are experiencing homelessness,” said Senior HR Manager, Matt Italasano. “I never knew there were kids experiencing homelessness in Davis County. Living in Bountiful we’re a little sheltered.”

“Our sales teams have worked together to make this possible by donating on every new unit sold over the last couple of months,” said Young. “We raised almost $15,000 then Young Caring for Our Young donated the rest.”

These are the company’s core values, he said. “Our employees wanted to be a part of it. It’s super neat and inspiring.”

“It only took a moment of collective input,” said Davis Education Foundation Executive Director, Jodi Lunt. “Then we sit back and watch our great friend Young (Powersports) and our community come together for our children. If everyone just leans in we can make a difference. Doing good daily and putting children first – together we can do great things.”