Throughout downtown Ogden, oversized red conversation hearts are catching the attention of residents and visitors alike. While they may look like decorations for Valentine’s Day, these heartfelt sculptures serve a much deeper purpose—raising awareness and support for individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence.
A Community Effort for a Cause
The Heart of Ogden campaign, organized by YCC Family Crisis Center, aims to promote hope and healthy relationships while generating funds for the nonprofit. Businesses across the Ogden area sponsor the hearts, which feature uplifting messages alongside the sponsor’s name.
Running throughout February, the campaign will conclude with a sold-out gala on February 28, celebrating the impact of the initiative and the community’s support.
Spreading Messages of Hope
According to Bekah Clements, YCC’s human resources manager, the campaign’s goal is to provide hope for individuals facing difficult circumstances.
“These conversation hearts have become a meaningful symbol in our community,” Clements said. “People see them around town and are reminded that help and hope are available.”
Encouraging Healthy Relationships
This year, YCC is placing special emphasis on healthy relationships through an interactive Heart of Ogden contest. To participate, community members can visit any business displaying a heart, where they’ll find an entry box and forms to fill out.
The contest requires participants to write down:
- A personal goal for improving a relationship in their life.
- Their name and email address.
Entries will be collected throughout the month, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 VISA gift card.
Beyond the contest, YCC leaders see this as an opportunity to connect with the community and highlight the resources available at the crisis center.
More Than a Shelter
While YCC is widely recognized for its emergency shelter, Executive Director Denette Stanger emphasizes that the organization offers much more. Their services include:
- Transitional housing for survivors rebuilding their lives.
- A child care center to support families in crisis.
- Sexual assault resources for those seeking help and healing.
To make it easier for people to learn about these services, each giant heart features a QR code on the back, directing visitors to YCC’s resources.
“The hearts allow us to remind the community that we don’t just assist victims of crime—we’re also here to promote healthy relationships and prevent abuse before it happens,” Stanger said.
A Tradition of Support
Now in its fourth year, the Heart of Ogden campaign originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to engage the community safely while still spreading awareness. Though the campaign is relatively new, YCC Family Crisis Center has been serving the Ogden community for 80 years.
“We want to build safer, healthier families, and prevention is a big part of that,” Stanger said. “But as long as these issues persist, we’ll be here to support those who need us.”
