Salt Lake County Children’s Justice Center Awards

2007 Grethe B. Peterson Award

Jon McKeon has been a strong advocate for all Children’s Justice Centers in Utah due to his heartfelt commitment to making a difference for child victims. By caring the torch in both message and action, he has been a powerful force for increasing community awareness for Children’s Justice Centers statewide. He served as President of the Salt Lake Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, Inc. non-profit charitable corporation for ten years, and served on the CJC Advisory Board for many years as well. He has been determined to find new donors to raise funds for all of the Children’s Justice Centers in Utah so that all child victims can benefit from this valuable service no matter where they live. Board members are grateful for his inspiring commitment and feel that they would not be where they are today without his distinguished leadership.

In May 2007, Jon was presented with the Grethe B. Peterson Award for outstanding volunteer service to Children’s Justice Centers. The beautiful bronze statue was presented by Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Grethe B. Peterson, founder of the Children’s Justice Centers in Utah.

2006 Recognition Award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

On February 1, 2006 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a recognition luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to honor eight Community Service Leaders in Salt Lake City. Agencies honored included Primary Children’s Medical Center, Junior Achievement of Utah, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, YMCA of Greater Salt Lake, YWCA of Greater Salt Lake, Salt Lake County Children’s Justice Center, Voices of Utah Children, and The Children’s Center.

The luncheon started with a social and Wendy White, Chair of the Children’s Justice Center Advisory Board and Lynn Sanderson, Treasurer of the Friends Corporation attended to support Susanne Mitchell the program director. Mayor Peter Carroon also attended to show his support for the Children’s Justice Center and was asked to say a few words to the honored guests. Mayor Carroon graciously commended all the honored programs and mentioned his recent tour of the Children’s Justice Center and what important services we all provide for the community.

The Children’s Justice Center staff are especially honored to be recognized in the company of such well-known and respected agencies within our community and thank the LDS Church for such a meaningful tribute.

2003 Best of State Award

The Salt Lake County Children’s Justice Center (CJC) was one of 23 finalists for a Best of State Awards statue within the Community Development division. The CJC was the only finalist to secure a medal in the Charitable Organization or Social Service Organization field. The Best of State Judges look for individuals, “Excelling and surpassing all else” businesses and organizations that excel in their endeavors, use innovative approaches or methods, and contribute to a better quality of life in Utah.

2002 Agency of the Year

The Salt Lake County Children’s Justice Center is an exceptional program, contributing major advancements in the field of child abuse investigations. The program serves 3,700 people annually. Recognized as a leader in the field, many international visitors desire to implement CJC methods in their countries. The program was also named “2002 Agency of the Year” by the Salt Lake County Commission on Youth with over 50 agencies nominated.

“The CJC wasn’t shaming or fearful; it was very calming and gave us hope. There was a noticeable sense of relief in both of my children after the interview. Thank you!”

~ Parent of abused child

“The Children’s Justice Centers are the most important thing for children that has come around in Utah for years.”

~ Dave Fowers, Program Specialist, Department of Youth Corrections