ST. GEORGE – The Learning Center for Families celebrated 20 years of helping Southern Utah families on Saturday with a community party in the St. George Town Square.

Specializing in early childhood development and healthy pregnancy education, TLC opened its doors in September 1993, serving 18 families. The nonprofit organization has since helped over 12,000 children and made 500,000 home visits throughout Southern Utah.

TLC and executive director Debbie Justice were recognized by the City of St. George during a city council meeting on Sept. 5, where Mayor Dan McArthur signed a proclamation naming Sept. 21 as “The Learning Center for Families Day.”

Along with a few council members, McArthur toured TLC’s facility at 2044 Mesa Palms Drrive in St. George earlier this month and said he admired their work.

“One thing that impressed me was going down the halls and seeing all the pictures of kids that have been in there and how it has affected their lives and their families’ lives,” he said. “I recognized several of the names in there.”

The first TLC students are now in their early to mid-20s and many have gone on to finish college, join the military or have families of their own. Over the last two decades, TLC has received numerous awards and recognitions at the state and federal level for its work.

Staff and students, past and present, of TLC gathered at Town Square Saturday morning to reunite and celebrate the organization’s continued success. Justice was also given special recognition as “Queen of The Learning Center.”

Various activities were held during the party, among them the “Cupcake War,” a cupcake-tasting contest pitting the Dixie Elks Lodge #1743 against The Cupcake Shop. The latter was declared victorious by judges including Washington City Mayor Ken Neilson, Springdale Town Councilmember Kathy LaFave, LaVerkin City Councilman Richard Hirschi and Hurricane City Attorney Fay Reber.

For more on The Learning Center for Families, please call 435-673-5353 or visit http://www.tlc4families.org/

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