About Our Organization
Our Story
Cherish Families was founded by individuals with lived experience. For over 12 years, we’ve provided compassionate support to individuals and families—primarily from polygamous backgrounds—because we understand the challenges firsthand and know the pathways to self-sufficiency and lasting success.
Our Mission
Connecting individuals and families with tools and resources for generational success.
Our Vision
Relationships, wholeness and support for a thriving world.
What We Stand For
At Cherish Families, our values guide everything we do. They reflect our commitment to supporting individuals and families with respect, empathy, and trust.
Integrity – We act with honesty and uphold the highest ethical standards in every interaction.
Dignity – We honor the worth of every person, treating all individuals with respect and fairness.
Compassion – We lead with empathy, creating a safe space where healing and understanding can grow.
Courage – We stand strong in the face of adversity and empower others to find their own strength.
Confidentiality – We protect the privacy of those we serve, ensuring their stories remain safe and respected.
Our Impact So Far in 2025
1,928
Lives Supported
Housing Services
1,508
1,714
Therapy Sessions
Services Provided
43,975
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Happily serving our community with a team of over 15.
Alina Darger
Executive Director
Shirlee Draper
Director of Operations
Guided by Experience and Leadership
Our Board of Directors
Rachel Wipf
Board Chair
Realtor
Donna Handley
Board Member
SUU Professor
Carson Campbell
Board Member
Chris Bloxham
Board Member
Businessman
Heidi Monson
Board Member
Certified MA/Midwife
Jude Bateman
Board Member
Hr Consultant
Gregory A. Prince, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Board Member
CEO, Professor
Christine Leavitt
Board Member
Attorney
Amanda Ashby
Board Member
At Cherish Families, we believe in being open about how we operate and how funds are used to support our mission. As a nonprofit, our IRS Form 990s are publicly available—and we’re proud to share them as part of our commitment to accountability and trust.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Your generosity helps individuals and families from polygamous backgrounds access vital services like counseling, housing, education, and legal advocacy. Every dollar you give brings hope and healing to someone in need. Donate today and be part of lasting change.
Make a financial donation.
Our Community Partners
Cherish Families in the News
Occasionally, our work within our communities or our efforts to help those that are seeking support and guidance, draw media attention. Our staff and director are frequently contacted for media inquiries about our work or the communities' reactions to societal events. When we are featured in the media, we will share those articles here.
Good Things Utah interviewed our Executive Director, Alina Darger, and our Director of Operations, Shirlee Draper, for a news segment that aired Oct 13, 2023.
The Utah Domestic Violence Coatlition (UDVC) shares a short video featuring a visit with Cherish Families in Hildale, UT.
The publication and online website, The Juvenile Instructor featured an article from a paper that Shirlee Draper wrote about her life growing up in the FLDS community.
