The Times-Independent

MVMC receives Utah’s first Spirit of Service Award

Cox visits multicultural center to present plaque, take tour


The Moab Valley Multicultural Center made history on May 26 when Gov. Spencer Cox presented the nonprofit with Utah’s inaugural Spirit of Service Award.

Gov. Spencer Cox and Rhiana Medina, the executive director of the Moab Valley Multicultural Center discuss the nonprofit inside a yurt on the property.
Photos by Doug McMurdo

“What makes this place so special, it’s that spirit of volunteerism and giving back,” said Cox. “You are changing lives; you are saving lives.”

Cox spent an hour at the center on 100 West on a warm afternoon, where Executive Director Rhiana Medina and her employees escorted Cox and his support staff on a tour of the facility.

Medina noted how the center, once considered to be in service to Spanish-only speaking residents, has evolved to represent a much broader spectrum of the Moab community.

In the process, the MVMC has “accidentally become Grand County’s largest food bank,” she said, where sometimes “really weird food” is d0nated, such as someone’s recent donation of pickled pigs feet — that had expired. All kidding aside, several hundred Moab families benefit from the food bank each month.

In addition to food, housing assistance and counseling, the center provides assistance with translating languages, legal services, and family support.

Cox lavished praise upon Medina and the MVMC staff, saying he is aware of the challenges that exist in rural Utah.

Gov. Spencer Cox, the staff of the Moab Valley Multicultural Center and local public officials pose for a photograph after Cox presented the center with Utah’s first Spirit of Service Award.

We have cultural celebrations, we try to celebrate the diversity of our community,” Medina said.

As for recognizing the Moab Valley Multicultural Center with the state’s first Spirit of Service Award, Cox said the nonprofit plays a key role in keeping the community together. He said he hopes the MVMC template is used elsewhere in Utah.

The Spirit of Service award highlights individuals and groups who are making a difference in their community, according to the Governor’s Office.

“We’ve worked hard to let the community know that this is a community center for everybody,” said Medina.