John Volken Academy - UT

John Volken Academy - UT Red Barn Academy has transitioned to John Volken Academy—continuing to change lives through hard work and accountability!

"We are a Life-Skills Academy with a focus on Addiction Recovery and Mental Wellness which provides Transitional Living, Educational Opportunities and Jobs for individuals and Families."

02/22/2026

At our Utah location, we’re continuing work on the south building, expanding housing capacity, creating new opportunities, and laying the groundwork for future growth.

What makes this project even more meaningful is who’s doing the work.

Our students have been hard at work helping build the very place they call home. Every wall framed, every space prepared, every improvement made represents more than construction. It represents ownership, responsibility, and pride in building something that lasts.

They’re not just building a better facility. They’re building a better home for the next generation of men who will walk through our doors looking for a new start.

Growth takes vision. It takes work. And it takes people willing to invest in something bigger than themselves.

We’re grateful to see it happening right here in Utah.

02/21/2026

From setting up for our Dollar Bin Sale, to the rush of customers finding hidden treasures, to loading up deliveries and getting items ready for the floor, there’s always something happening at John Volken Academy Thrift - UT

When you shop with us, you’re doing more than saving money. You’re helping us save lives.

Thrift is one of the social enterprises of the John Volken Academy, where our students gain hands-on experience in retail operations, customer service, organization, teamwork, and leadership. Every donation sorted, every rack organized, every customer helped is part of their growth.

Real work. Real skills. Real change.

Thank you for shopping, donating, and supporting second chances.

02/20/2026

Earlier this month, one of our incredible donors and supporters treated several of our students to an unforgettable day of rock climbing at iRock Climbing Gym in Ogden.

For many of the men, this was their first time on a climbing wall. What started with a little hesitation quickly turned into determination, encouragement, and a whole lot of cheering each other on. There’s something powerful about being harnessed in, looking up at the wall in front of you, and choosing to take the next step anyway.

Experiences like this go far beyond a fun afternoon. They build connection. Trust. Confidence. The men had to rely on each other to belay, encourage, and stay present. They celebrated wins together and pushed through challenges together.

Recovery is a lot like climbing. It can feel steep. It requires focus, humility, and the courage to keep moving upward even when your muscles are tired. But with the right support system, steady accountability, and people in your corner, progress happens one hold at a time.

We’re so grateful for supporters who invest not just in our program, but in meaningful experiences that help our students grow in strength, character, and brotherhood.

This week, we attended the monthly homeless resource fair in our community.Events like these are important to us because...
02/16/2026

This week, we attended the monthly homeless resource fair in our community.

Events like these are important to us because giving back to those in need is a core part of who we are at the John Volken Academy. Many of our students once experienced homelessness, addiction, and deep uncertainty. Now, they have the opportunity to step into a different role. They get to serve.

Sometimes what we offer is simple. Clothes. A snack. Hygiene kits. But it is more than that. Our students also offer hope. They are living proof that when someone reaches the point where enough is enough, change is possible.

Here are a few words from Anthony, our Corporate Development manager:

“The resource fair was really fun. I am glad I had the opportunity to help out all the unfortunate people who didn’t have anything. Martin, Gilberto, and I went there with food, hygiene kits, and four larger boxes of clothes. All the items were gone by the time we left the fair. It really means a lot to me when I give back to the community.”

We are grateful for the chance to serve and to show, through action, that transformation is real and that hope is always within reach.

At the beginning of this month, we celebrated some big advancements at the John Volken Academy.We are proud to announce ...
02/14/2026

At the beginning of this month, we celebrated some big advancements at the John Volken Academy.

We are proud to announce that Alfredo and Luka have officially stepped into new roles as the newest Crew Leads for John Volken Academy Movers - UT.

These two men have consistently gone above and beyond. They are not just leaders in the house. They lead by example every single day through their attitude, their work ethic, and their integrity. They show up ready to serve, ready to work, and ready to hold themselves accountable.

Alfredo and Luka demonstrate what growth looks like. Selflessness. Honesty. Responsibility. A commitment to our core values. Their promotion reflects the character they continue to build and the trust they have earned.

Congratulations, you two. We are proud of you and excited to see you continue to lead well.

Last week, several students from the John Volken Academy had the incredible opportunity to attend Frozen at Hale Centre ...
02/13/2026

Last week, several students from the John Volken Academy had the incredible opportunity to attend Frozen at Hale Centre Theatre.

For many of our men, this was more than just a night at the theater. It was a chance to dress up, step into a new environment, and experience something creative, uplifting, and culturally enriching. Moments like these matter. They remind our students that a healthy, fulfilling life in sobriety includes connection, community, and meaningful activities.

Recovery is not just about removing negative habits. It is about replacing them with positive experiences. It is about learning how to enjoy life again in healthy ways. Sharing a live performance together creates conversation, laughter, and memories that strengthen bonds and build confidence.

We are deeply grateful to partners like Sharetix who make opportunities like this possible. Because of generous donors, our students are able to experience events they may never have imagined attending.

Thank you for helping us create moments that inspire growth, connection, and a renewed vision for what life can look like.

Service is a core part of who we are. Recently, some of our staff had the opportunity to participate in a service projec...
02/05/2026

Service is a core part of who we are. Recently, some of our staff had the opportunity to participate in a service project hosted by Soap2Hope, an organization dedicated to empowering and advocating for individuals affected by sexual exploitation, trafficking, and substance use. Through harm reduction, street outreach, and direct support services, Soap2Hope meets people where they are and provides life-saving resources, compassionate care, and real pathways toward healing. Being part of this project was a meaningful reminder of the impact service can have, not only for those receiving help, but for those giving it as well. Giving back builds humility, awareness, and responsibility, values we believe are essential to long-term growth and healthy living. Service keeps us connected to our community and reinforces why it is so important to show up for others.

Soap2hope

We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Tailor Cooperative, who generously donate bespoke suits for our grad...
02/05/2026

We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Tailor Cooperative, who generously donate bespoke suits for our graduates. These suits are worn during some of the most important moments in a man’s journey: job interviews, court dates to terminate probation, graduation, and other major life events. Partnerships like this matter because they validate the hard work our men commit to over 2+ years of growth and accountability. When a graduate walks into a room wearing clothing fitted specifically for him, it builds confidence and reinforces the change he has fought for. Our program is about whole-person change. These men have done the hard work on the inside, and the suits from Tailor Cooperative help the rest of the world see that change on the outside. Thank you for continuing to believe in our mission through all of these years.

Tailor Cooperative

Showing up early matters. Today our movers were a great example of one of the core life skills we teach at the academy. ...
02/02/2026

Showing up early matters. Today our movers were a great example of one of the core life skills we teach at the academy. Five minutes early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. Whether it’s a job, an appointment, or a commitment to others, our men learn that being early and prepared shows respect, discipline, and responsibility. This mindset carries far beyond the academy and into work, family, and everyday life. These are the habits that build trust and open doors.

John Volken Academy Movers - UT

A few of our men spent the day working together to fix up one of the vehicles in our fleet, learning routine maintenance...
01/31/2026

A few of our men spent the day working together to fix up one of the vehicles in our fleet, learning routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and how to problem-solve as a team. These are real-life skills. Knowing how to maintain a vehicle, identify issues early, and work through problems with others builds confidence, responsibility, and self-reliance. Lessons like these go far beyond the Academy and prepare our men for everyday life, work, and leadership after they complete the program.

Recovery isn’t just about putting in the work. It’s also about learning how to enjoy healthy experiences, build real con...
01/30/2026

Recovery isn’t just about putting in the work. It’s also about learning how to enjoy healthy experiences, build real connections, and make new memories. This week, our guys had the opportunity to attend the Utah Jazz vs. Clippers game. Nights like this matter. They remind our students that life in recovery includes joy, laughter, and shared experiences with their brothers. We’re incredibly grateful to Sharetix for donating the tickets and helping make moments like this possible.

Utah Jazz Delta Center

01/29/2026

Service is an integral part of our program. We believe real growth includes giving back and looking beyond ourselves. When we’re blessed with more than we need, we make it a priority to share it. This week, our guys took a trip downtown SLC to serve those in need by handing out blankets and snacks. Moments like these remind us that service builds humility, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility to our community.

Address

1130 W Center Street
North Salt Lake, UT
84054

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 7pm
Tuesday 6am - 7pm
Wednesday 6am - 7pm
Thursday 6am - 7pm
Friday 6am - 7pm
Saturday 6am - 7pm

Telephone

+18019395100

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