John Volken Academy - UT

11/19/2025

What a year it’s been. We have officially moved from Farmington to North Salt Lake, and looking back on 2025 feels like replaying the wildest rollercoaster imaginable. We started the year on a high with record enrollment and the strongest momentum we’d ever had as Red Barn Academy. Then came the news of the shutdown — and with it, the uncertainty of where we’d even be living in just a few weeks.

But in the middle of all that chaos, John Volken Academy stepped in right when we needed them most. From there, it’s been months of nonstop effort: searching for a new campus, navigating the ups and downs of acquiring it, renovating buildings that haven’t been touched since the 80s, securing a warehouse and a brand new thrift store, and keeping the program strong and morale steady through every twist and turn.

It hasn’t been easy. In fact, it’s been one of the hardest years we’ve ever faced. But every bit of work, from students, staff, board members, and donors, is finally paying off. We now have a home we can truly call our own. And the potential here is unbelievable. The JVA story isn’t slowing down. It’s only getting better.

We want to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. Since February, there have been countless moving pieces, and none of this would have happened without the people who showed up, stepped in, and helped make this dream possible. Here's to changing lives!

10/31/2025

Spooky season is in full swing at John Volken Academy! Our whole house came together to carve pumpkins and spark some friendly competition. From creative designs to clever classics, our pumpkin contest had it all. Moments like these, celebrating the holidays together, are what make life at the Academy so special.

10/31/2025

https://www.davisjournal.com/2025/10/23/551047/men-in-recovery-transition-from-red-barn-academy-to-john-volken-academy

Big thanks to the Davis Journal for sharing our story as we move forward into a new era at JVA!

Davis Journal

The John Volken Academy has a similar program to Red Barn Academy which teaches accountability and not avoidance.

10/29/2025

It’s National Cat Day!

We’re celebrating Oreo and Midnight, our amazing furry family members. Oreo keeps us laughing with his energy and curiosity. He's almost like a dog trapped in a cat's body! Midnight brings her own unique personality and charm to every day. Life wouldn’t be the same without these two making our campus so much better.

Here’s to Oreo, Midnight, and all the cats out there who make life brighter!

10/29/2025

A huge thank you to Bechtel Corporation for their incredible generosity and partnership!

Bechtel recently donated $6,000 to support our Family Room and Kids Day Program. This program is helping our men reconnect with their families and children in meaningful ways.

At John Volken Academy, our focus is to help men rebuild their lives and become the best version they can be: for themselves, for their family, and for their community. Seeing such an amazing community partner like Bechtel step up to support that mission is so powerful, and we are truly grateful.

10/27/2025

Our Corporate Development team had a great time participating in First Community Bank’s Trunk or Treat! Community involvement and connection are a big part of who we are — we love getting out, meeting new faces, and being part of events that bring people together.

First Community Bank Utah

10/24/2025

One of the most meaningful parts of what we do is helping fathers rebuild their relationships with their kids. Kids Day is always something special at JVA. Reuniting fathers with their kids and giving them time to simply be together is what it’s all about. From dressing up and trunk-or-treating to smashing piñatas and carving pumpkins, it’s these small moments that mean the most. Watching families reconnect and make new memories is a highlight for so many of us.

10/23/2025

Out with the old! Our guys removed the old Lifeline sign as we get ready to move into our new campus. With construction in its final weeks, we’re getting closer every day to making this place our new home. Huge thanks to everyone working hard to make it happen!

10/22/2025

Last week, we celebrated together as a house—and it was extra special!

John Volken Academy Movers - UT just reached our 1,000th 5-star review on Google, and hitting that milestone wouldn’t have been possible without every single person in our house. Each of our guys contributes to the moving company, whether it’s on the move crews, behind the scenes, or supporting one another along the way.

To celebrate, we headed to Boondocks for a night full of fun—racing on go-karts, conquering the rope course, bowling strikes, arcade games, and just enjoying time connecting with one another. Nights like this aren’t just about celebrating a number. They’re about recognizing teamwork, dedication, and the effort each person brings to the table every day.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our moving company along the way so we could hit this huge milestone!

10/20/2025

Spooky season is officially here around our campus! 🎃👻

Our guys had a blast decorating for Halloween, turning the space a little more festive for the last few weeks we are here. Even Oreo got in on the fun. He loves playing in the cobwebs!

It’s all about enjoying the season and making a little extra joy wherever we can.

10/19/2025

Last week we attended the Salt Lake City Homeless Resource Fair. These monthly events help connect individuals with vital services — including social support, health care, and legal assistance.

Organized by the city and partner organizations, each fair offers unique resources and sometimes focuses on specific needs, like outreach court or veteran services.

We were grateful to bring clothing, snacks, and, most importantly, a message of hope to our unhomed friends.

10/17/2025

Last week we headed out to Lagoon Amusement Park, and our guys had an absolute blast!

Huge thank you to USARA - Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness for putting on such an awesome event and for the tickets. Even when the rain tried to shut the park down, our crew showed up ready to splash around and make the most of it.

Grateful for moments like these and the chance to just have fun together.