When Connie Crosby first heard of the plan being hatched to rename The Road Home homeless shelter after her, she — in typical Connie fashion — demurred.

“I was somewhat reluctant, because I can think of a lot of people in this Midvale community and at this shelter who are so deserving,” she recalled.

But when she learned the honor came at the request of the children who have found comfort and hope at the Midvale-based facility, her heart swelled with pride. It’s not by choice these children found themselves at the shelter, but it’s through their choice it will now be known as the Connie Crosby Family Resource Center.

Over the past 25 years, Crosby, who recently retired from Canyons School District where she served as the McKinney Vento Liaison, was a trusted ally, mentor, and listening ear to an estimated 8,750 children and their family members who resided, however temporarily, at the Resource Center, which is located in Canyons District.

“She was the person who made sure students had backpacks and clean clothes — whatever they needed for school,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins. “Gas money? She secured it. Doctor’s visits and immunization appointments? She scheduled them. Connie was creative and relentless when it came to removing barriers and securing resources to ensure all students thrived.”

For her efforts, Crosby has received numerous awards and accolades. But none more special than the Aug. 7 dedication of the Resource Center where she was applauded by Midvale and Sandy city officials, her colleagues at The Road Home and Canyons, members of the Canyons Board of Education, and supporters of the Canyons Education Foundation.

Though she is retired, Crosby still serves on the Resource Center’s Board and finds ways to contribute. “I am grateful to those parents, who have lost almost everything life has to offer, for trusting me with their most precious children,” she said. “Serving those children for many years has been an honor.”