767 Individual youth helped because YOU cared!
104 Youth got the help they needed through multiple Idaho Youth Ranch services.
182 Youth helped through 2,124 hours of Idaho Youth Ranch Counseling & Therapy services, including case management.
115 Youth served through 1,483 sessions of Equine Therapy.
93 Homeless and runaway youth kept safe through 2,348 shelter nights at Idaho Youth Ranch Hays House.
77 People served through adoption services including infant placement, home studies, pregnancy counseling, and open adoptions.
55 Youth completed a YouthWorks internship, and 276 youth served through outreach and workshops.
70 Idaho Youth Ranch graduates served through alumni services including ongoing support and college scholarships.
51 Families participated in Family Therapy.
A Letter from the CEO
In a year that began with a devastating fire, our community's commitment to its young people was truly heartwarming.
People often ask me how our organization weathered the pandemic only to be hit by a devastating fire. They wonder how we managed to keep our staff intact, our programs running, and our focus on opening Idaho's first psychiatric residential facility for Idaho's youth and families.
My answer is simple: YOU!
In this impact report, you'll learn how your compassion became resilience as we faced one of the greatest challenges in our 70-year history, and how your commitment made it possible for us to move forward.
You will also see how much these young people needed you. The rates of trauma and adversity were higher than we have ever seen. The challenges many of the kids were facing were unimaginable. Thankfully, we could be here because you cared!
I hope you enjoy the stories of the young lives you have helped, knowing you are part of a legacy that will impact future generations by helping them heal, reunite with family, and conquer adversity.
In the words of American anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. Indeed, that's all who ever have.”
Thank you for being a caring adult who changed the world for our youth and families. Today, Idaho's kids have a brighter world because you cared.
With sincere gratitude,
Scott Curtis, CEO
You were the difference that helped Idaho’s youth overcome trauma.
All too often, the young people who come to Idaho Youth Ranch are struggling in the wake of trauma, loss, and adversity. Of the 317 youth who participated in clinical services (not including YouthWorks or Adoption services) from July 2022 to June 2023, many had experienced one or more significant traumas.
“These kids are really struggling. They are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and are coming in with higher levels of depression and anxiety than I've ever seen. The pandemic may be over, but these kids are still paying for it.”
Lovena Magalsky, LMFT
Idaho Youth Ranch Therapist
There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching a young person struggle under the weight of adult burdens. When young people experience too much adversity with too little support, it impacts their minds, bodies, and spirits, leaving them struggling.
Before you came into their lives, the youth you helped through Idaho Youth Ranch clinical services were experiencing:
Because you cared, young people who were following dark and difficult paths in their lives are finding a new trajectory full of hope and promise.
You helped Brooklyn heal and understand her trauma.
Brooklyn was only 8 years old when she woke to flashing lights dancing on her bedroom ceiling through the window outside. A kind lady approached her and gently explained, "You'll be staying with your grandma for a little while."
Brooklyn didn't understand the severity of the situation—her mom was in trouble and needed help. It took months for her to understand what jail meant, to realize that her mom was struggling and that grandma was doing her best to support them.
As the years passed, Brooklyn's confusion and sorrow turned to anger that began to consume her. It spilled over onto her teachers, friends, and grandma. Her grades suffered, and she was on the verge of failing the 7th grade when her mom finally returned home.
Mom had worked hard to overcome her own trauma and rebuild her life. She loved Brooklyn deeply and wanted to be the best mom she could be. But Brooklyn wasn't ready to let go of her pain and resentment.
Because you cared, Brooklyn and Mom got the help they needed!
The little family sought help from Idaho Youth Ranch. Brooklyn learned how to manage her anger and communicate her emotions to her mom. She processed the fear, pain, grief, and shame she had experienced growing up with her mom in jail. Mom listened intently, eager to learn effective parenting strategies and communication skills. She was determined to be the mom her daughter deserved.
Now, Brooklyn and Mom have a home together and are doing well. Mom is working full time, and Brooklyn has all As and Bs. With your support, they are starting to thrive.
You helped Caleb learn to love himself.
Caleb couldn’t hear the horses running up to him. He could smell the fresh-cut grass and feel the vibrations of the heavy hooves on the ground through his feet, but he couldn’t enjoy the simple sound of the horses’ whinnies in the pasture.
While not completely deaf, Caleb always felt like an outsider —separate from every other teenager and somehow less.
“It isn’t fair!” he thought. “I can’t live like this.”
When Caleb’s parents brought him to Equine Therapy, he had low self-esteem and was becoming suicidal. He was afraid of a world he struggled to hear and became increasingly anxious as he grew older.
The huge horses came to him like gentle giants out of the dust and stood silently next to him in the pasture. First, just one horse. Then more. A few sessions into treatment, the whole herd followed him as he walked in small circles around the pasture—a reluctant smile on his face.
Caleb started healing because you cared!
A few months into Equine Therapy, with the help of his four-legged equine friends and a very talented therapist, Caleb is learning that his life has worth. He was surprised to discover that he was funny, adventurous, and brave. Sitting near the horses gave him the courage to see that while his hearing is limited, he has the tools inside himself to face a quiet, scary world. He’s learning how to manage strong emotions like grief, sorrow, envy, and fear. Thanks to you, Caleb is discovering his resilience and strength.
You helped Joe find a family.
Dave and Karen tried for years to have a family. When it became obvious that wasn’t going to happen biologically, the couple knew adoption was the right journey for them.
“We want a child who needs to be loved,” they said to the adoption specialist. “Babies always find homes. We are looking for an older kid who has been in foster care.”
Dave and Karen both work with vulnerable kids in their careers. Both were raised by loving men who were not their fathers. When they reached out to Idaho Youth Ranch adoptions, they knew exactly the kind of child they could love and support—they didn’t know it then, but they were looking for Joe.
Joe was 5 when he entered foster care underweight and overburdened with trauma his little shoulders were too young to bear.
By 9 years old, his behavior had become so challenging he bounced out of the last three homes where he was placed. When he went to live with Dave and Karen, he thought this, too, would fail. In his young heart, he believed he was damaged and no one could ever love him.
Joe found a family because you cared!
Six months later, Dave, Karen, and Joe are working toward adoption. Joe still struggles, but he’s already making progress. Dave and Karen understand what he’s been through and are working with him to heal. They are working hand in hand with the Idaho Youth Ranch adoption team to become a family.
Joe still can’t believe he will soon have a family of his own, thanks to you.
You kept Lacey safe.
Lacey's life was filled with violence and fear. Her father's involvement in a gang meant she was never safe.
She was assaulted, abused, and neglected—all before she was old enough to drive. The abuse became unbearable, leading her to run away and find shelter wherever she could.
At only 16 years old, Lacey had to work to buy food and eventually dropped out of school to support herself.
Lacey discovered a sanctuary at Idaho Youth Ranch Hays House. Within weeks, she had formed special friendships with the team at Hays House. For the first time in her life, Lacey felt she had adults she could trust and rely on. When Lacey finally gathered the courage to report the abuse she endured, a youth care provider held her hand throughout the entire interview.
Lacey found her strength because you cared!
After living at Hays House for almost nine months, Lacey was terrified to go into foster care. A team member at Hays shared that she, too, had grown up in foster care and helped Lacey realize there are good people out there.
Today, Lacey has found a foster family who loves her. Her new family got her a dog, and Lacey is working on her high school diploma.
Lacey still considers the team at Hays House as close friends. Inspired by the team that changed her life, Lacey dreams of working at Idaho Youth Ranch when she's old enough so she can help kids like herself one day.
You helped Jayden find his worth.
Jayden sat across the office from his Idaho Youth Ranch therapist, feeling overwhelmed by her suggestion.
“YouthWorks? What is that?” he asked.
Jayden was 16 and struggled to fit in at school. He was bullied, which caused him to be awkward and anxious. He lacked confidence, but his therapist knew that a smart, hardworking kid lay under all that fear and adolescent angst.
“YouthWorks is a workforce development program here at Idaho Youth Ranch,” his therapist told him. “You do workshops on skills like applications, interviews, and money management, plus you get paid to work in one of our thrift stores for a few weeks while you get experience and learn different jobs. I think it would really help your confidence.”
Jayden was delighted and terrified at the idea. What if they didn’t like him in YouthWorks? What if he failed?
Jayden found his confidence because you cared!
Within the first week, Jayden boldly raised his hand to ask questions and stood out as a shining star in the program. By the end, he had made friends at work and had a reputation for his work ethic. The store team even offered him a part-time job after school.
His therapist was right. Jayden found his confidence.
You are helping Teresa chase her dreams!
Teresa was only 10 years old when she tried to take her own life. Growing up in a tumultuous developing country, she endured violence, abuse, and terror. When she arrived in America as a teenager, school became her refuge, but her trauma stayed with her. Teresa found solace and a sense of belonging in Idaho Youth Ranch programs.
Eventually, she graduated from Idaho Youth Ranch and became an alumna.
Teresa earned a scholarship from the Idaho Youth Ranch Alumni Program and was thriving in college. Unfortunately, the tragic loss of a close friend to suicide left her feeling overwhelmed and unable to move forward.
Teresa was able to move forward because you cared!
In a time of darkness, the Alumni Manager at Idaho Youth Ranch noticed Teresa was struggling and took immediate action. Suddenly, Teresa realized she wasn't alone. There was someone who genuinely cared and was willing to listen. Teresa found the strength to process her grief and reignite her spirit.
Because you cared, Teresa is back in school pursuing her dream of becoming a social worker with an Idaho Youth Ranch Alumni Scholarship to help pave the way.
You helped Ryan and Annie come together
Annie didn’t know how to help her son, Ryan. He was spiraling out of control. He’d experienced a terrible trauma at only 12 years old and wasn’t able to talk to anyone because he was afraid no one would believe him.
Annie refused to give up on her son.
She called Idaho Youth Ranch and enrolled in family therapy.
Together, they broke down walls that were stopping them from being able to communicate and built trust between them.
Finally, Ryan opened up about what he experienced.
You were the difference for Ryan and Annie.
Annie took the skills and tools they learned in therapy home to work with Ryan’s siblings.
Annie and Ryan’s therapist said, “A lot of kids don’t have an advocate, but he does. He got his voice back.”
Because you cared, Annie and her children are happy and healthy today. They have the tools they need to grow and navigate the difficult challenges of adolescence as a family.
You are part of Leo's team!
Leo lost his mom to cancer when he was far too young. In her last months, Leo’s mom found Idaho Youth Ranch in the hope that her son would have a path to take care of himself and thrive after she was gone. Her family struggled with substance abuse, and she knew Leo would be left without a healthy support system.
When Leo started working at Idaho Youth Ranch after finishing the YouthWorks program, he thought it was just a job. He had no idea he’d make the type of friendships that get you through life’s great challenges.
When Leo was at work one day, the grief of losing his mom became too much. The team rallied around him and picked up extra work so he could take some quiet time to cry.
“When I’m at work, I’m just me. I’m not the kid whose mom had cancer, or the outsider. I found a place to belong.”
Leo is working at Idaho Youth Ranch as he finishes high school and works toward his dream of becoming an artist. His employee benefits give him access to healthcare and mental health support.
“I’ve really struggled with my mental health, but I don’t feel stigmatized. They just ask me if I need help.”
You are part of Leo’s team of advocates working hard to give young people the help they need. Leo is proud to do work that helps kids like himself find healing and hope.
You will be there for generations to come!
In 1953, Reverend James Crowe and his wife, Ruby Carey Crowe, wanted to build something that would change the lives of Idaho’s youth. Little did they know the tremendous impact they would have. Since the first boy arrived at the Ranch in Rupert, their dream has blossomed into a network of trauma-focused programs spanning the entire state. This legacy has touched the lives of thousands of youth and their families, spanning over seven decades.
On August 22, 2023, the first youth arrived at the Residential Center for Healing & Resilience in Caldwell. This young person represents the first of thousands who will heal, grow, learn, and thrive in the coming decades. Families will find healing and reconciliation. Futures will change, and we look forward to celebrating each milestone as these youth graduate from the center, embarking on a new journey toward a more hopeful future.
Throughout the entire Fiscal Year 2023, construction continued despite the 2022 fire.
In August 2023, surrounded by our amazing community of donors, advocates, and youth, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Residential Center for Healing & Resilience.
Now, because you cared so much, Idaho’s kids will no longer have to be sent out of state for the residential care they need. Our kids have a homelike environment where every aspect of the campus has been designed to nurture hope, healing, and resilience. Many days will be will be filled with the quiet friendship of horses, walking nature trails, and having conversations with caring adults among the crickets near the ponds. They’ll go to school with teachers who understand their struggles and work hand in hand with expert, caring therapists. Youth at the Residential Center will make friends who have similar experiences and backgrounds.
The Residential Center for Healing & Resilience not only serves as a beacon of hope for Idaho’s youth and families who need residential care—it sets the bar for residential care in the nation. Hearts will heal, futures will change, and cycles will be broken because you care.
In our darkest hour, YOU made all the difference!
On July 18, 2022—just two and a half weeks into our fiscal year—a devastating fire broke out in the yard outside the Idaho Youth Ranch distribution center and corporate headquarters. Over 100 people were safely evacuated as the brave men and women of the Boise Fire Department battled the flames well into the night. Over 11,000 square feet of the facilities were completely destroyed, and another 100,000 square feet were damaged, leaving five buildings in need of significant repair.
Such a disaster would have forced most organizations to close their doors. The fire devastated our thrift stores’ ability to provide critical funding for our programs, and that challenge continues.
Our thrift store team members rallied and found new, creative ways to work together despite having lost most of our inventory and our space to sort and process donations.
Generous people throughout the state came forward with their support. Idaho Youth Ranch programs stayed open, and youth throughout Idaho continued getting the help they needed. We are proud to say that none of our employees were laid off because of the fire and all our programs remained open.
While it will be some time before we can say we have fully recovered from the fire, we know that you will be there with us every step of the way because you care.
“Idaho Youth Ranch is all about turning adversity into resilience, knowing that it takes support to make that happen. For our kids, that means connecting them with caring adults and proven therapies that help them heal. For our organization, it means the community rising up around us to keep this mission strong.”
-Scott Curtis, CEO
Rising from the Ashes
In a typical year, Idaho Youth Ranch Thrift Stores provide substantial support to our programs and services. However, the 2022 fire created huge financial obstacles for the entire thrift operation.
You made all the difference! In the wake of the fire, the community rallied to support the vital programs and services throughout the state. Shoppers still came and the community continued to bring their gently used goods, which kept our thrift stores alive during an incredible challenge.
Despite the fire, we were still able to invest $5,225,723 in life-changing programs that nurture hope, healing, and resilience.
Because you cared, Idaho’s kids still received the help they needed.
$5,225,723 invested in life-changing programs for youth.
Every day at Idaho Youth Ranch, youth and their families find a new trajectory for their lives because people like YOU care deeply about helping them. Your generosity is the engine that powers transformation, healing, and hope.
But there are still kids who need your help.
There are kids in need of a caring adult to stand by them through the most challenging experiences of their lives.
We know you will be that caring adult.
Today, Idaho’s youth are still struggling. A 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control found:
- 1 in 5 (19.8%) Idaho youth were bullied online.
- Nearly 1 in 2 (44.8%) experienced symptoms of depression.
- 1 in 5 (21.3%) seriously considered suicide.
- 1 in 10 (10.9%) attempted suicide.
- 1 in 10 (10.5%) live or have lived with substance or alcohol abuse in the home.
- Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) high school girls have been forced to have sexual intercourse.
Our youth need you to stand with them and watch over them. We will not stop fighting for our young people to get the support they need and deserve.
When kids reach out for help, you will be there to make the difference in their lives when they need it most because you care.
Thank you for caring about Idaho's youth!
We can't wait to see what the next year brings, and we are so grateful to have you along for the journey.