The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of culture. It... is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refueling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be.
Marianne E. Neifert, Dr. Mom's Parenting Guide
At last July’sWine, Women & Shoes fundraising event in Coeur d’Alene, IYR clinician Amanda Smith shared an amazing story with hundreds of generous guests, all gathered to support promising futures for Idaho kids and families. With her permission we're glad to have the opportunity to share this story with you. The story is true, but we've changed the hero's name to protect his privacy.
One of the key ingredients to a promising future is a sense of belonging and feeling connected to others and valued for what you have to offer. That’s why volunteering, or what we call service learning, is such an important part of treatment at IYR.
Greg Orlando, our program director at Anchor House, recently had the honor of being nominated by one of his staff who serves in the Guard to take part in “Operation Boss Lift 2015,” sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).The mission of ESGR is to “gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.”
Here it is- the Spring 2015 issue of The Maverick newsletter, full of success stories about Idaho kids and families whose lives have changed for the better, thanks to your generous support.
Jacob came from a well-off family with no history of trauma or neglect. But drug addiction does not discriminate—it can happen to any family. In 8th grade, he started experimenting with street drugs and soon spiraled into full-blown dependency on oxycodone. Jacob’s parents didn’t realize how bad it was until he got caught stealing.
Each year the Idaho Youth Ranch honors three of its employees, out of more than 400 statewide, for their outstanding performance and dedication to helping Idaho kids and families. In 2014, two out of the three agency awards went to staff members at Anchor House in Coeur d’Alene.
At Anchor House, we’ve helped many a teenager turn his life around, even some who came to us a last resort, after other agencies had given up. On paper, some of these boys looked like lost causes, but given a chance, their stories turned from tragedies to triumphs.
Christmas was made a lot brighter this year for Idaho kids and families, thanks to the many big-hearted people and businesses behind IYR’s annual “Giving Tree” gift drive.
Teenage drug abuse is a daunting obstacle to overcome. Getting to the other side takes personal courage along with solid support from the caring adults who intervene to help. That's why when a boy’s life goes from perilous to promising, it’s cause for celebration. Not only for him but also for family, friends, teachers, community, and for some boys, their probation officer.