Very few success stories move in straight lines that never waver. For many of the kids we work with at IYR, the path to a promising future includes some setbacks and challenges along the way.
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.
Betrayed by her family, Amanda once believed she had only herself to rely on. But she left Hays Shelter home knowing that her IYR “family” will always be here to support her into adulthood.
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.
Last month we received this heartfelt letter from a young man who stayed at Hays Shelter Home with his sister more than a year ago. They had been living on the street. When they first came to Hays, they didn't know what to make of being in IYR's care and were wary of us, but sometimes It's the most challenging kids who make the biggest transformation.Thanks to your generous support, they found their way out of homelessness and into a future with direction and possibility.
Learning Through Service at Hayes House
In addition to receiving counseling kids in our residential programs spend time every week getting involved in their community through volunteer projects. The Idaho Youth Ranch service learning program has included many community organizations and nonprofits. To date, IYR kids have served more than 100 meals at the Boise Rescue Mission, packed 1500 lbs. of donations at the Idaho Foodbank, delivered 32 meals for Meals on Wheels, and cared for service animals with Mini-Joys, a local non-profit that provides miniature horses for therapeutic healing.