For most teenagers, finding a job in the best of times is an intimidating prospect. Trying to find a job during a pandemic or when unemployment is very high, however, feels impossible.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Z * is her very shy demeanor, but she hasn’t let that define who she is or what she wants to be: a designer for clothing supergiant, Adidas.

Rayanne was barely 16 when her mom’s alcoholism finally got so out of control that she couldn’t take care of her kids or herself. It was a shock to Rayanne, who had no idea her mom was drinking.

YOUTHWORKS! and the Power of People Skills

Our newest Idaho Youth Ranch program, YOUTHWORKS!, helps launch at-risk young adults into the working world with a big head start. The program includes on-the-job training in our thrift stores, mentoring from a business professional, classroom instruction, an internship, and job placement assistance. It even pays trainees a stipend while they’re learning.

The Art of Thankfulness

If you've visited the Idaho Youth Ranch website or Facebook page recently, you will have seen this original drawing by Gina Johnson. Gina is currently a trainee in IYR’s YOUTHWORKS! program, someone who is not used to thinking of herself as an artist.