Longtime nonprofit works to bring young people hope

Founded in 1953 by a group of visionary Idahoans led by Rev. James Crowe and his wife Ruby Carey Crowe, Idaho Youth Ranch sought to provide a working ranch for struggling young people who needed a safe, supportive environment.

Since launching its first ranch in Rupert more than seven decades ago, the nonprofit has grown to a statewide organization that provides a little bit of everything — adoptions, outpatient therapy and counseling services, psychiatric residential treatment, emergency shelter for youth, equine therapy, job skills training and much more.

Scott Curtis, CEO at Idaho Youth Ranch said, “This growth has been fueled by the unwavering commitment of our donors, volunteers and community partners, allowing us to evolve and meet the changing needs of Idaho’s youth. Our goal is to empower youth who have experienced trauma, abuse or crisis to build resilience and find hope for the future.”

He explained that by helping youth regain stability while completing their education and developing healthy coping skills, they are helping build stronger, more vibrant family units and communities around the Gem State.

“When young people succeed, they become contributing members of society and help break cycles of poverty and neglect for generations to come,” he said.

Last year, Idaho Youth Ranch served 785 unique young people across its programs and nearly 200 of those participated in more than one service. Those numbers include 156 families finding support and tools to guide them through their adoption journeys, more than 100 teens building confidence and life skills through the YouthWorks program, and 72 alumni of the program receiving financial aid and college scholarships.

Curtis said that the Idaho Youth Ranch team has seen an increased demand for mental health services since the pandemic and they have worked hard to expand their continuum of care to ensure each person receives the individualized support they need. Part of how they’re meeting that need is by opening a new Residential Center for Healing and Resilience in 2023 and expanding the Equine Therapy program. Their objective is to provide life-changing and long-term care for young people.

The organization partners with an array of Idaho-based businesses from local banks to health care providers to agricultural companies and small enterprises.

“In addition to business sponsorships of our annual Unite for Hope Gala and other philanthropic investments that fund our therapy programs, many corporate partners also volunteer in hands-on ways — like hosting holiday gift drives, participating in equine team-building sessions at our ranch, or sending staff members to serve on committees and share their expertise,” Curtis said.

Idaho Youth Ranch also collaborates with other local nonprofits, including Ride for Joy, WCA and Interfaith Sanctuary, to name a few.

“These deeper collaborations — where organizations truly come alongside Idaho Youth Ranch — amplify the impact we have on young people,” Curtis said. “Coupled with our network of thrift stores, individual donations, grants and foundation support, these partnerships enable us to expand our reach and deepen our impact on Idaho’s youth, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Idaho Youth Ranch is also funded by its large network of thrift stores which operate across Idaho from Idaho Falls to Coeur d’Alene.

Looking at the future, Curtis and his team of volunteers and staff are thrilled to continue expanding their programming. They are currently looking at ways to be more innovative in mental health services by integrating new therapeutic models and forging stronger community partnerships.

“Ultimately, our goal is to see fewer kids falling through the cracks and more of them reaching their full potential,” he said. “We welcome anyone who wants to get involved … to join us in transforming lives and building a brighter future for Idaho’s youth.”