The Good Network mobilizes support for Idahoans with urgent needs

Founded by Chris Stewart, The Good Network is a nonprofit amplifying urgent community needs and mobilizing people to respond. Best known for his on-air presence as Lucky the DJ and program director/brand manager for major radio stations across the country, Stewart describes himself as a community builder who’s dedicated to bringing heart to real stories in the Idaho community.

“Our role is to shine a spotlight on what matters and give people an easy way to step in and help,” he explained. “Think of us as a community marketing agency that people and nonprofits can use for free.”

Launched in June 2025 not long after the “Everyone is Welcome Here” movement, Stewart noticed there were national stories about Idaho that weren’t lining up with what he sees every day.

“It was being painted as this extreme, exclusionary place and that just hasn’t been my experience … there was just a clear gap between what people were saying about Idaho and what is actually happening here,” he said. “This is a community that shows up for each other.”

So, with a simple idea in mind, The Good Network was formed and in the last eight months, more than 30 individual stories and a half a dozen nonprofits have been highlighted. The organization has generated close to $50,000 for people in need. Stewart works alongside Katie Marshall as the director of structure, systems and sanity, and Sarah Ho who works as the director of community outreach and engagement.

“We don’t collect the money ourselves, we just amplify the stories and direct people to the GoFundMe campaigns, so the support goes straight to the people who need it,” Stewart said. “What makes The Good Network unique is the range of stories we’re involved with. One week we might highlight a child raising money for leukemia and the next we’re telling the story of a nonprofit doing meaningful work. We’re not locked into one cause; we focus on people and real needs as they come up.”

One such movement that has already made an impact in Idaho is Dolls for Dementia. Inspired by his grandmother who suffered from dementia, Stewart saw how much realistic baby dolls can bring light and hope to the elderly. So far, he’s hand-delivered 80 dolls to individuals in nursing and retirement homes in a way that respects their safety and dignity.

“There are great organizations focused on research and medical care, but this is about giving someone something to hold, something to connect with,” Stewart said. “Our elderly aren’t always top of mind in today’s world, and this is one way to bring attention back to them in a meaningful way. It’s really about those small human moments.”

Looking ahead, Stewart is excited about continuing to amplify the people — and the communities — of the Gem State. He is working on growing the organization’s presence online and is also building a network of screens in local businesses.

“The idea is a digital community message board, something that highlights real stories and real needs in real time without relying on social media algorithms,” he said. “The long-term goal is to have around 200 screens placed around the community.”

As for now, The Good Network will continue to act as a megaphone for real needs, then step back and let people do what they want to do: help.

Stewart said, “I think we help make Idaho stronger by reminding people what’s at the core of who we are, and that’s community. Our goal is to tell our own story, the real Idaho story … It’s up to all of us to stay engaged, get involved and be part of that. At the end of the day, it’s not up to politicians or outside voices to define Idaho, it’s up to us.”