It’s a simple equation: Families (multiplied by) efforts to strengthen families (equals) stronger families that make the Treasure Valley a better place to live.
This math problem omits some important details, though. Most notably, why are families important and what are local organizations doing to provide vital support?
Two of our local partners recently weighed in on these questions. The Idaho Youth Ranch helps struggling kids and families, said Robert Ball, Ph.D., senior vice president for programs for Idaho Youth Ranch. “They don’t know where to turn, don’t qualify for help and can’t afford to get help.”
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA operates more than 100 programs throughout the community, serving all genders, ages, and socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, said Julie Zicaro, grants and sponsorship director for the Treasure Valley Family YMCA. Last year they served more than 110,000 individuals, with an emphasis on three key areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
United Way (UW): Within your service area, what are the benefits of strong families?
Robert Ball (RB): “Strong families mean strong children, less system dependence and, for some, stopping the perpetual cycle of damaging behavior across generations.”
Julie Zicaro (JZ): “The success of a community’s children and youth depends upon the strength of its families. Stronger families mean stronger communities. The benefits of strong families are far-reaching and all encompassing. Families provide guidance to children regarding morals, values and healthy behaviors that enrich spirit, mind and body.”
UW: In what ways does your organization foster stronger families?
RB: “Cost is never a barrier to families receiving services from us, so we don’t add a financial burden.” Ball said Idaho Youth Ranch’s services include:
Building reliance and protective factors children and families
Connecting families to natural and community supports
In-home support through family counseling and case management
Parent education classes
Children who live in one of IYR’s programs learn about lessening stress in the home and breaking transgenerational patterns of damaging behavior
JZ: “We actively encourage people throughout the community to live by, become champions of and make decisions based upon our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.”
Zicaro said the Treasure Valley Family YMCA’s services include:
21 preschool and school-age child-care locations
Youth sports programs in nearly every neighborhood.
Summer and holiday day camps and summer resident camps
Teen Leaders Clubs
Facilitation of youth government clubs, family nights and community service projects.
To learn how United Way provides opportunities for individuals and families to succeed, check out our work.