An anonymous donor has contributed $7.5 million to the Idaho Youth Ranch to assist in relocating a residential therapy treatment center from Rupert to Canyon County.
The donor did not want to be identified but the Idaho Youth Ranch reports that she has deep roots in Idaho and strong ties with the Idaho Youth Ranch.
“I really believe in the benefits of animals with kids,” said the donor. “These kids deserve our help. Without it, how would they get by? What would their futures be like?”
The facility will be constructed near Middleton on a 258 acre ranch which will include residential therapy, treatment facilities, stables for therapy animals, a chapel and a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities for at-risk teens.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity and foresight of this donor. This generous gift will allow us to put our boots on and move forward on this vitally important project.” said Steve Woodworth, CEO of the Idaho Youth Ranch. “We believe this project will be the catalyst to unprecedented cooperation between Idaho’s nonprofits focused on youth. We are already working with leaders of other organizations on a coordinated plan to offer greater support for every family in Idaho and it really begins with getting this ranch done.”
“Today’s kids face more complex and unique challenges than any generation before them. In a time when bullying goes online, divorce affects more than half of families, and kids are forced to cope with adult temptations, even families from the best homes struggle to help their children succeed,” said Dr. Robert Ball, VP of Programs at IYR. “The Idaho Youth Ranch provides support to families regardless of their ability to pay. By working together with other nonprofits, we can make sure every child gets the help they need, when they need it.”
