Children's Home Society of Idaho: A $300,000 Boost for Treasure Valley Youth Mental Health

The Children's Home Society of Idaho has received a significant $300,000 grant from KeyBank to enhance mental health services for Treasure Valley youth. This funding will enable the organization to expand its Care Farm Therapy Program, which aims to address mental health issues among young people in the region. The grant aligns with the organization's mission to extend its reach and make a lasting impact on the lives of more children and families in the community.

The funding from KeyBank will facilitate the expansion of this vital program by enabling the hiring of additional clinicians, training and certifying 15-20 therapists in nature-based and animal-assisted therapies, and employing a psychiatrist for medication management. The Children's Home will also seek to forge partnerships with more local schools to increase access to counseling services for students. KeyBank's Idaho market president, Scott Schlange, emphasized the importance of this initiative in supporting vulnerable youth and fostering community strength.

The Children's Home Society of Idaho has been committed to providing refuge and comprehensive mental health care for children and families throughout the state since its establishment in 1908. The organization addresses a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while also organizing peer support groups and outreach initiatives to ensure that help is available to all, regardless of their financial situation.

Grace Shimatsu, Development and Fundraising Manager at the Children's Home, highlighted that the partnership with KeyBank reflects their mission to extend their reach and make a lasting impact on the lives of more children and families in the community. This grant signifies a crucial step towards bolstering mental health resources for young people in the Treasure Valley.

The expansion of mental health services through this grant is set to significantly enhance the well-being of Treasure Valley youth. By addressing mental health issues early and providing access to crucial counseling services, the Children's Home Society of Idaho is fostering a healthier and more resilient community. This investment in mental health is not only a moral imperative but also a sound economic strategy, as it can lead to reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity in the long run.



As the Children's Home Society of Idaho expands its mental health services, it is essential to consider the long-term economic and social benefits of investing in mental health for youth. A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that every dollar invested in mental health services yields a return of $2.20 in reduced health care costs and increased productivity. Moreover, investing in mental health can lead to improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced social-emotional learning (SAMHSA, 2021).



In conclusion, the $300,000 grant from KeyBank to the Children's Home Society of Idaho is a significant step in addressing mental health challenges among Treasure Valley youth. By expanding access to counseling services and forging partnerships with schools, the organization is fostering a healthier and more resilient community. This investment in mental health is a sound economic strategy that can yield long-term benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. As the organization continues to adapt its services to meet evolving community needs, it remains committed to providing exceptional mental healthcare services for children and families throughout the state.