This episode explores how the Idaho Youth Ranch supports young people facing trauma, mental health challenges, and social pressures through residential care, therapeutic programs, and statewide family-centered services. The conversation highlights the organization’s 70-year evolution, its trauma-informed approach, and its commitment to helping youth heal and thrive.
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Guests:
- Scott Curtis, Chief Executive Officer, Idaho Youth Ranch
- Amy Evans, Vice President of Programs, Idaho Youth Ranch
- Deborah Imbrogno, Executive Director, Residential Center for Healing & Resilience
Key Points:
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Idaho Youth Ranch was founded in the 1950s by James and Ruby Crowe, who acquired 2,000 acres of rural land to help “wayward boys” rebuild their lives through ranch work and caring relationships.
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The organization has evolved for over 70 years, expanding from a single ranch to multiple programs across Idaho.
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Today’s youth face new challenges including social media pressures, online bullying, exposure to traffickers, and lingering effects of COVID-19 isolation.
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Trauma-informed care is foundational across all programs, with staff trained to understand trauma’s impact on the brain and behavior.
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Idaho ranks among the highest states for youth experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including mental illness in the home, incarceration of relatives, poverty, and food insecurity.
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The Residential Center for Healing & Resilience provides intensive clinical treatment, family therapy, and safe, predictable environments for youth.
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Families are active partners in treatment, participating in regular therapy, meetings, and relationship-building activities.
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Telehealth expands access to youth and families in rural parts of the state.
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A statewide network of 24 thrift stores provides major revenue and community engagement while staff also receive trauma-informed training.
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The organization is funded through Medicaid reimbursements, thrift store revenue, donors, corporate support, and limited grants, enabling greater statewide impact.
Other Points on Idaho Youth Ranch:
Idaho Youth Ranch emphasizes strong partnerships with families and supportive adults identified by each youth, such as teachers, pastors, neighbors, and coaches. These connections create a collaborative support system that extends beyond treatment and into long-term stability.
The Residential Center was built with a trauma-informed design, recognizing that safety, predictability, and respectful relationships are prerequisites to healing. Youth participate in regular individual therapy, weekly family sessions, and activities that help them build trust and confidence in themselves and others.
Technology is used thoughtfully to support family involvement, especially for rural communities. Telehealth allows distant family members to join therapy and maintain supportive contact, while youth learn responsible digital use through education and supervision.
Idaho’s strong sense of community contributes to the organization’s success. Residents across the state step up to support children, participate in funding campaigns, and advocate for youth well-being. This collective commitment helps Idaho Youth Ranch sustain its mission of healing youth and strengthening families statewide.
