Boise Initiative | Communities4Youth

Boise Youth Well-being Initiative

Our kids are worth running upstream for! Read more about our Upstream Prevention Approach here.

Boise Schools, in partnership with St. Luke's Community Health & Engagement, the city of Boise Mayor's office, and other partners are calling all organizations, parents, families, business leaders, youth, and other community members to join us in working to build the best possible community for our kids. Data collected in November 2022 revealed that roughly ~33% of teens living in Boise are struggling with depression, which is higher than the national average. The good news is we also collected information on what could be causing those elevated numbers. The two main drivers of depression and suicidal ideation in Boise youth are high levels of stress and experiencing high levels of social isolation.

Together, we can do something about that!

Join us in building community and decreasing stress and social isolation for our kids!

Building Social Connection

In Boise, our kids need to have more real connections. We have decided to focus on building connection to create the best possible communities for our kids.

What are ways you can help a young person in your life authentically connect to themselves, to other peers, or to you and other trusted adults?

Click here to learn more about ways you can increase social connection in your community starting today.

Looking for ways to get involved?

Join an Action Team or visit our Get Involved page!

Get Involved! Join the Boise Action Team!

Want to help build the best possible community for Boise kids AND increase social connection?

Our Boise Action teams have been very busy the last few months. Stay tuned and watch our community events calendar and social media for all the upcoming events supporting our Boise Initiative!

What is an Action Team?

An Action Team is a group of folks in a community (including parents, grandparents, small business owners, organizational partners, and other community members) who co-create and execute a plan to address the needs of young people. The action team combines data, real-life experiences, and research in other communities to create real change. And we can start today!

Thanks to some of our key supporting partners in the Boise Initiative!