Idaho Youth Ranch Ambassador - Valley County

Every child is born full of promise, and every child deserves a promising future.The Idaho Youth Ranch has been helping good kids on a dangerous path find promising futures for more than 60 years, with youth programs and services through the state.We offer emergency shelter, residential care, substance abuse treatment, job readiness training, alternative education, adoption services, family counseling, and more for at-risk kids and their struggling parents and families.No matter what a child is up against, the Idaho Youth Ranch can help.Every kid who comes to us faces their own unique challenges and issues. So we adapt our services to meet their needs, instead of the other way around. The Idaho Youth Ranch approach is to intervene early, when our help can do the most good; treat the whole child, not just one symptom; and finish the job by sticking with each kid as long as they need us.Our work would not be possible without generous donations from people like you. Thanks to our donors and our statewide network of 29 thrift stores, we can help kids and families effectively and immediately even if they can’t afford the entire cost of care.Whenever you make a cash donation, shop at one of our stores, or donate items we can sell, you become part of our promise to Idaho’s kids. Thank you!,About Idaho Youth RanchIdaho Youth Ranch has been serving Idaho’s vulnerable youth since 1953. Through nine programs — from emergency shelter and residential psychiatric care to outpatient counseling, equine therapy, telehealth, job training, and adoption services — we unite for Idaho’s youth by providing accessible programs and services that nurture hope, healing, and resilience. Our 24+ thrift stores generate the revenue that ensures no child is ever turned away because of their family’s inability to pay. Ninety-six percent of our program graduates are working or in school. Eighty-six percent remain free of drugs and alcohol. Eighty-five percent report mostly positive relationships with family and peers.The OpportunityIdaho Youth Ranch is launching its first-ever Ambassador Program in Eastern and Northern Idaho — and we’re looking for community members who will carry our mission into neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, and civic organizations that our staff cannot reach alone.As a Community Ambassador, you’ll be Idaho Youth Ranch’s face in your county. You’ll represent the organization at community events, share our story on social media, and — when appropriate — share your own connection to the mission. You’ll also help connect community members who need services with the programs that can change their lives. This is a high-impact, flexible volunteer role grounded in what the research shows word of mouth from credible community voices is the leading source of new supporters across the U.S. nonprofit sector (AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation).What You’ll DoAmbassadors work in three ways — in whatever blend fits their strengthsCommunity Presence Table at events; give brief talks to service clubs, PTAs, and faith communities; engage neighbors about Idaho Youth Ranch programs.Digital Outreach Share Idaho Youth Ranch content on your personal channels; create original posts; engage in online conversations about youth mental health.Storytelling Share your personal connection to Idaho Youth Ranch at events and donor gatherings, when appropriate, under trauma-informed storytelling guidelines.All Ambassadors also refer community members to Idaho Youth Ranch’s volunteer, donor, and intake contacts; complete brief after-event reports; and attend four quarterly convenings per year for training and peer connection.Who We’re Looking ForGenuine passion for Idaho’s vulnerable youth and their familiesStrong communication skills — comfortable in conversation; no professional background requiredReliability and follow-throughInterest in community outreach, digital engagement, or personal storytelling (or all three)Residents of Eastern or Northern Idaho pilot countiesSpanish-speaking candidates strongly encouraged to apply18 years of age or older; background check requiredTime CommitmentApproximately 2 hours per month (flexible; some weeks more, some less). 1-year term, renewable. Onboarding training approximately 4–6 hours in cohort sessions. Quarterly convenings 4 per year, ≈2 hours each.What You’ll GainOnboarding training in community outreach, trauma-informed communication, and digital engagementA fully equipped Ambassador kit (name badge, branded materials, business cards, brochures)Membership in a peer Ambassador community and regular communications supportAnnual Volunteer Recognition Event and service-hour milestone certificatesA letter of reference from Idaho Youth Ranch’s Chief Advancement Officer after a completed one-year termPriority access to Idaho Youth Ranch professional development and training opportunitiesResume credit in nonprofit community outreach, volunteer coordination, and communications