A Message from our Executive Director

Children's Mental Health: Centering Families, Strengthening Communities

May is Children’s Mental Health Month, a time to reflect, raise awareness, and most importantly, take action. Across Idaho and beyond, families continue to navigate complex systems while working to ensure their children and youth have access to the support they need to thrive.

At FYIdaho, we know that children’s mental health does not exist in isolation. It is deeply connected to family well-being, community support, and the systems designed to serve them. When families are supported, informed, and empowered, children experience better outcomes. When families are not heard or are left to navigate systems alone, the impact can be significant.

This month, we are reminded of a simple but powerful truth: the most effective solutions are those that are built with families, not for them. The principle of “nothing about us without us” is not just a statement. It is a call to action. It challenges all of us, whether it be providers, policymakers, educators, and community members, to ensure that the family voice is not only included but centered in decision-making.

Children’s mental health is not just about services. It is about relationships, trust, and belonging. It is about ensuring that every child and every family feels seen, heard, and supported. Throughout May, we encourage you to take time to listen to families, elevate lived and living experience, and reflect on how your work contributes to building stronger community ecosystems.

We appreciate each and every one of you and the role you play in making a difference for our families and youth in Idaho.

-Brenda Willson, FYIdaho Executive Director

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us for 31 Days of Self-Care. Each day in May, choose one small activity from this calendar to support your mental health and the well-being of your family. You can follow the days in order or pick whichever ones fit your energy, schedule, and needs. Try them on your own, with your child or teen, or as a whole family. There is no “right” way to participate. Our hope is that these simple, doable practices help you build ongoing habits of care, connection, and compassion for yourself and others.

Need Help Getting Started?

Start small. Remember that even 5-10 minutes can support your mental health.
Make it visible. Post this calendar on the fridge, by a mirror, or save it to your phone so you see it often.
Schedule it. Treat self-care like an appointment. Choose a time of day and stick to it.
Do it together. Invite your child, teen, partner, or friend to join you.
Be Flexible. If one activity doesn't fit into your day, swap it for another.
Notice what helps. Pay attention to which activities leave you feeling calmer, more hopeful, or more energized. Repeat those often.
Honor your limits. If you're exhausted or overwhelmed, choose the smallest step on the calendar and let that be enough.
Reach out for support. Self-care is not a replacement for help. Connect with a trusted provider or community resource for more help.

New Parenting Class - Trail Mix for Thriving

Join our Executive Director, Brenda Willson, on May 13th for Trail Mix for Thriving, a free online parenting class that helps build practical resilience tools so your kids can thrive at home, school, and in their community. Join us at 12:00pm or 7:00pm.

Email info@fyidaho.org or click the button below to save your spot and receive the meeting link.

Sign-Up Here!

Resource Fair & Open House

Families and Youth of Idaho invites you to our upcoming Resource Fair and Open House at the Boise Brick House this May!

Attendees can explore community services, meet local partners, and learn how the Boise Brick House supports youth through skill-building, connection, and a safe, welcoming environment.

Earn your way to a Boise Hawks Game!

Families can earn free Boise Hawks tickets for the June 14th home game by completing a fun BINGO challenge at our fair.

To receive tickets, families must:

Visit every vendor
Complete the BINGO card
Turn it into an FYIdaho staff member to receive tickets

Limited to the first 50 tickets claimed!

Interested in promoting your organization? Contact us!

Purchase Tickets - Support FYIdaho

We're excited to share a fun way to support FYIdaho this summer!

The Albertson's Boise Open is partnering with local nonprofits again this year, and FYIdaho has been selected as a participating organization. When you purchase your tickets through our designated link, 100% of ticket sales go directly toward supporting FYIdaho and our programs and services.

Friday and Saturday tickets are SOLD OUT. Don't delay in purchasing tickets!

Purchase Tickets Here!

Does your teen need a safe environment after school? Check out the Boise Brick House!

704 N. 7th St.

Boise, ID 83702

The Boise Brick House is a teen-driven drop-in center designed for high school-aged youth in the Treasure Valley. We believe every teen deserves a place to relax, connect, and engage in meaningful conversations about mental wellness with trusted adults in our community.

We're excited to create an experience that celebrates mental wellness while bringing our bigger goals to life in fun and meaningful ways. Through lively, interactive activities, we are building a space where everyone can unwind, connect, and enjoy each moment. Some of our activities include:

Video Game Challenges, Tutoring, and Academic Goal Setting
Volunteer-led Activities, including Baking and Crafting Classes
Clubs, Resume Building, and Application Help
Go-Team Therapy Dogs
Seasonal Activities, Such As Gardening, Planting, Scavenger Hunts, etc.

These moments stimulate creativity, enhance overall well-being, and reinforce our sense of community, making the experience both invigorating and uplifting.

Regular operating hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm during the academic year.

FYIdaho's Family Support Line

Our staff has a wealth of personal experience navigating all facets of the children's mental health system. They are ready to help guide you on your own journey.

Did you know we offer presentations about FYIdaho to providers and community events?

Contact our Executive Director!

Call us at 208-433-8845 or email info@fyidaho.org for more information.

FYIdaho is committed to improving, preserving, and restoring the mental health of youth and their families. We strive to maximize the potential of children, youth, and their families for full involvement and inclusion in their community.

Families and Youth of Idaho

208-433-8845 | www.fyidaho.org