Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div>Boise’s Harrison Boulevard will look different this June. The beloved neighborhood tradition of flying Pride flags on the Harrison median is not possible this year. Idaho House Bill 561, passed by the Idaho State Legislature and signed by Governor Little in March 2026, severely restricts which flags can be flown on government property. This includes the lamp posts on Harrison.
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<div>A group of North End neighbors and community members is launching a very special project to provide Progress pride flags and yard signs to any resident in the North End who would like to show their PRIDE this June (and beyond!).
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<div>Everyone is invited to fly a Pride flag at their home or place of business any time of the year! Flying a Pride flag:
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<div>*shows support of our LGBTQ+ neighbors
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<div>*builds an inclusive &amp; welcoming neighborhood
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<div>*is a symbol of our shared Boise values of heritage, welcome, and safety
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<div>*provides safety in numbers to others flying a flag
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<div>Funds raised will be used to purchase flags and yard signs, as well as to print flyers. The initial fundraiser goal of $1750 will be used to order 100 flags and 200 yard signs. Distribution will be done by a team of neighborhood and community volunteers through events and social media. Additional flags and yard signs will be ordered as funds come in and based on neighborhood need. Any funds remaining after the need is met will be distributed to local LGBTQ+ non-profit groups. *July edit: the project has not slowed down - we have given away 1500 yard signs and 350 Pride flags! Starting July 1, 10% of gofundme donations received will be set aside for future giving to local lgbtq+ groups. 
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<div>To volunteer, please message us!
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<div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrideNorthEndBoise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrideNorthEndBoise" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/PrideNorthEndBoise</a></a>
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<div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pridenorthendboise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pridenorthendboise" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/pridenorthendboise</a></a>
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Pride in the North End: Flags for All!

<div>We’re Still Here — and We Need You
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<div>Back in April 2025, we were given the humbling gift of standing in front of an estimated 6,000+ humans — an audience that may or may not have been prepared for us, but who felt with us. Together, we laughed, we cried, and we shared moments of bravery. Many even came up afterward to tell their stories, and since then, countless folks have stopped us around town to say they hadn’t been to a rally that moved them more.
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<div>That day was powerful — but it was just the beginning.
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<div>We are local survivors ourselves, and we are here for all the incredible survivors — whether you’re fighting quietly behind the scenes, standing in front of your perpetrator in court, or simply trying to make it through each day. Our vision is big, our hearts are committed, and we want to keep showing up.
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<div>But here’s the truth: to continue this work, we can’t do it alone. We need our community.
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<div>We need your loving words and encouragement.
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<div>We need volunteers — real boots on the ground.
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<div>And yes, we need the “green paper” to keep our efforts alive.
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<div>What’s next?
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<div>We have an amazing opportunity to:
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<div>Showcase survivor stories in meaningful ways.
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<div>Create safe spaces for engagement, healing, and action.
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<div>Share clear “calls to action” that move us forward as a community.
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<div>Celebrate and connect with you again — this time with a bigger vision. Boise's second annual SlutWalk event is around the corner.
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<div>But..
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<div>Our dream is to shift into monthly gatherings and ongoing projects that bring our vision to life — but to do that, we need YOU.
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<div>Even if it’s just $1, that helps us get out the door and keep showing up. So dig under the couch cushions, grab those coins, and hit “Donate Now.” Every bit counts, and every bit moves us closer to building the future survivors deserve.
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<div>Thank you for standing with us, for seeing us, and for believing in what we can create — together.
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<div>With gratitude and solidarity,
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/94650751_1757897833679945_r." width="100%" />
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Donate to Empower Brave Survivors

<div>UPDATE: September 8, 2026
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<div>On Tuesday, September 1st the Rev. Sara LaWall was found guilty of misdemeanor trespassing for refusing to leave the Idaho Governor’s office during an April 1st sit-in protesting legislation targeting transgender Idahoans.
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<div>3 more (of the 9) who were arrested that day are now facing trials. Several others will face sentencing hearings for their pleas.
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<div>Sara was at the Governor’s office with a large group of faith community members &amp; leaders and trans community members, advocates and allies because trans people and their families deserve to be heard. They were there because laws that criminalize transgender people and forcibly out transgender kids are causing real harm.
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<div>Yes, Sara and the 8 others stayed after they were asked to leave. They has never disputed that. They made a choice to engage in an act of civil disobedience because she believed the stakes were—and remain—too high to simply walk away.
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<div>We continue to raise funds to support ongoing legal costs associated with this action, any future needs that may arise in our continue advocacy and direct mutual aid support for our local trans community.
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<div>_____________
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<div>On Wednesday, April 1st, peaceful Idahoans took action.
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<div>Community members gathered at the Idaho State Capitol to request a meeting with Governor Brad Little-- to speak directly to the real harm caused when he signed HB 752 into law. HB 752 is a dangerous bill that criminalizes transgender people for merely existing in the bathroom that aligns with who they are. Under this law, a transgender person could face misdemeanor charges-- and even a felony for repeat "offenses"-- for doing something as basic as using a restroom.
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<div>We also demand that the Governor pledge to veto HB 822, a sweeping and extreme bill that targets young people and the adults who support them. Even with amendments, HB 822 threatens teachers, counselors, and doctors for something as simple as respecting a young person's pronouns-- even when their parents are supportive. In a stunning contradiction, lawmakers who claim to champion "parental rights" are now stripping parents of the ability to affirm and support their own children if those children are transgender.
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<div>These bills are not happening in isolation. This legislative session has been defined by a relentless wave of attacks on LGBTQ+ Idahoans. Lawmakers have limited public testimony, fast-tracked harmful legislation, and ignored the voices of the very people they were elected to serve.
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<div>So today a group of Idahoans made themselves impossible to ignore.
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<div>When we were told the Governor was "unavailable," we chose to wait. We held a peaceful sit in, exercising our fundamental right to be heard. In response, Idaho State Police arrested and booked several members of our community-- people who showed up with courage, conviction, and a commitment to nonviolence.
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<div>Now, we need your help.
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<div>We are raising funds to cover bail, bond, and legal fees for those who put their bodies on the line for justice. Every dollar goes toward supporting these individuals and ensuring they are not alone in facing the consequences of stand up for our community.
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<div>This is what solidarity looks like.
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<div>Please give what you can, share widely, and stand with those who refused to be silent.
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<div>Together, we will take care of our people-- and we will keep fighting for a future where everyone in Idaho can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.
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<div>In power.
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<div>UPDATE:
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<div>The generosity of community is extraordinary! We cannot thank you enough. Your support in body, in spirit, in financial donations means the world to us and to our trans community.
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<div>I am the Rev. Sara LaWall, one of the 9 who were arrested. Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will steward these funds. We will receive them from this Go Fund Me and then use them to reimburse those who posted our bail, cover our legal fees and any additional miscellaneous support for the arrestees.
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<div>Given your extraordinary generosity, we will use any remaining funds for direct support to our trans community who may need to relocate or who need extra help to remain in Idaho and stay safe. We will also use funds for any additional advocacy needed as these laws begin to take effect. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly via our website <a href="https://www.boiseuu.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.boiseuu.org</a>
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Support Idaho Protestors Now Facing Trials & Sentencing

<div>Hi! My name is <strong>Kate Neville</strong>, and I am a social work student at Boise State University.
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<div>On Monday (8/10/2025), <strong>one of my front teeth, a veneer, broke clean off and left the root of my tooth exposed. </strong>Since this occurred, I have had two different consults and was informed that my insurance, Medicaid, wouldn't cover the procedure due to it being an "aesthetic procedure." In reality, it is putting my other front teeth at risk, and it is painful because it is an exposed root. This medical care I need is not optional for me and is a huge cause of turmoil for me.
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<div>Any and all support is very appreciated! Thank you so much! (-: 
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Support Kate's Urgent Dental Care

<div>Estamos recaudando fondos para apoyar a una familia cariñosa y trabajadora que atraviesa una situación inimaginable e inesperada.
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<div>Recientemente, un padre dedicado llevó a su hijo pequeño a la guardería, como cualquier otro día normal, sin imaginar que sería el último momento de normalidad para su familia. Poco después, fue detenido por ICE, dejando atrás a su hijo pequeño y a la madre del niño sin previo aviso ni preparación.
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<div>Esta familia siempre se ha caracterizado por su bondad, su gran ética de trabajo y el amor que se profesan. Han hecho todo bien: trabajar duro, cuidar de su hijo y construir una vida estable juntos. Ninguna familia merece ser separada de esta manera, y menos aún un niño pequeño que de repente ya no tiene a su padre en casa.
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<div>La madre ahora está haciendo todo lo posible para cuidar de su hijo mientras lidia con un estrés emocional abrumador, incertidumbre y cargas financieras inesperadas. Estos fondos se recaudan para brindarles estabilidad durante este momento increíblemente difícil, cubriendo gastos esenciales como el cuidado del niño, el alquiler, la comida, los gastos legales y de viaje, y las necesidades básicas de su hijo.
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<div>Cada donación, cada vez que compartan esta historia y cada mensaje de apoyo ayudan a aliviar la carga que esta familia está soportando. Sobre todo, ayuda a garantizar que este pequeño siga sintiéndose seguro, amado y apoyado mientras sus padres luchan por mantener a su familia unida.
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<div>Gracias por apoyar a esta familia en uno de los momentos más difíciles de sus vidas. Su bondad realmente marca la diferencia.
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<div>We are raising funds to support a loving, hardworking family facing an unimaginable and sudden hardship.
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<div>Recently, a devoted father dropped his young child off at daycare, just like any other normal day—never expecting it would be the last moment of normalcy for his family. Shortly after, he was taken into ICE custody, leaving behind his young child and the child’s mother without warning or preparation.
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<div>This family has always been known for their kindness, strong work ethic, and love for one another. They have done everything right—working hard, caring for their child, and building a stable life together. No family deserves to be torn apart like this, and especially not a toddler who suddenly no longer has his father at home.
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<div>The mother is now doing everything she can to care for her young child while navigating overwhelming emotional stress, uncertainty, and unexpected financial burdens. These funds are being raised to help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time—covering essentials like childcare, rent, groceries, legal and travel expenses, and basic needs for their young child.
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<div>Every donation, share, and message of support helps ease the weight this family is carrying. Most of all, it helps ensure that this little boy continues to feel safe, loved, and supported while his parents fight to keep their family together.
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<div>Thank you for standing with this family during one of the hardest moments of their lives. Your kindness truly makes a difference.
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Support a loving family after an unexpected separation

<div>Help Support Modern Apothecary Boise After Devastating Crash
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<div>Goal: $25,000
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<div>Organizer: Liz Darby on behalf of my step-daughter Miranda / Modern Apothecary Boise
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<div>Story
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<div>To our friends, community, and kind strangers:
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<div>Yesterday, a car lost control and plowed into Modern Apothecary Boise, destroying the storefront and leaving behind a path of devastation. Thankfully, Miranda is alive — but her beloved business, her livelihood, and her heart’s work are all in ruins.
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<div>Miranda built Modern Apothecary from the ground up, pouring in her passion for wellness, community, and curated natural products. The timing could not be worse: just before the holiday season, when small businesses often depend on the extra traffic and sales to get through the rest of the year.
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<div>Now the store is closed indefinitely. Rent, utilities, insurance,, vendor payments, and living expenses will continue to come due — even though there is literally nothing to sell.
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<div>Why Your Help Matters
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<div>•	Support for Miranda’s living expenses while the store is closed
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<div>•	Funds to cover basic operational costs: rent, utilities, insurance, security, permits
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<div>•	Maintaining community, outreach, and presence during recovery
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<div>Miranda has always believed in giving back to Boise — in hosting wellness events, supporting local artisans, and creating a safe, healing space for her clients. Now she needs us to lift her up.
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<div>How You Can Help
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<div>1.	Donate what you can. Even $5, $10, or $25 adds up.
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<div>2.	Share this campaign with friends, family, social media, local media — anywhere you can think of.
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<div>3.	Stay connected. Follow Modern Apothecary’s Instagram and updates <a href="https://www.instagram.com/modernapothecaryboise?igsh=MW9mZTV5NnY5MnN4aw==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/modernapothecaryboise?igsh=MW9mZTV5NnY5MnN4aw==" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/modernapothecaryboise?igsh=MW9mZTV5NnY5MnN4aw==</a></a>
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<div>Let’s show Miranda that her community is still standing behind her — that this setback won’t be the end of Modern Apothecary.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>liz Darby
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<div>(on behalf of Miranda &amp; Modern Apothecary Boise
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Support Miranda's Store After Devastating Crash

<div>✨ Be the reason a family feels hope this holiday season. ✨
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<div>The holidays can be a beautiful time. But, as many of you know, for a lot of our local families, they’re also the hardest. This year, as a group, <strong>we’re coming together to sponsor families in need with holiday food boxes filled with groceries, comfort, and kindness.</strong>
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<div>Each box will include essentials for a holiday meal and some extra treats to bring a little joy. We will do our best to customize the box to each family. And you can even choose a family to sponsor if you’re willing to put the box together and deliver it yourself.
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<div>You can help by:
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<div>- Sponsoring a full family’s food box (approx. $75-$100) either through donation or direct sponsorship.
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<div>- Donating non-perishable food or grocery gift cards (we will try to create hub spots depending on location).
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<div>- Sharing this post to spread the word.
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<div><strong>No one in our community should have to face an empty table.</strong> Together, we can make sure every family has a reason to smile this season.
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<div>Let’s make kindness contagious this holiday season.
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<div>Join us here:
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<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Be7UFjcAt/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Be7UFjcAt/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Be7UFjcAt/?mibextid=wwXIfr</a></a>
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<div>#HolidayGiving #SponsorAFamily
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<div>#CommunityCare #mutualaid
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<div>#208FoodMutualAid
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Support Families in Need with Holiday Food Boxes

<div>I find it difficult to put this into words, but many of you know that my twin sister and best friend, <strong>Brooke</strong>, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer yesterday. She has been bravely battling cancer since her first diagnosis last July. This past January, however, she was diagnosed for the second time with a new breast cancer and recently underwent another surgery to check if the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, which it has. We are fortunate that this stage of cancer is very treatable with chemotherapy and possibly radiation, and her outlook is positive. However, <strong>the financial impact will be significant</strong>.

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<div>Brooke has been open about her IVF journey. Last August, she was supposed to have a transfer of a healthy embryo to start their journey for a second baby. Unfortunately, the cancer has robbed her of the ability to carry a baby, so they have enlisted the help of a surrogate. This comes with a substantial cost, adding to their financial strain.

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<div><strong>I am reaching out for your help.</strong> My sister means the world to me, and the hope of having a second baby has kept her strong despite the challenges they are facing. I want her to know that there is sunshine ahead and to stay strong and focused. Please share this with your friends and family. Your support means everything to us.

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To Help Brooke Through Her Breast Cancer & Surrogacy Journey

Friends Without A Border

<div>I am teaming up with Book it Forward! Idaho, a Boise-based non-profit to provide free books to low-income schools. Your generous funding will help us buy A Dog Named Bronco books (at cost) to give to 5-8 year olds. I will volunteer my time to visit low-income schools in the Boise area to talk about writing stories and to inspire young children to write their own books! In addition, I will autograph the books. Thank you!!!
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<div>Here is a link to a story on Channel 2 news about a past school visit:
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<div><a href="https://idahonews.com/features/leaders-in-learning/book-it-forward-idaho-and-lee-pesky-center-bring-book-writing-workshop-to-local-school?fbclid=IwAR292-pizBERszCNR2ywp7m2pKKb5kOU2ZIlln5GH_ZPPSFs8y9SAFa9Rvo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://idahonews.com/features/leaders-in-learning/book-it-forward-idaho-and-lee-pesky-center-bring-book-writing-workshop-to-local-school?fbclid=IwAR292-pizBERszCNR2ywp7m2pKKb5kOU2ZIlln5GH_ZPPSFs8y9SAFa9Rvo" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://idahonews.com/features/leaders-in-learning/book-it-forward-idaho-and-lee-pesky-center-bring-book-writing-workshop-to-local-school?fbclid=IwAR292-pizBERszCNR2ywp7m2pKKb5kOU2ZIlln5GH_ZPPSFs8y9SAFa9Rvo</a></a>
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<div>Here is another story about a little boy who was inspired to write his own story!
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<div><a href="https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/i-always-be-sneaky-boise-eight-year-old-hides-self-made-book-in-library/277-37f87d21-7367-4096-83a7-5151b11b5bbf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/i-always-be-sneaky-boise-eight-year-old-hides-self-made-book-in-library/277-37f87d21-7367-4096-83a7-5151b11b5bbf" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/i-always-be-sneaky-boise-eight-year-old-hides-self-made-book-in-library/277-37f87d21-7367-4096-83a7-5151b11b5bbf</a></a>
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A Dog Named Bronco

<p>We are ICAP: Idaho Children Are Primary. AND one of our PRIMARY members needs all of our support. Recently, Jarom Wagoner, who is a small business owner, Caldwell City Councilman, and former State Representative, had an out-of-the-blue seizure and was admitted to the ICU. Over the last few weeks, we have come to find out that Jarom has a tumor located in the frontal lobe of his brain.
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<p>As peers working alongside Jarom to educate and advocate on behalf of all Idaho's children and their families, we have witnessed Jarom and his wife, Lisa, helping countless others with their love and service. In this moment of unexpected need, we are hoping to return this service to our good friend and his family - and then some. All of us who have the privilege of helping others can only imagine what it might be like to unexpectedly need the support of the larger community. Jarom and his family are incredibly brave to embrace the difficult truth of needing to receive support right now so that in time, they will again find themselves in the position to work on the behalf of others.
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<p>Our ICAP family is reaching out to the larger Idaho community not only to raise necessary funds to offset Jarom's upcoming neurosurgery but also for all the other additive costs of daily life disruption that Jarom's diagnosis creates for himself, his family, and his advocacy. All of us at ICAP join with Jarom's many valued family members, friends, and colleagues in knowing - without a doubt- that when Jarom is on the other side of this diagnosis as a survivor, he and his family will return all of our giving ten-fold. Paying it forward is Jarom's authentic ethic and, with our help, he will be uplifting all others in need before a beat is missed.
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<p>Another way to donate is to join the Summer Collegiate Baseball Team, the Canyon County Spuds, in their Wagoner Family Jersey Auction. 100% of the proceeds will go to Jarom and his family. You can visit <a href="https://bit.ly/37TKOhd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="http://bit.ly/37TKOhd" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://bit.ly/37TKOhd</a></a>
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Our friend, Jarom Wagoner, needs our support.

<strong>NOTE</strong>: This fundraiser has been created by Oliver Russell to collect donations with permission from Dr. Dan Prinzing, Executive Director of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights and with community support. All donations collected will directly benefit the Wassmuth Center with a focus on protecting the Anne Frank Memorial with the addition of security cameras and through the provision of educational resources and programming to the community.  <br /> <br />On the evening of Monday, December 7,  <a href="https://annefrankmemorial.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Idaho Anne Frank Memorial</a> was vandalized. Stickers with swastikas and the words, “We are everywhere” were found affixed to the statue of Anne Frank’s diary, and others were pasted throughout the park. This explicit act of white supremacy serves as a reminder of the stark and disturbing pervasiveness of racism, bigotry, and hatred that continues to plague our society and which this community-driven fundraising campaign aims to turn on its head.  <br /> <br />“The Memorial was funded by individuals, businesses, and foundations to be a physical statement of our shared values; we recognize today that one of those values is that we must stand up to confront hate,” <a href="https://wassmuthcenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wassmuth Center for Human Rights</a>  Executive Director, Dan Prinzing, said. Today, December 10, is International Human Rights Day- the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. As we reflect on the conception of this milestone document, we are reminded of our opportunity to reaffirm the importance of human rights in reconstructing the world we aspire to, our collective need for global security, and the recognition of our interconnectedness and shared humanity (UN, 2020).  <br /> <br />With the support of the community, Oliver Russell, the Boise-based branding agency that first helped to organize and mobilize fundraising efforts in 2000 to create the Memorial, has started this GoFundMe campaign with the permission of Prinzing to raise $5,000 to add a security system from Sloan Security Group to better protect the educational park. “While it saddens us that this security system has become necessary, right now it is important that we protect it because not only is the memorial located in the heart of the city, we are the heart of the city” shared Prinzing. Any funds raised in addition to the Center’s $5,000 goal will be directed to educational programming and resources so that the Wassmuth Center can be “even louder in the community, reminding all that Idaho is too great for hate” said Prinzing. <br /> <br />A virtual vigil is being planned for Monday, December 14th, 2020. Details to follow.

WE are everywhere: Protect the Anne Frank Memorial

My name is Kathryn, and I am the Partnerships and Development Manager at PEPY. I have worked with PEPY for a year now, and am humbled by Khmer youth's commitment to education and supporting their communities when given the tools and opportunity. The COVID-19 crisis has been devastating for the youth in Siem Reap Province, a region where the economy is based around tourism. Many of our youth who have worked very hard to support themselves and their families, are being forced to close their own businesses or are losing their jobs. Prior to COVID, our scholarship employment rate was 100%. As of May, our alumni's unemployment rate was 25%. It is increasing weekly for alumni in the education and tourism/hospitality sector.<br /><br /><strong>Small donations can make a big difference to a family in rural Cambodia!</strong><br /><br />This fund will go toward our emergency response for families short on food with no income and our job placement efforts, and towards our Learning Center vocational training to give both our current students and alumni access to our trained staff and computer labs  to diversify their skills and find work outside of the tourism sector. <br /><br /><a href="http://pepyempoweringyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/q3report2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our most recent Quarterly Report</a> <br /><a href="http://pepyempoweringyouth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our Website</a> <br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABmhPJADTgs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PEPY Introduction Video Tekmas Story</a> <br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48921204_1592463163692804_r.jpeg" alt="48921204_1592463163692804_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Support Rural Cambodian Youth through COVID crisis

“Raising awareness of mental health issues in our communities and for our health workers is essential to make a difference.” <br />-Dr. Roshan Neupane, Nepal’s #1 ranked doctor/Myagdi District’s Health Officer/Senior Medical Superintendant<br /><br />“Alcohol issues and drug related deaths in our community need to be discussed community wide, and we need solutions.” <br /> -Hira Tapa, a Beni District Ward Secretary <br /><br />Mental health is a significant and pervasive issue in Nepal that has only begun to be addressed by organizations in the major cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Although suicide is the number one cause of death for Nepali women ages 15-49, mental health issues and causal factors are not discussed in remote cities and rural Nepali communities (UN Dispatch, <a href="https://www.undispatch.com/suicide-is-a-leading-cause-of-death-for-women-in-nepal/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.undispatch.com/suicide-is-a-leading-cause-of-death-for-women-in-nepal/</a>). The absence of support and acknowledgement of issues like alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and suicide is largely due to cultural stigma and lack of education. According to the 2017 World Mental Health Day study conducted in Nepal, at least 10% of government employees are suffering from depression, while only 50% of people of that 10% seek treatment. <br /><br />In Myagdi district, village leaders and health professionals from two communities and the District Health Officer/Senior Medical Superintendant, Dr. Roshan Neupane, who are determined to challenge cultural norms and educate their communities on topics and resources surrounding mental health, initiated the Mental Health Awareness Program to be held the first two weeks in May of 2018. The goal of this program is to hold sessions that will lead to safe spaces for community members in need of support, increase understanding of what mental health is and related disease/conditions (i.e. alcoholism, depression), and will raise awareness of societal factors that negatively impact a person’s mental health (i.e. caste and gender discrimination). <br /><br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28111484_1520060473.0562_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br />In order to accomplish such an ambitious program, especially in the two villages where mental health has never been formally discussed as a community issue before, mental health professionals from the Kathmandu based organization Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO) will be brought in to facilitate the majority of sessions for the program (<a href="http://tponepal.org" target="_blank">tponepal.org</a>).<br /><br />TPO’s mission statement most aptly sums up why this organization is best suited for this program: <br /><br />“We promote psychosocial well-being and mental health of children and families in conflict affected and other vulnerable communities, through development of sustainable, culturally-appropriate, community-based psychosocial support systems.”  <br /><br />TPO specializes in designing community based programs and mental health support systems and has had great success throughout Nepal. For this particular program, they will design and hold 10 days’ worth of awareness, education, and advocacy sessions in both villages and in Beni District Hospital. The organization Kopila Nepal (<a href="http://kopilanepal.org.np/" target="_blank"><a href="http://kopilanepal.org.np/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://kopilanepal.org.np/</a></a>), a non-profit focused on gender/caste awareness/advocacy as well as overall psychosocial well-being, has generously donated books and informational handouts for the communities’ Health Posts and Beni Hospital, while also providing additional content and suggestions for the gender and caste focused sections during the program. In addition, aNutrition Development Representative from Suaahara (a USAid funded initiative with all Nepali staff that conducts grassroots trainings ranging from agriculture, to climate change, to addressing human rights issues in Nepal), is planning to participate in the program at both of the village sites. <br /><br />The program will begin with mental health awareness/advocacy sessions at all sites for the health professionals and community leaders. This training, among other things, will equip the participants to recognize signs of declining mental health, understand what community factors and internal factors affect mental health, and give them the resources and contact information of external organizations to provide to community members who approach them for help (i.e.: gender/caste support groups, suicide hot lines, rehabilitation centers, etc). Additionally, they will all be given safe space training to learn how to properly/respectfully facilitate uncomfortable and/or previously avoided topics surrounding mental health with community groups and individuals. Following this training, community centers, medical centers, and schools in Beni and the two villages will be equipped with the contact information of support groups and suicide hotlines for community members to access the information privately to get support for themselves or for family members. <br /><br />In each of the rural communities, several days of sessions will be conducted at schools for students ranging grades 8-10. This program will combine several schools across different villages and is expected to have 400+ students participating. Students will have a 'What is Mental Health' awareness session and an advocacy session focused on what factors negatively and positively affect their peers and their own mental health. Suaahara will give the students a session on the effects and habits of drug/alcohol/food inputs as they relate to mental health. Lastly, students will have a session focused on developing coping skills (i.e.: journaling/yoga) and how to be a support system for their peers. Students will be have access to a Kathmandu counselor during the program and will be shown what resources they can call or reach out to in the future. This is the first of what is expected to be an annual mental health awareness school program that will be given by the mental health professionals in each community. <br /><br />In addition, both rural communities have community members who have formed groups to proactively address mental health issues and work with the local health posts to initiate programs/community meetings. In one community, a mental health task force with a proportional representation of caste, gender, and health professionals has been formed to meet bi-monthly and discuss how to support alcoholics, porn/drug addics in the community, and to design after school programs that will allow students to have open discussions about their own anxietys and issues with teachers that they trust. In the other community, teachers have formed a group that will raise awareness for depression and suicide to encourage students to talk about and destigmatize mental health issues. During the Mental Health Awareness Program, both of these groups will seek guidance from TPO on how to best go about facilitating these sessions and discussions in their communities.<br /><br />After the conclusion of this program, health professionals and community leaders in village will have the skills to facilitate conversations community wide to begin addressing mental health issues and will plan what resources/programs their community members/schools need in order to be better supported. Dr. Neupane learned from the 2017 World Mental Health Day study that at least 20% of patients in Nepali hospitals are suffering from some sort of mental health illness. He acknowledges that his employees at Beni Hospital do not currently have the capacity to adequately treat their patients with mental health needs, and, he believes this must change in order to improve and protect the community as a whole. For Beni Hospital, the Mental Health Awareness Program is meant to serve as an introduction to a series of trainings that will ultimately lead to a fully functioning mental health ward in the hospital with trained staff who have the ability to hold counselor sessions and prescribe medicine, and, the formation of mental health related support groups. Specifically, a gender/caste/societal expectations support group that will be implemented under the guidance of TPO, Kopila and other non-profits/NGOs that are already successfully running similar programs. Ultimately, the goal is for Myagdi District to have the mental health resources/programs that were previously only available to Nepali people living in Kathmandu or Pokhara. <br /><br />Although many community members from all three communities involved in the Mental Health Awareness program are donating their time and money to ensure the success of this program, there is still a significant amount of money that needs to be raised in order to cover the trainers’ fees, overall logistics, and resources that are being designed specifically for every session. Realistically, the program would need to reach its funding goals by the beginning of April as the program is expected to be held during the first two weeks of May. While mental health is an incredibly serious issue world-wide, in Nepal, alcoholism, suicide, and depression, especially in rural communities, are so common that they are beginning to be accepted as normal reactions to the pressures of Nepali society. The community members behind the implementation of this program view this as a necessary and life-saving initiative and have worked tirelessly to see this come to fruition. For these reasons, any financial support that you are able to give to our Mental Health Awareness Program would be immeasurably appreciated. <br /><br /><img class="not-resizable" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/28111484_1520061618.802_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />

Mental Health Awareness Program

Hello Everyone,<br /><br />My Name is Olive Mbulamnosha. I am asking for your support of my participation in the Miss<br />Intercontinental USA Pageant that will be held in Bethesda, Maryland July, 21-25. I must raise a total of<br />$3500 dollars to cover travel, lodging, fees, wardrobe and miscellaneous expenses.<br /><br />A little about me. I was honored to be selected Miss Idaho Intercontinental this year. I was born in The Democratic Republic of Congo. My family came to the United States as refugees when I was 15. Idaho has been a great blessingto us. My dad, mom, two brothers and 3 sisters are truly blessed to be here in Idaho. I learned to speakEnglish quickly, graduated from high school and am currently in my Junior year, studying Health Sciences at Boise State University. Attending the university has been made possible, foremost by the grace of God, the king and loving support of my family and the encouragement and support of friends and instructors.<br /><br />Serving as Miss Idaho Intercontinental is a great privilege. Representing the beautiful state of Idaho is<br /> an amazing opportunity to advocate for those whose voice is not heard; those who suffer injustice through bullying and abuse. I am committed to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves in our local communities, states and around the world.<br /><br />This competition has provided me a pathway to partnering with community organizations; volunteering,<br />developing skills and relationships, offering support to programs, building awareness of the community<br />and increasing my level of confidence in new and diverse environments. My thanks to the following who<br />have allowed me to work with them: St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, Women and Children’s Alliance,<br />Boise State University, Ronald McDonald House, the VA Hospital and more…<br /><br />I hope you will help me get to the Miss Intercontinental USA Pageant  this July in just 3 weeks. Can’t do it withoutyou! Thank you for considering my request.

Diane Garvey

Diane Garvey

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