At Friends of the Children – Eastern Idaho, we know that supporting youth means supporting their families, too. Thanks to the generous support of a Region 6 Juvenile Justice Council Grant, our team assembled and delivered care-filled laundry baskets to families in our program as part of our efforts to address health inequities and ease everyday stress.

The impact was felt immediately.

One caregiver shared that “it couldn’t have come at a better time because we were completely out of laundry detergent.” Her child even helped put away the toilet paper in the basket, a small but meaningful moment that strengthened their connection.

Another caregiver was so excited that she listed every single item in her basket. She even tried to give the basket back, thinking it wasn’t meant to be hers, and was thrilled to learn it was part of the care package. She expressed deep gratitude, sharing how much it meant to her especially with the added challenge of not having a running car at the time. A simple basket full of essential items helped relieve stress in a real way.

These baskets are more than supplies. They’re reminders to families that they are seen, supported, and valued. They’re one of the many ways Friends – Eastern Idaho walks alongside youth and their caregivers through stability, consistency, and compassion.

To the Region 6 Juvenile Justice Council and everyone who made this idea a reality, your creativity, care, and commitment lifted families during moments of uncertainty. Thank you for making a meaningful difference, one basket at a time.