As we enter November, I want to pause a moment to share my gratitude. Living and working here in the West Central Mountains, I have so much to be thankful for!

First, I’m grateful for THIS incredible community. 

The support we have received from everyone, especially our local schools, has been amazing.  This support is the reason we have implemented Hope Squad in Meadows Valley and throughout the entire McCall-Donnelly School District.  

The impact of Hope Squad is going to be huge. 

For this, I am also grateful.

So many of you have stepped forward to join our coalitions and support our efforts. Whether your contributions are small, or large, it makes a difference.

For this, I am grateful.

As you may know, many of our Youth struggle to find connection socially. Thanks to the dedication of Josh Hurley, we have a solution in our new “Locals Calendar.” 

Josh reminds me of the Margaret Mead quote “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” 

This absolutely applies to Josh, and to so many other thoughtful and committed individuals in our community. People like Lyle Nelson, Laura Bettis, Shauna Arnold, Teresa Perry, Lindsey Harris, Dee Dee Phillips, Tiffany Dobbs, and Julie Good, just to name a few. 

I’m grateful for all of these community champions, and the many others who have contributed that I haven’t named.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and make a difference in the lives of its youth. Doing this work is a privilege. 

For that, I am grateful.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of the Planet Youth journey. Your support and belief in our mission mean the world to us.

In gratitude,

Patty Giardina