Empowering Our Youth to Thrive.
Building Healthy Bodies, Minds and Communities
Communities for Youth (C4Y) West Central Mountains is an initiative operated by YAC to support the well-being of local young people. Based here in Idaho, Communities for Youth provides capacity building and other supports to help communities, schools, youth-serving orgs and other partners recognize and address challenges to youth mental health, youth substance use, and overall well-being. YAC staff provide additional support and coordination to individual communities.
School districts in the region currently adopting the Communities for Youth model include:
Cascade
Council
Cambridge (Tri-Valley)
McCall/Donnelly
Meadows Valley
Midvale (Tri-Valley)
We invite you to learn more about the individual efforts of each community by clicking on their page!
Did You Know?
Communities for Youth’s upstream prevention approach is based on the highly effective Icelandic Prevention Model
Powered by the Icelandic prevention Model.
The Icelandic Prevention Approach is a highly successful, evidence-based approach to reduce drug and alcohol use and promote good mental and physical health in youth.
FAQ
What Happened to Planet Youth?
While YAC spent years collaborating with Planet Youth to implement the Icelandic Prevention Model, we shifted to local partnership with Communities for Youth in 2026 to better leverage local resources and supports available.
Why is Communities for Youth Collecting Youth Data?
A major part of the Icelandic Prevention Model is that decisions made to improve the lives of young people are based on high-quality youth data. To achieve this Communities for Youth helps communities implement a survey called the Idaho Youth Well-being Survey for students in grades 6-12. Once the survey is complete, Communities for Youth and YAC work with schools, parents, youth, and beyond to create plans and take action on the things that matter most for youth well-being.
Where else is Communities for Youth Working in Idaho?
Communities for Youth works in communities throughout Idaho.Learn more at communitiesforyouth.org.
Creating a Healthy Future Together
What is Upstream Prevention?
Moving upstream means preventing negative outcomes long before they occur rather than reacting or responding to an issue that has become severe. For youth mental health, that means creating and sustaining community conditions that support young people and their families rather than relying solely on mental health providers or other emergency responders.
Modeled after decades of research, we follow the “Icelandic Prevention Model,” proven highly effective in reducing youth substance use.
- Focus on prevention rather than treatment
- Build supportive communities for healthy choices
- Empower parents with resources
Our grassroots program is built upon evidence-based strategies that have proven effective in preventing substance use among young people.
IDAHO YOUTH Well-Being Survey
The Idaho Youth Well-being Survey (IYWS) is designed to identify the key risk and protective factors that may lead to outcomes for youth like substance use, mental/behavioral health, chronic absenteeism, and well-being. Survey results can be used to seek additional funding, amend existing programs or plan new programs, and feel more confident in decision making about school resources.
Why Delay Substance Use?
Early use alters brain development and increases abuse likelihood. Planet Youth educates on substance impact, equipping youth with the knowledge and resources to delay use and avoid long-term risks.
- There is a 1 in 4 chance of developing a substance use disorder if you use it before age 18.
- There is only a 1 in 25 chance if you don’t use it until after age 21
Youth Centered
We empower youth to create their own futures by inviting them to participate in community-driven programs that cater to their unique interests and needs.
Physical Address
150 W Roseberry Rd, Suite 1B-1
Donnelly, ID 83615
Mailing Address
PO Box 1761
McCall, Idaho 83638
Connect with us
(208)830-0702
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Email List
Funding for this project was made possible in part, by GA1RH39585 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not reflect the official policies of CDH or HRSA, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Idaho West Central Mountains Youth Advocacy Coalition [September 1st, 2020].