5 Noteworthy Nonprofits in Sun Valley
When someone says “Sun Valley,” what do you picture? Whether you’re a full-time local, second homeowner, or someone who’s never visited before, we can probably guess a few of the most popular answers. From world-class skiing to amazing restaurants and boutiques, there’s plenty that comes to mind—but when you’re thinking about what makes the Wood River Valley special, we have something to add: nonprofits.
Our community’s network of diverse and passionate nonprofits is on the rise. Supported by donations, service, or a combination of both, these organizations play unique and important roles for individuals, families, and neighborhoods throughout Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey, and Bellevue. Whether you’re looking to get involved or just hoping to be inspired, here are five noteworthy nonprofits that caught our eye.
1. The Hunger Coalition
In 2003, Wood River Valley local Tom Iselin enlisted a “scrappy, selfless team of volunteers to create a more concentrated solution to hunger in Blaine County.” Today, the Hunger Coalition has evolved into a choice-based food pantry headquartered in Bellevue, on a mission to provide community members a “dignified grocery experience.”
By collaborating with key partners throughout the Wood River Valley, The Hunger Coalition addresses the root cause of food insecurity and works to improve equal access to good, healthy food. You can learn more about The Hunger Coalition’s mission, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved here: https://thehungercoalition.org/.
Last year, we helped donate almost 2,100 pounds of food during The Hunger Coalition’s annual food drive. Check out our YouTube videos from our first (2018) and second (2019) years participating in the drive.
The Hunger Coalition on Facebook
2. The Advocates
Centered in the Wood River Valley but dedicated to helping those in Blaine, Camas, Custer and Lincoln Counties, The Advocates provide a safe place for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Every year, the nonprofit provides shelter and support to hundreds of clients and their children, serving thousands more through education and outreach.
The Advocates’ purpose is to “create a compassionate community, free from emotional and physical abuse through education, shelter, resources and support.” The organization regularly engages with people of all ages, giving them the skills and mindset to build, maintain, and recognize positive relationships with peers and partners. With Stephanie on the organization’s board, we’re proud to be involved in their vision and future.
You can support The Advocates by shopping at The Attic Thrift Store, which donates 20% of total revenue to helping provide clients with essentials, or by making a charitable contribution to the organization directly. Learn more: https://www.theadvocatesorg.org/.
3. Men's Second Chance Living
MSCL House is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Hailey, Idaho that “provides an all-male, supportive, sober living environment for individuals who want to maintain a clean and sober lifestyle and advance on their path to a new and better life.” The organization helps men of all ages in the Wood River Valley through safe, affordable sober housing and support services. Every member is treated with respect, compassion, and a belief in their value as an individual.
For brochures, resources, admission forms, and more, visit their website: http://msclhouse.org/.
4. Higher Ground
Back in 1999, the folks behind Higher Ground were “really good at one thing: teaching locals with disabilities how to use adaptive skis.” With special equipment, empathy, and “really, really” remarkable coaches, the organization was able to build the foundation that would power a more than twenty-year legacy in the Wood River Valley.
Today, the nonprofit still uses special equipment to enrich the lives of locals on the mountain, but their impact has grown far beyond Blaine County. “From the hiking trails of western New York to the mountaintops of Idaho to the surf of Los Angeles,” Higher Ground partners with the nation's top recreational therapists and mental health professionals to “give people of all abilities (especially our nation's veterans) the emotional and social tools they need to feel like they belong.”
Two years ago, we met up with Kate Weihe, the Executive Director of Higher Ground, to learn more about their work and mission. Click here to watch the episode on YouTube. Learn more at HigherGroundUSA.org.
5. Swiftsure Ranch
Headquartered in Bellevue, Idaho on more than 190 acres, Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 with “a special goal of encouraging the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children and adults with all types of challenges through equine-assisted activities and therapies.” Swiftsure’s annual Cowboy Ball is one of the most noteworthy charitable auctions in the Wood River Valley, featuring live music, cocktails, and dinner every summer to benefit the organization.
You can learn more about the property, mission, and impact on their website: https://swiftsureranch.org/.
We visited Swiftsure Ranch in the summer of 2019. Check out our Voices & Views episode here.
