BOISE, December 15, 2005 — J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, the Boise-based family foundation started in 1966 by Joe and Kathryn Albertson, today announced $4.7 million in funding to ten exceptionally run organizations across Southwest Idaho that have demonstrated their ability to positively impact the lives of children and fill critical needs not being met elsewhere in the community.
 “Investing in our children was the driving force behind establishing this family foundation nearly forty years ago,” said Foundation Community Grants Program Officer, Jamie Scott. “We strive to invest in organizations who model the core values of Joe and Kathryn—hard work, taking care of others, giving back and helping out. We encourage all Idaho families who have the resources to consider giving this time of year to organizations that take care of our children, especially the forgotten and disadvantaged.”
Recipients of Community Grants include:
Idaho Youth Ranch, Boise $1,000,000
The Idaho Youth Ranch provides residential treatment, group homes, adoption and other services for troubled, disturbed, delinquent or abused children and adolescents. Its mission is to provide the stability, opportunity and security necessary to help each child find the hope, vision, courage and will to succeed.
The Children's Home Society of Idaho, Boise $1,000,000
The Children's Home Society of Idaho is a private, non-profit organization that has a tradition of providing the very best mental health services to children and their families, the majority of who are from very low-income households.
Hope House, Marsing $1,000,000
Hope House, a non-profit Christian children's home, believes all children deserve the opportunity to succeed. Hope House accepts children -- with  varying degrees of physical, emotional and educational difficulties -- that are underserved by many with state agencies and other private homes and local organizations. (see photo, right)
YMCA, Boise (Horsethief Camp) $1,000,000
The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is a charitable, volunteer-based organization that has been serving the Greater Treasure Valley for more than 110 years through community programs, camp, health facilities, and child care centers, providing programs for more than 36,000 youth annually.
Bogus Basin Recreational Association, Boise $250,000
Originally started by the Bogus Basin Ski Club in 1942, the Bogus Basin Recreation Association was formed as a nonprofit entity. The BBRA still operates the ski area in the designated not-for-profit status – one of the few in the United States.
Foothills School of Arts and Sciences, Boise $100,000
Foothills School of Arts and Sciences promotes the development of responsible, independent, intelligent, creative, life-long learners to become exceptional citizens, leading rich, fulfilling lives that effect meaningful community change.
Weiser Memorial Hospital, Weiser $100,000
Since 1950 and through the sacrifices of many, not-for-profit community-based Weiser Memorial Hospital has made quality healthcare a reality for people in Western Treasure Valley. The hospital also serves as a teaching facility for physicians, nursing and allied health professionals.
Discovery Center of Idaho, Boise $100,000
The Discovery Center of Idaho provides experiences and educational opportunities that inspire lifelong learning and interest in science, math and technology, and that supplement and enrich formal science education through interactive exhibits, educational programs and teacher resources.
Learning Lab, Inc., Boise $100,000
The Learning Lab is a computer-assisted learning center for adults and families with children up to six years old. Students receive basic computer skills instruction that includes mathematics, reading, writing, spelling, GED preparation and workplace skills in a comfortable, confidential environment.
Boise Art Museum, Boise $50,000
The Boise Art Museum is nationally recognized for leadership, innovation and excellence in the visual arts. BAM champions excellence in the visual arts through exhibitions, collections and educational experiences.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation has awarded $5.2 million in Community Grants in 2005. Organizations granted Foundation funding are expected to be well-run and demonstrate the ability to leverage Foundation investments. Positive development of children and youth is a key focus of the Foundation’s giving.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is a Boise-based, family foundation started in 1966 by Joe and Kathryn Albertson. The Foundation’s primary focus is to Improve Education in Idaho, but the organization also supports meritorious projects and organizations, mainly in communities where Joe and Kathryn Albertson lived, as part of the local philanthropic community.
For more information, contact:
· J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation - Community Grants Program Officer —Jamie Scott, 424-2600
· J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation - Executive Director —Lori Fisher, 424-2600
· J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation - Communication Officer —Chris Latter, 424-2640
· Idaho Youth Ranch, Boise - President & Chief Executive Officer —Mike Jones - 377-2613
· The Children's Home Society of Idaho, Boise - Chief Executive Officer —Kara Craig - 343-7813
· Hope House, Marsing - Chief Administrator —Donnalee Velvick - 896-4673
· YMCA (Horsethief Camp) - Chief Executive Officer —Jim Everett - 344-5501
· Bogus Basin Recreational Association, Boise - President & General Manager —Mike Shirley - 332-5122
· Foothills School of Arts and Sciences, Boise - Education Director — Shirley Rau - 331-9260
· Weiser Memorial Hospital, Weiser - President of Hospital Foundation —Phil Soulen - 549-0370
· Discovery Center of Idaho, Boise - Executive Director —Jane Ahl - 343-9895
· Learning Lab, Inc., Boise - Executive Director —Gemma Van Hole - 344-1335
· Boise Art Museum - Executive Director —Tim Close - 345-8330
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