St. Luke’s-supported New Meadows Youth Center expands needed access to childcare, youth programs

St. Luke’s is proudly among the supporters of a much-needed new resource for childcare, early learning and youth support in Idaho’s West Central Mountains.

The New Meadows Youth Center officially opened its doors in October 2025. It addresses long-standing gaps in childcare access and youth programming in the community, gaps that keep families from thriving.

The center, which is housed in a renovated recycling center, was developed through a partnership between the City of New Meadows, Meadows Valley School District and community organizations and donors, including St. Luke’s.

Without nearby options, many families drive their children to McCall for care, take them to work or stay home.

That places significant strain on working families, particularly as the cost of living has risen.

“The vision was to create a place where youth activities could take place and the families of our community could be positively impacted,” said New Meadows Mayor Julie Good.

The New Meadows Youth Center offers a half-day preschool with full-day childcare, space for youth activities and a kitchen facility to provide these programs with healthy foods. Access to childcare and early education are considered key social drivers of health. Limited access can contribute to stress for parents and children, while also affecting economic stability and long-term health outcomes.

Another significant concern in the region, and across Idaho, is behavioral health. According to Mental Health America’s 2024 data, which includes the District of Columbia, Idaho ranks 42nd out of 51 for adults and 40th out of 51 for youth for prevalence of mental health challenges and access to care. The center also has on-site access to crisis counseling and mental health services, meeting a need that had been unmet.

St. Luke’s involvement in the project reflects its focus on community health and partnerships that address health-related social needs that impact well-being. By investing in projects like the New Meadows Youth Center, St. Luke’s engages in upstream health improvement and prevention.

“The New Meadows Youth Center is a valuable community resource that has been needed for some time, and we’re happy to have played a role in making it happen,” said Amber Green, St. Luke’s McCall chief operating and nursing officer.

In New Meadows, the positive impact already has been felt with expanded preschool availability and additional employment opportunities for early learning workers. More than two dozen families have already accessed services since it opened, with plans for additional programs to encourage healthy lifestyles and provide family support.

“In small communities, projects like this are only successful when organizations have a vision that aligns with the purpose of growing healthy communities,” Good said. “We are so grateful for the partnership with St. Luke’s, which has reflected their commitment to investing in the region they serve.”