United Way of North Idaho (UWNI) is proud to support the ICARE program at St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho through our Community Care Fund (CCF). This program directly serves families navigating the daily challenges of life in North Idaho, with a particular focus on ALICE households—those working hard but struggling to make ends meet.
ICARE works with both adults and children, reaching families through home visits, community events, and partnerships with agencies such as Early Head Start, North Idaho College Head Start, and Priest River Ministries. These collaborations ensure families have access to essential resources, support networks, and educational opportunities.
The program uses evidence-based tools like the Protective Factors Survey (PFS-2) and the Nurturing Skills for Families curriculum to strengthen families’ resilience, social support, and parenting knowledge. Families establish goals early in the program, track progress monthly, and receive ongoing guidance from home visitors. Parents also maintain weekly self-care logs, and home visitors help them engage more deeply with their children’s education.
ICARE’s impact on ALICE families is tangible. In the first half of the year, the program served 50 individuals, including 26 children under 13, 15 young adults, and 18 adults aged 31–49—many of whom face barriers like limited income, lack of housing stability, or past educational gaps. One notable success was a youth who, with the support of ICARE staff and family encouragement, overcame challenges with learning and motivation to graduate high school—a milestone that would have seemed impossible without this guidance.
UWNI’s funding helps ICARE provide the critical one-on-one support families need to thrive. Beyond financial support, UWNI also plays a role in raising awareness of ICARE’s broader services, including the Nurturing Fathers Program, Circle of Security parenting classes, and Stewards of Children sexual abuse prevention trainings.
Through programs like ICARE, UWNI continues its mission to uplift ALICE families, ensuring that even those who are working hard yet financially stretched have the resources, knowledge, and community support to build stronger futures.
For more information on ICARE please visit their website here.