STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Advocates opened THRIVE Kids a year ago to provide affordable early learning and child care for children whose families cannot afford or find other options.

The Hailey center is able to take 31 children. But 95 are on the waiting list.

The organization has launched a campaign to be able to care for these children. And Karen and Wally Jarman are matching the first $25,000 in gifts, meaning that every dollar valley residents donate will be doubled.

The couple are doing it in honor of Mary Jarman Weyher, who spent her life working to protect vulnerable children.

It costs $1,200 per child each month to operate THRIVE Kids. But families pay an average of $425 per month because The Advocates use a sliding scale fee to ensure no family pays more than 14 percent of their monthly income on child care.

Eighty-five percent of the 31 students receive scholarships so that leaves a $775 gap per child that The Advocates must cover through community support. The silver lining: All of THRIVE Kids graduates are kindergarten ready.

Those wishing to donate may do so at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/advocates-for-survivors-of-domestic-violence-incorporated/donate-to-thrive-kids. Contact Tricia Swartling or Shannon Nichols at 208-788-4191 for more information.