Seeing the unseen need was the theme of Break Through 2011, which focused on the complex issue of homelessness. This project was deeply rooted in empathy, with opportunities to learn from experts in the field, as well as the people experiencing homelessness. Break Through volunteers began the project with a Poverty Simulation, a three-hour interactive simulation of the experience of living in poverty and the challenges it brings. With greater understanding, we moved forward in the project, working with area shelters, including the Boise Rescue Mission, Women’s and Children’s Alliance and City Light Home for Women to do hands-on improvement projects at each location. Further opportunity for understanding came with a dinner and children’s carnival for residents of City Light, where students shared a meal with the families, learned more about their stories and experienced equally the joy in simple games and cotton candy.

How might we create an experience for refugee kids that helps build confidence and fosters a sense of community?

Boise is a federally designated refugee resettlement area, meaning that many new Americans from far off places are making Boise their home. One Stone team members were interested in engaging with these new American kids, in an effort to welcome them to the community.

How might we change negative perceptions of teens in the small town of Wilder, Idaho through service to the community?

The town of Wilder, Idaho (population 1,533) is a small farming community in Idaho with 37% of those 18 and under living below the poverty line. When we first connected with the City leadership, the community was facing many challenges associated with the high rate of poverty. One of them was petty crime, which had led to a number of correctional system teams doing court ordered community service. So while the City was in need of unpaid labor, their experience had not only been positive. A team of One Stone students set out to change that with Break Through Wilder in 2010.

How might we help grow Big Brothers Big Sisters’ capacity to serve more kids?

Kids helping kids was the solution to our how might we question. Recognizing the need for funding to grow capacity for this program we love, we staged Magical Moments...Leaps and Bounds, a fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters. One Stone students created an evening of experiences that let adults feel what it’s like to connect to a little person in need. Through elaborately staged backdrops of parks, playgrounds and picnics, adults got to experience their own “magical moments” for a transformative evening of support.

After learning that teens are the most underserved age demographic of people facing cancer, Team One Stone worked to develop a campaign to raise awareness and create opportunities for people to support them. To understand the challenges these teens face, we connected with Mountain States Tumor Institute and St. Luke’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic, as well as teens who had experience with cancer.