Jannus

For more than fifty years, Jannus has been a trusted partner dedicated to improving lives across Idaho. Through 11 locally driven programs, we strengthen families from infancy to older adults, expand pathways to self-sufficiency, and provide Idaho-based solutions to challenges in health and community well-being. Our work is grounded in strong accountability, efficiency, and the responsible stewardship of resources. Together, we are changing lives in Idaho for the better.

Community Health

Our programs start with newborns and extend all the way to healthy aging for seniors.

Economic opportunity

We help people with few resources improve their financial health and support successful entrepreneurs.

Jannus is structured with a centralized shared service team to provide essential services to all the programs. The Team includes executive leadership, financial expertise, human resources, grant writing, and information technology. By centralizing this part of the organization, we offer a reasonable operating infrastructure that covers essential oversight functions – ensuring compliance, protecting resources, and avoiding wasteful duplication.

JANNUS

Impact

Making a difference every day

It was a snowy evening, around midnight and the phones were ringing intermittently at the Hotline. When I answered my phone, the woman’s voice on the line was shaky and tentative. Offering assurances, I let her know that we are here for her and care about her safety and well-being. As I listened to her struggles with depression and thoughts of suicide I started to understand what she was going through. She saw suicide as the only option and feared being a burden to her loved ones. As she spoke, I supported her in exploring her personal strengths and resiliency she’s demonstrated in other challenging situations. From there, I conducted a safety assessment to make sure she was not in danger. Like many people who call the Hotline, she was hesitant to reach out and concerned about taking time away from someone who may be “worse off than me.”By the end of the call, the help seeker was able to create a plan to keep herself safe and she agreed to receive a follow-up call. When the Hotline connected with her the next evening she was feeling much better and sounded calmer and relieved. She’d gotten good rest, connected with a supportive friend and spent some time at a park with her young children. As we said goodbye, she said “Thank you so much for being there for me, you saved my life.”

Crisis and Suicide Hotline Responder

Becoming part of our life

My Early Head Start journey started over seven years ago. While attending an event at the fairgrounds, I met a wonderful woman who told me all about the program. She explained all the benefits and I was convinced it would be great for me and my 18-month-old. I was assigned a wonderful home visitor who gave us encouragement and support. I learned how important my daily interactions with my children are and found social activities for our growing family. The program also gave me so many opportunities for personal growth. I joined the policy council and then served as the chair. I was a representative to the Idaho Head Start Association and a parent representative to the board. I loved serving and advocating for young children. As part of a group of Early Head Start parents that traveled to Washington, DC this year, I encouraged our congressmen and women to “Think Babies.” We encouraged our Idaho delegation to work on legislation that supports families. Today, I have five children, and I know the benefits of early childhood education first-hand, thanks to Early Head Start. And I’m still on the journey, pursuing my Early Childhood Education degree, set to graduate from the University of Idaho in May 2024.

Anna

JANNUS

Impact

Our Work is Needed as Idaho Grows

We see increased pressure on families as the supply of affordable housing diminishes, child care and out-of-school programs can be unaffordable, many families are uninsured or can’t find a provider because the shortage of health care providers continues, and our aging population is in need of care. Our programs are addressing the needs of Idaho’s most vulnerable populations.

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JANNUS

Impact

Connection provides sincere support

As a Vietnam Vet, I decided to become an Aging Strong Volunteer, serving veterans of all ages. For the last several years, I have gotten to know Jim and Vikki. They moved to Idaho after losing everything in the 2018 Paradise fire. Jim, a veteran of the Korean war, suffered from dementia and Vikki, his loving wife was a full-time caregiver. I was there to give Vikki a break and bring some joy to Jim. Vickki shared, “Thank you, Aging Strong, for all that you do to help families like mine during difficult times. You sent us Webb, a unique individual with a big, beautiful heart. I didn’t know how much we needed him. He took my husband fishing, took him to lunch and an occasional dinner. Being a family caregiver doesn’t allow time for a social life. Because of Webb, I was able to be social again. My heart is full of gratitude for all that Webb offered to me and my husband. “I helped them through hard days, even Jim’s final day. That day, I was present as well as his family. I placed the flag over Jim, as he left his home for the last time. I was humbled and honored to have served this family.

Webb

Insights about resources to reach for the stars

We are not businesswomen, but my daughter and I have a passion for people and food, especially beignets. So, the story of Ten/6 begins, and struggles in Coeur d’Alene. We needed a big “boost” educationally and financially to get our restaurant plans focused. It was our luck that we found Economic Opportunity. What we expected was a quick call with more numbers and names of someone else who ‘maybe’ could help us. To our surprise – we got a zoom meeting, with a welcoming face who wasn’t in a rush. Jessica spent over an hour with us on that first call. She was genuinely interested, asked thoughtful questions, and truly wanted to know our story. She knew right away the resources we needed and which team members to meet. We were supported, mentored, and inspired on our entrepreneurial journey. It was a game changer! From our first meeting with Jessica, to Cameo, our loan underwriter, and Mark who taught us about projections and finances – everyone helped us navigate unfamiliar territory.Now we are set to re-open this fall! “It’s hard to put into words how much the whole EO team impacted me and our business. We are forever grateful!”

Jill and Taylor