POCATELLO — Healthy City USA has named Bannock County’s The Village and its Youth Development Center as recipients of the 2025 Organization of the Year award.

The award honors and highlights organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership and measurable impact in advancing community health.

“These organizations are both doing a great job helping these kids find purpose and activating them through volunteering and participating in community events,” said Shaun Menchaca, president and CEO of Portneuf Health Trust. “The Village and the Bannock County Youth Development Center are making a meaningful difference by ensuring young people have access to nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity and a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Their work is impactful.”

The Village provides critical intervention services to keep youth out of the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, while the Youth Development Center offers a supportive day treatment environment for teens at high risk of school expulsion, helping them stay on track.

Both organizations earned the recognition by living the “Healthy City” lifestyle through activities like hiking and biking challenges and their annual River Buddies trip. Through outdoor activities and partnerships with the school district, the organizations focus on giving local youth the physical activity and support they need to grow.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from Healthy City USA,” said 6th District Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Todd Mauger. “They have been a great support in getting youth in our community outside doing healthy activities.”

“This recognition from Healthy City, USA shines a well-deserved light on the incredible work at The Village and the Youth Development Center,” said Bannock County Spokesperson Emma Iannacone. “The staff have worked hard to build programs that inspire healthy lifestyles and a love for the outdoors, ultimately transforming children’s lives and their futures. We thank Healthy City, USA for highlighting the impact our programs are having on the community.”

A Healthy City USA news release said both organizations exemplify the mission of its initiative, “which is built upon the core pillars of nutrition, movement and purpose as essential components of lifelong well-being.”

“Through innovative programs, The Village and the Bannock County Youth Development Center support youth facing challenging circumstances and help create pathways toward healthier, more resilient futures,” the Healthy City USA news release said.