On average 80 youth age out of foster care every year in Idaho
53% do not have a high school diploma/GED
43% end up homeless
37% end up incarcerated
33% are unemployed

JEMfriends supports at-risk youth in Boise, Idaho and the surrounding Treasure Valley. We emphasize helping youth who have been impacted by foster care, but other at-risk youth facing significant barriers to independence are also assisted. We strive to meet each young person where they are, supporting them on their personal path to independence. JEMfriends is a non-profit organization completely funded by the community through donations, grants, businesses, churches, and charity organizations. All donations are tax-deductible.

JEMfriends envisions that all at-risk youth, including those aging out of foster care, have the opportunities to thrive in a society that understands their adversities and supports them in becoming loving adults.

Alexis was born and raised in Texas and moved to Idaho when she was a freshman in high school. She graduated college in Salem, Oregon, with a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma and Addictions and Children and Family. Alexis loves to spend time with friends and family, go for drives listening to music way too loudly, meeting others for coffee to share the joys and struggles of life, and being in the sun outside whenever she can! Alexis is excited to be part of the JEMfriends team because of how JEMfriends serves to be a support and friend to those who need it. She firmly believes that everyone needs one person in their life who makes them feel seen, heard, cared for, and worthy of love. Alexis believes anyone has the ability to make a difference in their community and is passionate about getting people involved. She has personally experienced the change in her life through relationships and desires to be a JEMfriend wherever she can!