By Mike McKenna
They end every season at Girls On The Run (GOTR) with a “Color Me Fearless 5k” fun run and celebration. But these annual spring and fall events are about a lot more than just running a few miles.
They are the culmination of a season of effort, of growth and of friendships.
“The goal of our programs is to boost girls’ self-confidence and empower them to lift themselves up and help lift up others,” said Teressa Johnson, the executive director of GOTR Southern Idaho.
“One of the best ways to boost self-confidence is through accomplishments,” Teressa said. “Training for and completing a 5k is an accomplishment to be proud of.”
Teressa has done a terrific job of reviving a nonprofit that had grown dormant during the COVID years. This spring alone there will be 139 girls in our region taking part in their programs. GOTR offers a program for girls in third through fifth grades, while the Heart & Soul program is for sixth- through eighth-graders. In addition to Blaine and Twin Falls counties, the program is now offered in Lincoln and Minidoka counties as well.
And it’s easy to understand why GOTR is so popular. It’s based on a growth mindset curriculum, or, as some participants and their parents call it, a “girl empowerment program.”
The curriculum focuses on cultivating healthy relationships and growing self-confidence. It uses movement and the accessibility of running and walking as the main conduit. Unlike most sporting endeavors, GOTR makes it okay to fail and focuses on the importance and reward of lifting others up.
Studies have shown that a staggering one out of every three girls playing youth sports reports being picked on by boy teammates. That’s why girl-only teams in sports like softball, volleyball and hockey are growing. It’s also one of the strengths of GOTR.
“Just girls-only creates a safe space,” Teressa said. “Our program allows for the joys and camaraderie of sports without the stress of competition.”
In addition to training for the 5k, the girls also pick an impact project to work on together. They have created projects like positive messaging posters for local schools and St. Luke’s hospital. They’ve sent thank you cards to local nonprofit staffers and to veterans.
The slogan for GOTR is “Find your happy pace,” something that’s different for everyone. “It all starts with each individual girl. What makes her special, unique, beautiful,” Teressa explained.
One of the first things they work on in practice is cheering each other on. The girls quickly realize that it feels good to support other people. It also becomes clear that it’s a lot easier to do great things when you get some help.
Putting on a big celebration with food vendors, field games, live music and colorful runners completing a 5k takes a lot of support. GOTR could use more help.
This spring’s GOTR Color Run 5k Celebration will be held on the morning of Saturday, May 31, at Hailey Elementary School’s fields. If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting the event, contact Teressa.Johnson@GirlsOnTheRun.org or call (208) 788-7863.

By Mike McKenna
We could all use a little help every now and again. The hardest part is usually asking for it.
It takes courage to ask for help, but the great thing about showing some courage is that it’s usually rewarded. That is definitely the case if you’re lucky enough to go to a place like The Space for help.
The Space was founded as an official nonprofit in 2020 with the simple goal of providing local students of all backgrounds a space to go where they could feel comfortable getting individualized help with school. Numerous studies have shown that providing individualized educational support, or tutoring, not only has positive academic impacts, but also helps build confidence, self-advocacy skills and general well-being—attributes we all need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
“Our goal is to help students feel more confident in school and life,” said Aaron Bronson, The Space’s executive director.
The Space is located in the Marketron building on North River Street in Hailey. It was founded by longtime local educators Naomi Runkel and Kate Ristow, to help assure tutoring services were available to all local students, regardless of economic background.
Originally focusing on high school students, The Space now provides services to students throughout the Wood River Valley, from 11 years old through their post-graduate transition. The Space offers personalized tutoring and post-graduate guidance in its “Launch” program as well as innovative after-school and summer programs on a sliding-scale tuition.
“We are trying to close the gap and make sure everyone has access to the same quality of educational support,” Aaron said. “We try to cover the spectrum of needs.”
The Space has a strong working relationship with local schools as well as other nonprofits. Sometimes students are connected via their school, sometimes their friends tell them about The Space.
“We definitely have a community hub component and we have really great relationships with lots of community partners,” said Laura Schaff Calvert of The Space. “We want our students to become academic influencers.”
Hundreds of students have benefited from The Space over the years and their impact keeps expanding. Nearly 300 local students were involved with The Space last year alone, a 27% year-over-year increase.
All of these courageous students are also sharing lots of success stories.
“We love to hear students say things like, ‘I did well on a test!’ ‘ I passed a class I never thought I could!’ ‘I got offered my dream job!’” Aaron explained. “We help reduce stress for parents by empowering the kids.”
The Space offsets costs through grants and fundraising efforts like the upcoming “Forever Young” Adult Prom fundraiser at Whiskey’s on Friday, April 25.
For folks who love education, supporting The Space is a no-brainer as the impacts it is providing for individuals and our community are invaluable.
“We want students to raise the bar for themselves and their classmates,” Aaron said. “As Naomi says, our goal is to make what’s possible visible.”

Find out more or get tickets to the Forever Young Adult Prom at TheSpaceIdaho.org.