COEUR d’ALENE — Zach Ballard grew up in the juvenile justice system. 

From the ages of 12 to 17, he was in and out of Kootenai County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He had few positive adult influences on his life.

“The only person I really had was my grandma,” he said. 

That changed when he became involved in Juvenile Justice Outreach, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and resources to at-risk youth in North Idaho. 

Through the program, Ballard said he grew in his Christian faith and learned to process his emotions in a healthy way. Having someone to talk to about what he was going through — someone who didn’t judge — made all the difference. 

Now 19, Ballard lives in Post Falls and manages a retail store in Spokane Valley. He’s built strong relationships and can still lean on mentors he met in the program for support. 

“All it takes is a caring person to change someone’s whole trajectory,” he said. “I could be a statistic and I’m not because of (Juvenile Justice Outreach).” 

Jackson Lanterman leads the program, which has served thousands of youths in North Idaho since 1997. After spending several years as a youth pastor at a local church, Lanterman said he felt called to work with children in the juvenile justice system. 

“They need a lot of help and a lot of support,” he said. “So many of these kids don’t have a support system in place. 

Lanterman is also the lead chaplain for the Juvenile Detention Center. He said that while the Juvenile Justice Outreach program is faith-based, there’s no requirement for youths or volunteers to be religious. 

“We are a Christian organization, but we don’t gatekeep our programs or care for these kids behind some statement of faith from a kid,” he said. “They know we believe the best decision they could make is to have a relationship with God, but if they’re not interested in that, it’s not going to prevent us from taking care of them and loving them.” 

The program offers one-on-one and group mentoring for children who are involved in the juvenile justice system, some of whom are incarcerated, as well as youths who are struggling but not yet facing legal problems. 

“Our focus is the kids and families in the system,” Lanterman said. “We also recognize there are hundreds, if not thousands, of kids who are on a pathway that will take them into the system. It’s our desire to help intervene in those kids’ lives, as well.” 

Youth meet weekly at Skate Plaza in Coeur d’Alene for group mentoring, except for occasions when they go on field trips.

Local businesses and organizations partner with Juvenile Justice Outreach to expose the participating kids to different resources and careers. For example, the youths recently visited a local veterinarian’s office.

“Any organization has something to give,” Lanterman said. 

Dave Bowsher, the program’s volunteer coordinator, said he’s passionate about helping at-risk youth because he was one. 

“When I was younger, I didn’t have any adult I could talk to or really trust,” he said. 

Bowsher began using drugs and alcohol at a young age. At the age of 16, he was sent to a “troubled teen facility” in Mississippi, where he experienced abuse that left him with lasting trauma. 

Support and mentoring like that which the Juvenile Justice Outreach program offers could have set him on a different path. 

“Some of these kids have nobody,” he said. “Imagine how much of an impact that has, when you have no family members, and suddenly someone is willing to spend that time with you.” 

That’s why Bowsher is a mentor himself. He said it’s a privilege to get to know the youths in the program and develop a trusting relationship that allows the kids to open up. 

“You think you’re going to step in and do all the blessing, that you’re bringing everything to the table,” Lanterman said. “But you end up being blessed by the relationship.” 

The program is always in need of mentors. Though volunteers must pass a background check, there are no special requirements. 

“We’re seeing again and again that these big-hearted and loving adults feel a tug on their heart to step into the life of a youth,” Lanterman said. “Many of the adults have a story of their own. They walked a similar path that our kids are currently walking. It’s so awesome to see people step up and make a difference.” 

Lanterman said area businesses and organizations can help the program in many ways, from partnering with Juvenile Justice Outreach for a field trip or donating money, clothing, food or other resources to the nonprofit. 

Bowsher urged the community not to write off at-risk youth in North Idaho. 

“They’re counted out, but everybody has a choice,” he said. “The kids we work with are bright and intelligent. They have tons of potential. If we can extend a nonjudgemental and loving hand, we’ll see a better Coeur d’Alene.” 

Info: www.juvenilejusticeoutreach.com