A Note from Jamie and Jae Foundation Idaho
- Sat, Nov 29, 2025
- Jamie Shetler
Friends of the Jae Foundation,
Friends of the Jae Foundation, it is an honor to share with you this week the amazing impact that I have witnessed over the past four years through the transformational work of the Jae Foundation. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jamie Shetler and I have had the amazing opportunity of serving as the Executive Director of Idaho for the Jae Foundation for the past four years. I began this journey with Jason and Paige in November of 2021 and I could have never imagined the monumental growth and impact that this mission would have on so many. I have been honored to lead some incredible people who have truly poured their hearts out to provide connection, hope, love and so much more. I have witnessed an overwhelming amount of generosity and support from so many Friends of the Jae Foundation and together, we are taking the reins and creating a culture of Boot-Check moments.
It is a mission that is hard to describe until you are roped in. Seeing it first hand every day, I could not be more proud of the work that we are doing together. Behind the beauty of this mission is a team that sees, values and connects with those they encounter and they lead with purpose, passion, and unwavering hope.
I am blessed to lead the Impact Team consisting of Paige Vickrey, Emily Prcic, Marci Howard, Caroline Simpson, and the Resource team comprised of Nan (Linda Arrossa), Amy Rothweiler, and Carla Wherry. These teams are responsible for bringing our mission to life through transformational programming designed to meet people where they are and walk beside them. I am proud to say that we have created impact beyond even our wildest goals in 2025. Here are a few highlights from this programming:
High School Senior Boot Initiative
This fall, we were able to work with over 60 high schools across Idaho and Wyoming and share Jae’s Story with over 5,500 seniors. We were able to share with these seniors that they are loved, valued, wanted and needed here and that they have a community that stands at the ready if they are ever in need. Within this initiative, we will now go back out to these high schools and continue to walk alongside these students with programming that encourages Self-Leadership and a culture of Boot-Check moments. We are watching these seniors take the reins and truly make a difference within their respective schools and communities. The impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. (More to come from our Wyo Team on our great success in Wyoming with the High School Senior Boot Initiative).
Teen Outreach
Our teen outreach program has grown exponentially. Within this program, we work with teen leaders from a variety of high schools who create impactful monthly programming themed around the 8 pillars of the Self Boot-Check. Last week, we had 150 high school seniors from over 12 high schools come together for a night of line dancing at Jae’s Place, focusing on the importance of movement. The energy, joy and community was something that I simply can’t describe. It was beautiful! We are especially proud of the growth in our teen outreach leaders who are learning to lead so well.
Retreats
Retreats continue to be the most transformational part of our programming and I believe is where we see the most growth. These retreats focus on self-leadership highlighting the 5 P’s: Purpose, Passion, Perspective, People and Priority. We also utilize our Self Boot-Check tool as a powerful resource at these retreats. I could go on and on about the impact of these 4 day, 3 night retreats but instead I will share two testimonials:
“Dear Friend of the Jae Foundation, thank you so much for your immense generosity. Because of you, my life has forever changed. I have dealt with and attempted suicide in my past. This retreat experience has made me realize the value that I possess and also the value which is in every person. The Jae Foundation is incredible and truly has saved my life. I have never met people so authentic and amazing. I hope you know how much you have impacted me and thousands of other people. We aren’t done yet!
Dear Friend of the Jae Foundation, thank you! This retreat has honestly been a life-changing experience. I have learned more about myself in the last four days that I maybe have in my 20 years of life. Thanks to you for this opportunity. I hope to be a better light to the world and live my life with more purpose and passion.”
The Resource Team
We are deeply grateful for our Resource Team, who continue to save lives on a weekly basis and connect individuals with valuable resources. This team’s efforts are so valuable to the mission of the Jae Foundation and we witness lives saved and changed on a daily basis.
It’s Cool To Care Initiative
We are so excited about the tremendous impact of this middle school outreach initiative that we have dedicated an entire newsletter to it. We are currently working with 24 schools and we can’t wait to share more with you. Stay tuned for more information coming soon from ICTC’s Founder, Caroline Simpson and remember, “It’s Cool to Care.”
Hope and a Future
I could go on and on about the impactful events, experiences and life changing programming of the Jae Foundation but instead we will shift to our goals in 2026.
In 2026, we will continue to create hope and a future through transformational events, experiences and programming. We will continue to rope our community in through events like BTHO Week, Battle for the Boot events, a transformational auction and so much more. We will continue to spend time in the saddle with impactful programming.
I am honored to serve on the Leadership Team and be a part of a greater team that loves well and works tirelessly to meet people where they are at. Thank you for believing in this mission and for being a significant part of what we do. Together, we are changing the world!
Friends of the Jae Foundation. . . It’s Boot-Check Time!