The Idaho Youth Ranch's YOUTHWORKS! is a new 16-month program for at-risk teens and young adults. The Albertson Foundation has donated $200,000 to launch the program in Boise. The program will provide job training and placement for those between the ages of 16 and 22.

The Youth Ranch is inviting potential participants to apply, but is also looking for men and women interested in becoming mentors as well as businesses interested in being job placement sites and lending other assistance to YOUTHWORKS! participants.

Participants must have their GEDs or high school diplomas. The program will include classroom instruction, on-the-job training, mentoring and more.

For more information, contact Bob Ball at 377-2613 or bball@youthranch.org or visit the website. Link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE WISH LIST

In a typical year, the Women's and Children's Alliance in Boise provides nearly 10,000 nights in a safe bed for women and children escaping violence. The agency helps men, too, as violence isn't always limited by gender.

The WCA's 24-hour crisis hotline receives nearly 2,000 calls in a year.

Staffers say that certain items are always on the shelter wish list. They include: baby playpens, beanie bags, boxes of tissues, cleaning wipes, day planners, tampons, gift cards from all vendors, magic erasers for cleaning, play tool sets and synthetic gloves. Items must be new.

If you have other items to donate, including clothing, books, household items or more, the WCA thrift shop welcomes them: 720 W. Washington St., Boise. 343-3688.

GET YOUR ARTS NOMINATIONS IN NOW

The City of Boise is calling for nominations for the biennial Mayor's Awards for Excellence in Art and History.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

Æ Organization: Excellence in the Arts; Excellence in History.

Æ Person: Excellence in the Arts; Excellence in the field of History.

Æ Business: Support for the Arts; Support for History.

Æ Education: Excellence in Arts Education; Excellence in History Education.

Nominees must have demonstrated distinguished service, creative accomplishment and a record of publication, presentation, or research that enhances the artistic, historic, and broader cultural life of Boise.

Nominations must be submitted by 3 p.m. Friday, March 22.

Find details and nomination forms online. Link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

Call for more: 433-5675.

In a recent press release, Boise Mayor David Bieter called the arts a powerful economic force, generating $48 million a year and supporting 1,600 jobs in the city.

HAVE A GARGOYLE TO LEND? BOISE 150 NEEDS YOU

An upcoming exhibition, "Remnants of Boise," will display architectural remnants and relics of lost Boise buildings as part of the city's BOISE 150 program.

The exhibition is brought to you by the Boise City Department of Arts & History and Preservation Idaho.

Organizers are looking for items to be in the show, including sandstone, gargoyles, carved beams, hardware, windows, landscape elements and signs. All items should be from Boise buildings that are no longer standing.

The exhibition will open First Thursday, April 3, and run through April.

If you have items you'd like to loan, or want more information, contact Amy Pence-Brown with Preservation Idaho at penceamy@hotmail.com.

LOCAL BIKE & BUILD PEDALER IS LOOKING FOR SUPPORT

Boise student Rose Matthews is spending her summer cycling across the Southern U.S. - from Florida to California. She and others are riding to raise money and spread awareness about affordable housing efforts in North America. Along the way, the cyclists will stop and build houses in partnership with local organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

Matthews is trying to raise money for the cause. Check out her trip and learn more online. Link through this column at idahostatesman.com.

SLATE SENIOR EDITOR'S NEW BOOK LOOKS AT BULLYING

Emily Bazelon's name is familiar to anyone who's a regular reader of Slate or a listener to Slate's excellent weekly podcasts.

Parents, teachers and others concerned with the welfare of children might like to take a look at her new book, "Sticks and Stones."

It grew out of a long series of stories she wrote for Slate in which she spent time with kids whose lives had been damaged by bullying.

Here's praise from Rachel Simmons, author of "Odd Girl Out."

"Emily Bazelon is doing the most honest, hard-hitting investigative work on bullying in America today. 'Sticks and Stones' is a page-turner, combining compelling personal stories, rigorous reporting and practical advice for parents and educators. Read it: It's essential."

© 2013 Idaho Statesman

Anna Webb: 377-6431