“oth myself and a 10 year old we will call Ben (for privacy sake) knew the score, both his parents were dead,” wrote Sunny Sage Bybee, lead artist for the Glen Allen Project (GAP). She had been involved in Ben’s older sister’s life for some years. When they lost their dad to an overdose during the previous year their world had been torn apart. Especially for their mother who had provided the Fentanyl laced cocaine that had stopped his heart. The following year her guilt fueled her own addiction and when Sunny met Ben again both parents were gone. Ben had found his mother cold and blue.
His sister took him in. She was aware of the mentorship, support and positive activity GAP provides to kids in need and brought him in. But Ben was not ready for a big class. He needed one on one mentorship. And that’s where we started. Sunny let him choose any medium he wanted from our shelves. The space is stocked with all sorts of inspiring mediums. He chose polymer clay. She asked him to sculpt what he thought his parents’ addiction looked like if it were a monster. The finished grey piece had a single eye, twisting tentacles and a gaping mouth ringed in sharp fangs. Ben was quiet while he worked. When it was finished, he sighed heavily, and then they talked about the monsters’ scary parts. Together they smashed it. Simple acts like this can be a gateway to a child regaining his autonomy in a situation that is completely unfair and out of his control. A small bit of tension lessened in his posture.
A while later “Anna” rolled up on her bike. Anna’s mom has been in prison for drugs on and off her whole life. Ben and Anna seemed to sense the connection and quickly figured out they had a lot in common and that they attend the same school. As they sat and molded the clay back into a ball, they goofed and chatted. In an amazing moment Ben was able to open up and speak a little about his situation. It may seem a small step, but for a child who had just been orphaned, finding community and peers who are accepting is huge.
Anna and Ben will always be bonded.
This story deeply resonates with me. In January, I became the co-executive director of GAP. Our motto is simple: Where Art Saves Lives. Our mission is to provide a space for people to produce, create, heal, and connect. We envision GAP as a leader in fostering a vibrant art and STEM ecosystem in Pocatello—a model for other communities. GAP honors the legacy of Glen Allen, a builder, musician, and collector who was deeply engaged in Pocatello’s creative community.
Pocatello faces a significant gap in enrichment programs for youth—especially for those not engaged in sports or church-affiliated activities. Many children spend afternoons on their own, with few safe places to go. Bannock County lacks a YMCA, a Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, or widely accessible after-school programs. According to the United Way of Southeastern Idaho, 44 percent of households in the region live at or below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) threshold. This economic strain directly impacts children:
- 9.8 percent of Bannock County kids experience food insecurity.
- 41 percent of students in the Pocatello School District come from low-income families.
- The median household income in Pocatello is $51,293—far below Idaho’s statewide median of $70,214.
- Math and science literacy rates for Pocatello’s elementary students hover around 46 percent.
- 678 youth in Bannock County are involved in diversion programs or supervised probation.
These numbers tell a clear story: Too many children are at risk of slipping through the cracks. Our community MUST do more to provide safe, enriching environments for kids who are not reached by traditional extracurricular programs. We have a beautiful opportunity to provide a safe enriching environment with positive experiences led by the wonderful people of our community to, not only embrace our youth, but to bring our community into a foundation of understanding the power of supporting each other. To build on traditional programs and evolve with the needs of generations, of adults and children, surviving being sifted through those cracks.
At GAP, we believe art is an integral staple in our evolution as humans. We can experience learning, creating, and healing at the same time. This can change and enrich lives. That’s why we were thrilled to receive a STEM Ecosystem Grant. With this funding, we offer free, centrally located STEM classes designed for youth ages 8–18. Twice a week, local artists, business owners, builders, and craftspeople lead hands-on STEM activities. Our approach is unique: We use upcycled and reclaimed materials to foster creativity and problem-solving. Our space—built by community volunteers—reflects an informal, welcoming environment where everyone can belong.
The entrance was painted by children, teens, and adults using donated materials. The second floor was built with 50 percent reclaimed lumber and decorated in 100 percent upcycled art made from window frames and broken glass. All the furniture is scavenged or donated. The impact of our programs extends beyond art and science. GAP helps all build confidence, students develop career awareness, and all strengthen social and life skills. Our ultimate goal is to increase graduation rates, improve academic performance, and cultivate a generation of young people who are engaged with their community and prepared for success.
Art saves lives! We invite you to be part of this vision. Donate at our Idaho Gives page: https://www.givegab.com/nonprofits/glen-allen-project.
