Boot Check: Jae Boots Initiative Launches in Albany County

As part of this initiative, seniors at Laramie High School, Whiting High School, and Rock River High School will receive Jae Boots on March 4 and 5, 2025. These cowboy boots, known as Jae Boots, carry a lasting legacy and serve as a tangible reminder of the importance of mental health check-ins.

“Our young people at LHS are amazing people and they have an incredible opportunity with the Jae Foundation,” said Jenna Tennant, an ASCD#1 educator whom played a key role in bringing Jae Boots to Albany County. ​“The Jae Foundation helps our young people learn how to relate to one another, check-in with each other and connect during a critical time as a senior cohort. I’m so grateful to our local donors and all who have helped make this happen.”

The Jae Foundation’s High School Senior Boot Initiative collaborates with high schools in Idaho and Wyoming to share Jae’s story and create ​“Boot Check Moments.” Through this powerful experience, students receive their Jae Boots and learn how to use these moments to start meaningful conversations about mental health. After receiving their boots, students commit to check in with someone on their heart about their mental health. Additionally, they commit to reach out for help if experiencing their own mental health struggles. 

“This school year, we’ve shared Jae’s story with more than 4,000 seniors across Wyoming and Idaho,” said Jae Foundation Outreach Coordinator Julie Mackey. ​“We’ve already seen the impact, with students sharing their own mental health struggles and taking part in Boot-Check Moments. We’re excited to see the Albany County community come together to bring this much-needed conversation to its high school seniors.”

The Jae Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, was founded in memory of Jae Bing, a Pinedale native who died by suicide in 2016. Known for his love of cowboy boots and his friends, Jae’s legacy now lives on through the more than 15,000 pairs of Jae Boots shared with open conversations that encourage individuals to seek help, support one another and create a culture of caring for those around you. 

The launch of Jae Boots in Albany County is made possible by Ivinson Memorial Hospital’s commitment to improving community mental health. Through its Community Health Needs funding, Ivinson has pledged $10,000 annually to the program and has brought together local organizations and community members to strengthen mental health support in Albany County schools.

In 2023, Ivinson identified mental health as a key priority in its Community Health Needs Assessment. Now, in collaboration with ACSD #1, the Jae Foundation and other local organizations, Ivinson is taking action to support projects that address mental health challenges.

Albany County founding members who helped launch this initiative include the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, Gary and Lois Crum Family, Terry and Cory Moss Family, Garland Family, WyoTech, Laramie Mechanical and Heating Systems LLC, Gary and Suzette Groner, Trihydro Corporation, Kurt and Karla Tuggle, George & Tara Mathes, John and Jenna Scozzafava, Waldo and Deb Roth, and Pam and Sam Dunnuck. Collectively, these organizations and community members have funded the $60,000 annual cost to bring Jae Boots to high school seniors in Albany County.

Terry Moss, Ivinson chief operating officer and Pinedale native, led community efforts to bring the Jae Foundation to Albany County. ​“Albany County is a special community that truly cares for one another. As a community hospital, we are proud to support mental health initiatives in our community and schools,” Moss said. ​“We are grateful to the Jae Foundation and our Albany County founding members for making this first year possible and look forward to more organizations joining us to ensure every senior experiences the power of a Boot Check Moment for years to come.”

To learn more about the Jae Foundation, visit jae​foun​da​tion​.com. For more information on supporting Jae Boots in Albany County, contact Terry Moss at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.

If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.