Family Counseling Services

12/01/2025

🎄✨ Christmas in Meridian Shines Bright! ✨🎄
Get ready, Meridian—our most magical night of the year is almost here!

Join us Friday, December 5, 2025 as Downtown transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for the Winter Lights Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting! Bring your family, bundle up, and get ready for an unforgettable kickoff to the holiday season. ❄️❤️

🎥 ✨ NEW THIS YEAR: FULL EVENT LIVESTREAM! ✨
The Meridian Chamber of Commerce is bringing the holiday magic straight to your screen!
➡️ Livestream begins at 5:30 PM
➡️ Parade starts at 7:00 PM
Watch on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube—or scan a QR code along the parade route for behind-the-scenes commentary & float highlights!

🌟 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
🎉 Dazzling illuminated floats
🎅 A grand finale with Santa Claus
🎄 Tree lighting ceremony in Generations Plaza
🎤 Hosted by Michelle Heart (107.9 LITE-FM) & Mayor Robert Simison

🎨 Before the Parade:
✨ Ornament Drop! Hunt for handmade ornaments created by local artists—don’t miss the limited-edition piece by Julia Green.
🍔 Food Row at City Hall from 5:30–8:30 PM featuring Big Jud’s, The World’s Best Corndogs & more!
☕ Free Hot Cocoa from 11 community groups along the parade route.

👀 Watch-Party Spots:
🍻 Voodoo Brewing Co. – free hot cocoa + cozy indoor seating
🔥 Primitive Grounds – family-friendly, heaters, & hand-warmer giveaways
Full list here ➡️ https://meridiancity.org/parks/specialevents/christmas-in-meridian-community-events/winter-lights-parade/

🚐 Transportation & Access:
– Free ADA-accessible shuttle from 5:30–9 PM
– Road closures begin at 4 PM—plan ahead!

📲 Stay Connected:
Join the livestream, scan QR codes along the route, and share your photos using ⭐

Let’s light up Meridian together! ✨🎄💫

Don’t miss Meridian’s most wondrous night as we usher in the holidays with the Christmas in Meridian Winter Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration!

11/26/2025

🎨💜 NEW ART EXHIBIT ALERT! 💜🎨
If you love art, color, creativity — or just need an excuse to get out of the house — listen up!

Meridian City Hall’s Initial Point Gallery is opening a brand-new exhibit called “Purple Plus” on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and it’s serving ALL the violet, lavender, indigo, magenta, and mysterious royal-purple vibes. 💫

✨ Opening Artist Reception:
📅 Tuesday, Dec. 2
⏰ 4:30–7:00 PM
📍 Initial Point Gallery, 3rd Floor of Meridian City Hall

This show features 2D + 3D works from Treasure Valley Artists’ Alliance (TVAA) artists — and they’re diving deep into everything purple represents: magic, mystery, rarity, royalty, and the many shades in between. 💜🌌 From landscapes to flowers to wildlife, you’ll see purple like never before.

🎤 Bonus Event! Artist Panel: "Archival to Alternative Art Media"
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 6
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
Come learn how artists choose (or break!) the rules of materials — everyone’s welcome!

👩‍🎨 About TVAA:
A powerhouse nonprofit connecting artists across the Treasure Valley and creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and community. Learn more: treasurevalleyartistsalliance.org

🏛️ About Initial Point Gallery:
Located in downtown Meridian (33 E. Broadway Ave), this free public gallery showcases rotating exhibits from local, regional, and national artists. Open weekdays 8–5 (closed holidays).

💜 If you’re ready to infuse some creativity into your winter, mark your calendar and go support local artists!

Alexa Rose Foundation Winston C and Surel L Mitchell Family Foundation Idaho Commission on the Arts National Endowment for the Arts Fred Meyer

11/20/2025

🌾 Happy National Rural Health Day! 🌾

Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique needs of our rural communities. At Family Counseling Services, we are committed to making mental health support accessible—no matter where you live.

🚗💻 Can’t make the drive to our office?
We proudly offer telehealth counseling sessions, allowing you to meet with a licensed counselor from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Your well-being matters, and distance should never be a barrier to receiving care.
If you or someone you love could benefit from support, reach out—we’re here for you. ❤️

11/20/2025

🎄✨ ALL ABOARD THE HOLIDAY EXPRESS, MERIDIAN! ✨🎄
The City of Meridian is rolling out a full sleigh of Christmas fun — and you’re invited to every magical moment!

🚂 Santa’s Mailbox (Nov 17–Dec 17)
Kids can drop their letters to Santa at Meridian City Hall — and yes, Santa sends a letter BACK (as long as that return address is readable 😉).

🎁 Salvation Army Angel Tree (Nov 24–Dec 8)
Grab a tag, spread some cheer, and help brighten Christmas for local kids. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at City Hall!

🎨 Ornament Drop & Seek (Dec 4 & 5)
Make a handmade ornament ➜ hide it downtown ➜ someone finds it ➜ holiday joy unlocked!
If you find one, snap a pic and share with 🎄✨

🌟 Winter Lights Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting (Fri, Dec 5 @ 7pm)
The brightest night in Meridian! Enjoy the parade, the tree lighting, watch parties, food trucks, hot cocoa stops, and all the festive magic downtown.
🚐 Free shuttle.
🎥 Live-stream available.
🔥 Insider tip: Special illustrated ornaments will be hidden downtown before the parade!

🎅 Children’s Winterland Festival (Sat, Dec 13, 10am–2pm)
FREE family fun at Meridian Homecourt! Games, crafts, activities, and professional photos with Santa! Bring $1 or a canned food donation for the Meridian Food Bank.

✨ Want even MORE Christmas fun?
Check out the full community calendar + Christmas lights map on the Christmas in Meridian site — and add your own events!

Let’s make this the merriest season ever, Meridian! ❤️💚

11/20/2025

FYI - today!

❤️ SNAP/EBT Eligible?! Today’s your day.
We know benefits are being restored, but the holidays stretch every dollar — so we want to help where we can.

If you’re currently SNAP/EBT eligible, come in today and enjoy a FREE 10" pizza at Flying Pie. 🍕

We’re here for our community, today and always.
👉 flyingpie.com/iyd

11/19/2025

🦃 Friends! Quick Thanksgiving reminder! 🦃

If you’re already doing your holiday shopping, don’t forget — starting after today, WINCO is giving away a FREE frozen turkey for every $130 spent!

A little savings goes a long way this time of year, especially when we’re all juggling family, finances, and the full holiday whirlwind. 💛

If you’re planning a Thanksgiving meal, this is a great way to take one thing off your plate… so you can focus more on connection, gratitude, and moments that truly matter.

11/06/2025

🌞 Attention ISU Grad Students! 🌞

Are you interested in earning a $25,000 living stipend during your internship?

Are you looking for a SUMMER internship that makes a real difference and helps you build your career in mental health?

Come intern with Family Counseling Services! 🎓

If you qualify, you could receive a $25,000 living stipend for your ONE-year internship, beginning Summer 2026.

Gain hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and a supportive team to help you grow. 💙

Follow our FB page for more info as summer draws near!!


g a inge

Rural Health Grant Program for Counseling Students. Teaching students how to work in underserved communities.

11/04/2025

🎉 The new Meridian Activity Guide is HERE! 🌟

We’re so excited to see all the ways our amazing community is coming together this season! 💚

At Family Counseling Services, we love seeing families, friends, and neighbors connect, grow, and find joy in shared experiences. 🌼

👉 Check out the new guide and find your next favorite activity — connection and laughter are some of the best forms of self-care!

All classes, activities, excursions, sport league participation, picnic shelter and playing field reservations must be paid for at the time of registration.

11/04/2025

It's Election Day! Polls are open 8AM to 8PM local time. If you haven't already voted, be sure you schedule time today to visit your polling location.

Learn more at Vote Idaho.

2025 Consolidated Election November 4, 2025 County Results Official Results Results Will Be Available After the Polls Close County results will begin updating after the polls close, no earlier than […]

10/31/2025

The Boise Farmers Market will give $40 of food starting this Saturday to anyone who shows their EBT card. They won’t run the card, they just need to present it. $20 will be in fresh produce and the other $20 will be for other food items. They open Saturday morning at 9:00am.

At the Boise Farmers Market you will find fresh local seasonal vegetables and fruit, many types of locally raised protein, breads and pastries, honey, jams and sauces, fresh-roasted coffee, and a delicious selection of ready-to-eat foods. We always have the best of what is local and in season!

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween!
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃