Montana Shares Member Groups’ 2011/2012 Impact Statements
Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO)
If every Montana household spent $10 per week on locally grown food, $186 million would be contributed back into Montana communities. AERO promotes sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and conservation, environmental quality, and community self-reliance.
American Lung Association of the Northern Rockies (American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific)
Your dollars will help us win the fight for clean air, a Montana free of lung disease, and kids who remain smoke-free. Lung disease is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Tobacco companies spend over $50 million to hook kids on tobacco, and workers and children are still exposed to deadly secondhand smoke at work. Our programs, advocacy, and research are at work every day because of the support of Montanans.
American Red Cross of Montana
Are there two ways out of your bedroom? Every person in Montana needs an escape plan in case a fire or other disaster strikes.,. Montanans: Be Red Cross Ready. American Red Cross of Montana is doing what we can to promote preparedness, so that when disaster strikes, Montanans will know what to do. Safety should be a top priority at home, at work, and at play in this beautiful place we call Montana.
AniMeals
In the United States an estimated ten million animals are abandoned to shelters every year. Many of the shelters & rescue groups who house & feed these animals are struggling daily. AniMeals works to ensure there are no more hungry animals. The sole purpose of our work is to supplement the food needs of organizations so they can focus their money on medical needs & operational costs. As of December 2010 we delivered over 335 tons of food to shelters/rescues/individuals throughout Montana.
A.W.A.R.E., Inc.
To realize the vision of the Americans Disability Act, communities need help developing programs and opportunities for people with special needs. A.W.A.R.E. is dedicated to doing what is necessary to fill gaps in service and help communities meet the goal of serving all their residents.
Befrienders
Befrienders addresses a very real but barely visible need in our society. Through our companionship program, Befrienders enhances the quality of life of our aging population by befriending them. University students and other community volunteers are matched with the elderly residents who acknowledge their need for continued or renewed interpersonal social contact. These pairs are carefully matched according to their personalities and interests so that each match, known as a senior-visitor pair, can grow into an enduring friendship. Seniors and community volunteers meet weekly to converse, shop for necessities, go out for coffee, and similar activities. Both participants profit from this intergenerational relationship. Seniors get a closer connection to their community and help in maintaining a more independent lifestyle. Visitors receive a new friend with experience and wisdom, and gain insight into the benefits and challenges of a long life.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montana
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the only best-practice prevention program in Montana proven to address a broad spectrum of risk factors (such as delinquency; alcohol, tobacco and drug use; teen pregnancy; and dropping out of school) while simultaneously helping children reach their highest potential. This broad-based approach produces a higher return on investment than investing dollars in single-issue prevention programs.
bridgercare (formerly Bridger Clinic, Inc.)
Currently 50% of all pregnancies in Montana and nationwide are unintended. Access to affordable contraception is now more important than ever. Increasing numbers of children now qualify for the CHIP program, and Medicaid expenses related to unintended pregnancy (prenatal care, childbirth, and well baby care) are growing. Family planning clinics like Bridger Clinic help families acquire affordable birth control so they can effectively plan for children when they are most able to care for them financially and emotionally.
Cancer Family Network of Montana
The daily demands of living with a life-threatening disease are a constant struggle. Cancer Family Network of Montana’s free programs and services help families rediscover a healthy balance and celebrate hope. Cancer Family Network of Montana helps families live well with, through, and beyond cancer.
Cooperative Health Center, Inc.
Almost 17,000 Lewis and Clark County residents live below 200% of poverty. Most of them lack access to health, dental, or mental health care. By providing this care to more than 5,000 county residents each year, the Cooperative Health Center ensures that those most in need, and consequently the entire community, achieve the highest level of health and well-being possible.
Disability Rights Montana
Montanans living with disabilities want to be included in everyday living and need access to appropriate supports and services. DRM is actively working to make your local communities more physically accessible. DRM is also advocating to bring supports and services to your community and to protect your right to live, receive an education, work, and recreate in your local community.
ExplorationWorks (Community Works, Inc.)
ExplorationWorks responds to local, regional, and statewide needs for a wide range of experiential education, including science, math, technology, arts, music, and the environment. The organization offers engaging opportunities for discovery, models conservation technologies, and creates an appealing destination for visitors and tourists.
Great Falls Community Food Bank, Inc.
More than 300,000 Montanans are considered at risk of food insecurity. The Great Falls Community Food Bank is one of only three food bank warehouse/distribution facilities in Montana. Serving four counties and 48 emergency food sites, the Food Bank distributed 440 tons of food in 2010, providing nearly 700,000 meals to children, senior and adults.
Headwaters Cooperative Recycling, Inc.
Because of long distances between towns and cities in Montana, recycling opportunities are few, and often focus only on profitable commodities such as paper and aluminum. Headwaters Cooperative Recycling shares expensive resources like semi trucks and trailers with 10 different cities and counties to provide more than 40 recycling sites to rural communities. Our outreach program helps educate more than 6,000 students each year to help raise new recyclers.
Heart of the Valley, Inc.
Last year the Heart of the Valley, Inc., a no-kill animal shelter, took in more than 2,000 animals, spaying and neutering them, in an effort to eliminate animal overpopulation, before putting the animals up for adoption.
Helena Area Habitat for Humanity
Children raised in a home owned by their parent(s) are three times more likely to graduate, go on to college, own their own home, and become vested in their communities. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with income-challenged families to make home ownership a possibility and to provide simple, decent housing for today’s children.
Holter Museum of Art, Inc.
As the only art museum within a 90-mile radius of the capital city, the Holter is committed to presenting a wide range of media, content, and aesthetic sensibilities appealing to the broad and diverse constituency we serve and exhibiting annually 14 exhibits with corresponding education programs.
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
Our world is complex and we face serious long-term challenges to the building of a just, non-violent, and sustainable global culture. But each challenge is also an opportunity for each of us personally and all of us collectively. The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center offers us the tools of education, reflection, dialogue, relationship and action to meet that challenge both in times of crisis and in the ongoing work of peacemaking.
Komen Montana (Montana Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure)
14% of Montanans live at or below the national poverty level, making preventative health care unaffordable. Komen Montana raises and distributes funds throughout Montana to provide mammograms and clinical breast exams, as well as general breast cancer education.
Last Chance Community Pow Wow
Last Chance Community Pow Wow hosts an annual celebration to empower and honor our youth by preserving our distinct Native American cultural and spiritual traditions. The pow wow and other cultural activities that take place throughout the year instill pride among our local Native population, especially our youth, helping them choose healthy lifestyles.
Lewis & Clark Humane Society
The economic slump this past year has affected companion animals profoundly. A growing number of owned animals were relinquished in Helena in 2009 because families had to move to find employment and could not take their family pets. The LCHS provides humane care of stray, owner-surrendered, and abandoned animals; educates the public regarding responsible pet ownership; conducts cat and dog sterilization to prevent pet overpopulation; and works on the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Mai Wah Society, Inc.
Butte’s Chinese population and its impressive Chinatown are a hidden secret in this historic community. The Mai Wah Society is preserving the heart of Chinatown by restoring the Wah Chong Tai and Mai Wah Noodle Parlor buildings, exhibiting artifacts, retelling the stories, and presenting educational and cultural events.
Mental Health America of Montana
Every Montanan is in some way touched by mental illness; one-fourth involves a family member or friend. Mental Health America of Montana advocates and educates for good mental health in Montana and strives for quality services and social justice for those with mental illness.
Montana 4-H Foundation, Inc.
With over 4,000 adult volunteers working with over 23,000 4-H youth in Montana last year, these volunteers donate well over 200,000 hours in planning and conducting exciting activities. Economic impact of this volunteer service equals approximately 3 million dollars and is equivalent to over 105 full time staff positions. While many organizations concentrate on problems of youth or seek to change their behavior, 4-H embraces positive youth development. 4-H youth are able to identify their interests, set goals, and work with positive adult role models and other young people who share their passion and interests. Focusing on the strengths and talents of youth, 4-H engages them in a structured system of learning, by setting goals and measuring success. By challenging kids and providing them with the tools and resources needed, 4-H helps them learn, grow and prosper.
Montana Association for the Blind, Inc.
There are more than 4,000 Montanans who are legally blind and an additional 17,000-plus who are visually impaired. The Montana Association for the Blind provides programs that teach and develop skills so that visually impaired people can live independently, be self-sufficient, and volunteer for community organizations.
Montana Audubon
Montana has lost more than 50% of its valuable wetlands, and more than one-third of the birds that nest in the state are declining rangewide. Accelerating development along Montana’s streams and rivers are damaging water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Montana Audubon works to ensure that all native wildlife populations are healthy and sustainable by protecting and conserving their natural habitats.
Montana Child Care Resource & Referral Network, Inc. (MCCRRN)
MCCRRN links parents to available childcare and afterschool programs and helps low-income working families pay for these important services. By training early education and afterschool workers, MCCRRN builds a quality care and education system and helps makes it accessible to all Montana families.
Montana Food Bank Network, Inc.
Nearly 1 in 3 Montanans is considered at risk of hunger and more than 18% of Montana children live below the poverty line. Montana Food Bank Network reduces hunger by acquiring and distributing food, educating the public, and advocating on behalf of people in need.
Montana Meth Project
The financial and social consequences of meth abuse in Montana are devastating, harming families and children. Costs associated with the methamphetamine problem in Montana exceed $100 million each year, a tremendous economic burden on the state. National data released in August 2010 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that for the first time since 1991, teen methamphetamine use in Montana is below the national average. However, the threat to Montana has not disappeared, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The supply of methamphetamine is at a five-year high, so we need to maintain our commitment to eradicating meth use.
Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force
The Task Force teaches respect for life. Its mission is to reverse the universal acceptance of killing as a solution to pet overpopulation by using education, low-cost spay and neuter, and community involvement.
Montana Wilderness Association
Only 3% of Montana is protected under the Wilderness Preservation System. Through grassroots organizing and Wilderness Walks, Montana Wilderness Association encourages citizens to become advocates and activists who will protect crucial habitat for wildlife, clean watersheds, and incomparable wildlands.
Montana Wildlife Federation
Through public education campaigns, policymaker engagement, and public activism and organizing, Montana Wildlife Federation works to protect wildlife and habitat health in Montana by instituting policies that protect and conserve wildlife habitats, stop the spread of wildlife disease, and enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities.
Montana Youth Leadership Forum (a program of North Central Independent Living Services)
The drop-out rate of students with disabilities is twice that of their able-bodied peers. The Montana Youth Leadership Forum trains and mentors high school students with disabilities empowering them with the skills to be successful in school and after graduation.
NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation
In a 2009 survey, 47.6% of all Montana high school students reported being sexually active; a 2% increase from 2007. Amongst 7th- and 8th- graders, 16.8% reported being sexually active. Montana youth need to be provided medically accurate sex education in order to make healthy decisions throughout their lives. NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation works for an educated, alert, and active pro-choice citizenry to ensure access to safe, affordable reproductive health care in Montana.
NeighborWorks Montana (Montana Homeownership Network, Inc.)
Many Montana families are facing foreclosure because of a job loss, reduction in work hours, illness, injury, or divorce. NeighborWorks Montana offers foreclosure counseling, lender negotiations, and foreclosure prevention loans.
Queen City Ballet Company
Queen City Ballet Company affords dance students and the general public the experience of high-quality, professional full-length ballets with professional guest artists, lighting, costumes and sets. QCBC contributes to a vibrant cultural community by offering several performances a year, the Nutcracker Ballet with the Helena Symphony, a full-length spring classical ballet production, and a contemporary work. A dancer that aspires to a career in ballet can receive the experience and education in the art of performance to prepare for a career in dance. The Company offers scholarships for further training in performance and educational outreach through complimentary performances in the schools and at community events.
Rural Employment Opportunities, Inc. (REO)
Rural families with seasonal work or limited income and resources struggle to maintain economic stability. Rural Employment Opportunities helps limited-income Montanans and their children with emergency assistance and access to education, employment, and job-training activities that lead to year-round employment, improved family income, and greater economic security.
Student Assistance Foundation of Montana
Only 16 out of every 100 ninth-graders in Montana will graduate from college. Student Assistance Foundation is working to increase the number of college graduates in Montana by providing students with the knowledge and tools to pursue postsecondary education.
Vigilante Theatre Company (Vigilante Players, Inc.)
The Vigilante Theatre Company brings the performing arts to Montana communities of all sizes. Thousands of people in communities across the state are entertained by the company’s live performances each year.
Wildlands CPR
There are more miles of roads in the Forest Service’s Northern Region than in the entire U.S. Interstate system. Roads and unregulated off-road vehicle use harm Montana’s hunting and fishing economy. Wildlands CPR informs the public about the damage roads can cause and trains citizens to prevent, close, and re-vegetate wildland roads.
Youth Connections Coalition
The Helena community has high rates of alcohol, tobacco, drug use and violence among youth as identified through work with Youth Connections. Through the use of a comprehensive, community-based prevention model Youth Connections is working to change these rates through community collaboration, education, identification and referral, pro-social activities, awareness and environmental change.
Zootown Arts Community Center
As an art and community center, the Zootown Arts Community Center provides Missoula residents a venue where they can connect with their community and learn to appreciate and create art. Artists can refine their craft and business, and artists-to-be can have a life-enriching creative experience.
Montana Shares Members Stories
The following is a sampling of stories you’ll hear about and from our members about their work throughout the state.
AERO – Alternative Energy Resources Organization
AERO is a grassroots organization helping Montanans create sustainable communities by supporting sustainable agriculture & food systems, and renewable energy & conservation. For 35 years, AERO has been serving its membership and all Montanans. We work for legislative change to support family farms and help individuals and businesses reduce their energy footprints, and provide technical support to folks who want to transition to organic or install renewables. We are really excited about the Growing Community Project, which founded in partnership with WEEL. Our goal with the GCP is to help neighborhoods create a community garden within walking distance of every person living in Helena. This program boosts each neighborhood’s ability to sustain itself, while providing valuable education, resources, and nutritious food to low-income residents. We are also proud to have implemented Electronic Debit Transfer (EBT) machines in many farmers markets across the state, which provides access to the fresh, nutritious produce at markets to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps).
American Red Cross of Montana
A proud member of Montana Shares, the American Red Cross of Montana empowers ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts in emergency situations. We train. We mobilize. We connect donors and volunteers to those in urgent need of a helping hand. Whether it is a hurricane or a heart attack; a call for blood or a call for help, the American Red Cross is there. Last year in Montana, because of people like you we were able to help over 650 military members and their families helping relay critical emergency messages to and from Commanding Officers – helping get service members home for family emergencies, and providing comfort as needed to families. In June, Red Cross provided travel assistance to a couple from Forsyth so they may attend a memorial service in honor of their son, who died while serving as a marine supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. You helped us respond to 231 local disasters -- while most are home fires, last year we stretched our response team and successfully provided Disaster Mental Health to family and friends of those on a ski trip tragically killed in a plane crash in Butte in March. And you helped us train over 20,000 Montanans in lifesaving skills – one teenager who learned these skills quickly became a lifesaver while on vacation in Fairmont this year. Together, we can transform a life in crisis into a life of hope.
Befrienders
Befrienders is a Bozeman-area member of Montana Shares enriching the lives of home-bound seniors by providing formerly isolated seniors with unique intergenerational companionship through community volunteers.
Recently, I got a call from my cousin in Denver to say she had run across one of her husband's long time family friends who happens to live in Bozeman. She told me-- "Judee-- our friends tell us that you and Befrienders saved their mom's life!" I was so surprised at the urgent insistence from my cousin's friends about how “we brought his mom back to life.”
In actuality, we did just what we always do: we help a senior in need- who in this case was an 86-year-old diabetic amputee who is in a less-than-fancy nursing home. This senior had taken a few recent falls since she lost her leg that kept her from being able to leave the nursing home and also one of the falls resulted in her needing jaw surgery that made her hearing aid no longer fit. Thus, all communication with her was being done on a white board.
I went to meet her at the invitation of her son. I found this senior to be amazing; after all she had been through, she was so gracious and bubbly. At the time, Befrienders did not have any extra volunteers, so my daughters and I tried to stop in once a week. While using the white board was hard at first, we learned many interesting stories and were amazed at how hard of a life she had had. My young daughters were impressed by her upbeat nature.
We all enjoyed our visits and each time the senior raved over how much our visits meant. In time, we found one of our typical wonderful community volunteers, who happened to have interest in volunteering as related to a college course on aging she was taking. The end of the course came and went and the volunteer and our senior are still meeting once a week. The family of the senior has stepped up to get their employers to match a donation they make each year. So everyone wins!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montana
The old adage that there is strength in numbers is certainly true for the nine member agencies that make up Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montana. It was that combined strength that helped this federation receive more than $1 million dollars from the Department of Education for school based mentoring. The grant which ran from 2005 to 2008 helped support school based mentoring in more than 40 communities across Montana and during the final year of funding our nine agencies served 2541 children and 67 schools. When the Federal government decided to discontinue this funding for school-based mentoring, BBBSMT once again turned to its combined strength in grant applications and programs like Montana Shares to sustain our programs and their growth.
We know that mentoring works here in Montana. 77% of parents with children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister report an improvement in the self-confidence of their child. 69% report an improvement in the child’s ability to trust adults and 55% report an improvement in school preparedness. Together, we truly are changing how our children grow up in Montana.
Cancer Family Network of Montana: Bringing a Cancer Family Together
I was born and raised in Opportunity, Montana, so family time has always been a priority for me. Since Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, our family has felt as if we were growing apart, not together. Cancer creates many life challenges in addition to the physical treatments, including emotional struggles, financial hardships, and strain on family relations. After participating in the camp, sponsored by Cancer Family Network, our family has become even closer. We now understand how we all need to be there for Mom in many different capacities. We renewed our energy, thankfulness, and support during a very difficult time of our lives. We were comforted and drew strength from getting to know and interact with other families who have experienced similar trials. We have since learned that each year, nearly 300 other individuals are fortunate enough to experience a similar support and education system through Cancer Family Network of Montana’s free programs and services.
Cooperative Health Center: Does Teeth Too
We all hear the dramatic stories of huge free dental clinics held in big cities, where people wait for hours to see a dentist in a school gymnasium. It happens here in Montana as well. Every day at Cooperative Health Center in Helena, dentists see walk-in patients from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The patients line up at 6:30 a.m., regardless of the weather, hoping to see a dentist to relieve their pain. Many are willing to wait all day, if necessary. Lack of health care is not just a “big city” problem; it’s a reality for many Montanans.
Great Falls Community Food Bank: Even Helps with Birthday Cake
Since the Great Falls Community Food Bank serves agencies and not individuals, we were pleased to have the opportunity to provide a special mobile pantry outreach to our community members in need. It gave us a chance to offer some much needed perishable food and to talk one-on-one with clients of the emergency food service providers we support.
The distribution was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., but the line started forming two hours earlier. The event was held outside on a cold, windy October day, so we did our best to move everyone through and keep them as comfortable as possible. One woman waiting patiently in line mentioned that she was hoping to get a birthday cake. Her son was turning six that day and she couldn’t afford to buy him a cake. Upon hearing her story, word traveled among others in the line until it reached one of the volunteers at the distribution table. They selected a special cake and set it aside for the woman to take home.
This story prompted tales of hardship and struggles from many others in the mobile pantry line. All also expressed a need to someday be able to give back to those who helped them. Many of those receiving food returned to help out as a volunteer that day. Some even remain as volunteers at the Food Bank. All will never forget the help they received not only that day but every day someone reaches out to give them a hand.
Heart of the Valley: John Wayne Leaves Montana
Every year, Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter cares for more than 2,600 animals. One that really stood out was John Wayne, a three-legged Australian cattle dog. John Wayne came in as a stray with a crushed hip joint, so we had to amputate his leg. John Wayne was brave throughout his ordeal, and he didn’t let his missing leg slow him down a bit. He was always so happy; he loved everyone. For six months, though, he sat in his kennel at the shelter, waiting for someone to notice him. Finally, a woman in Portland, Oregon who had recently lost her dog saw him on our website. His happy, smiling face jumped out at her right away, and she knew he was the dog for her. She couldn’t make the long drive right away, but she called every day to check on John Wayne and even Fed Ex-ed him treats. Two days after Christmas, she drove from Portland to Bozeman through a terrible snow storm and met her new forever friend. It has now been nine months, and everything has worked out perfectly. The woman is much happier now that she has a dog again, and John Wayne goes to the dog park twice every day, accompanies her to work, and is dearly loved. John Wayne’s owner emails us pictures of him all the time. He truly is the luckiest of dogs.
Helena Area Habitat for Humanity: 28th Finished, Next One Started
During its 17 years of operations, Helena Area Habitat for Humanity, relying on primarily volunteer labor, has built housing for 29 families, providing permanent homes for 84 children. The families, who were previously living in sub-standard housing, volunteer to help build their home then purchase it through a no-profit, no-interest mortgage. Children who grow up in adequate housing are healthier (both physically and mentally) achieve higher levels of education, and are more likely to become active and contributing members of their communities. One of our recent families was living in a run-down trailer before moving into their Habitat home. During the previous winter, their heat had gone out, and their landlord would not repair the furnace. We assisted the family in renting electric space heaters to survive through the winter. It was extremely rewarding to work on their Habitat house and to see the joy on their faces when we turned over the keys to their own home.
Holter Museum of Art: Multi-Generation Fun
Every year, the Holter Museum of Art sponsors art classes for over 5,000 youngsters from the Helena area. One youth who took advantage of classes was six-year-old Jonathon, who was enrolled by his grandmother. Jonathon participated in a cross-cultural class that included Chinese brush painting. Jonathon was a perfectionist and was displeased with his attempts. In fact, he was so distraught that he cried and didn't want his piece displayed with the others. The teacher tried to comfort Jonathon by explaining that this was, after all, his first effort with Chinese brush painting and explained the dilemma to Jonathon’s mother. The next day Jonathon returned to class and decided that his work was not that bad after all. On the last day of class, all of the students’ work was hung for an exhibition for parents, grandparents, and friends. Jonathon gladly showed off his work to his grandmother, and exclaimed “Grandma, I'm not sure if you have ever taken a class from the Holter Museum, but I highly recommend it.”
Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center educated and engages our community to promote nonviolence, social justice and environmental sustainability. We have over 200 events and activities each year, and about 100 people a day visit us to shop in our fair trade store, peruse our library or network with others. After one of the classes we did in a local high school on nonviolent communication techniques, a student emailed us to let us know that she had tried the techniques with her parents and was amazed and pleased to report that they worked. She was anxious to try them on some of her friends next. That is making peace, one person at a time. Sometimes, we see consumers eyes light up to realize the power of their purchases to create justice in the world. And we are making a positive impact in our community by making our extensive dish and tableware collection available to brides and others in the community who don't want to use disposables. We are helping our community BE the change for peace and as a reminder to all, we are developing a peace park on the hill overlooking Missoula to the North where we have a peace sign that all can see and hike to. And our volunteers just finished the first tier of a 150-seat amphitheatre made of local stone using no cement where we are looking forward to hosting gatherings and events that will continue to inspire and renew us in the work for peace.
Last Chance Community Pow Wow: A Skirt and a Family
The powwow committee periodically puts on mini powwows around the area. One of these sites is Shodair Children’s Hospital. A native girl at Shodair with mental and physical challenges displayed a healthy desire to dance. We held several mini powwows at Shodair over the course of a year and she was always there to enjoy the drum and dancing. The idea of getting her a dance outfit or regalia began to take shape. It took us another six to eight months, but we finally found what we were looking for: a beautiful skirt and shawl in her size. We presented her the gift and she was thrilled. Her family was very appreciative as well. As she transitioned to life outside the hospital, we were happy to see her at other powwow functions. Her family knows there is a “family” in Helena who stands ready to help nurture their daughter.
Lewis & Clark Humane Society
Each year around 2000 animals come through the doors of Lewis & Clark Humane Society. Each of those animals has its own unique story like that of Huss. Huss came to the shelter in June 2007. He had spent his life chained outside and lost one of his back legs after the chain wrapped around it. This didn’t hamper Huss at all, but he had developed aggression issues. The Fiesty Fido Crew worked with him, but he would continue to display aggression when taken on Outreach. In July 2008, over a year after he first arrived, a couple came in and asked about Huss. They felt they understood where Huss’s aggression came: the feeling of being unable to protect oneself. You see, he man had lost a leg 40 years earlier in Vietnam. Today Huss lives with this couple and has 3 acres of fenced property to run.
Mental Health America of Montana
Some time back our office received a phone call from a distraught wife and mother who shared with us that her husband was having suicidal thoughts and she didn’t know what to do. We learned that her husband was a teacher for at-risk youth who had been called up by the National Guard to serve in the Middle East. He was surprised to be deployed due to his age and even more surprised to find they kept him there for longer than originally stated. While he was away, he missed the birth of his 3rd child. Upon returning to the States, he was given a quick screening for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and showed “low level” distress. He came home to his family, elated to meet his new son, and returned to his teaching career. Within 6 months he was debilitated, often unable to go to work or even leave the house. By the time his wife reached out for help, he was no longer interactive with his children, had a marriage and job in jeopardy, and was beginning to have thoughts of suicide.
MHA of MT immediately began wrapping around the family by community, state, and federal resources to help. We knew who to call in at the VA to get him in to see a psychiatrist, physician and therapist familiar with veteran-specific concerns. We created a safety plan with and for him, got him and his wife into a support group for families that included a returning veteran, found low cost childcare for the couple so they could really focus on his mental health and recovery. The veteran is now able to work full-time and enjoy his family. His wife said it best when she shared “It’s amazing how hope can seem so foreign. And when it is found again, it’s like being reborn.” By having an organization dedicated to educating and advocating for the mental health of all Montanans, we have the great honor of helping people such as this veteran to have a life worth living.
A little postscript to this story: Inspired by the veteran we served, we linked up with another mental health organization in the state to help create new federal legislation requiring the VA to have more screenings for our returning veterans because PTSD and TBI can take years to emerge. That legislation has passed the senate and is awaiting a vote in the house. The trickle-down of one man’s story will likely mean better care for veterans throughout our nation.
These opportunities are made possible by generous caring people who recognize we need to take care of our families, our friends, our communities, and sometimes even ourselves. By pledging a small amount from a paycheck, lives can literally be saved.
Montana 4-H Foundation: Pigs, College and Relationships
Sarah of Montana 4-H, tells this story: When I was nine, I sold my overly fat red ribbon pig at the 4-H sale. I put the profit in my savings account to save for college. But even more rewarding was the relationship I built with Mr. Anderson and his wife, who owned the local plumbing and heating store and had chosen my pig to purchase. Whenever we were at the same event from that day forward, one or both of them always made a point to come visit with me, ask what I was doing in 4-H , and inquire about my family. It wasn’t until years later that I realized what that purchase really meant to me. The Andersons weren’t just buying a pig; they were developing a long-lasting relationship.
Today 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development organization in Montana and in the nation. With over 200 projects and learning experiences to choose from, 4-H remains the premier organization for youth hands-on learning and life skill development. I visited with a 60-year-old women the other day, whose story was similar to so many other Montanans’. She said she attributes her career choices and who she is today to her 4-H experience. Through 4-H she gained confidence and leadership to do things she never would have thought possible. She also made many friends, many of whom she still keeps in contact with today. 4-H is more than a youth organization: It is a way of life for many youth and adults. A community member’s house burned down in Shephard recently, and the local 4-H leader was quoted as saying, “We only vaguely knew them, but I thought about the 4-H oath that talks about pledging your hands to greater service. If we didn’t get involved, what would we be showing our kids? That the oath didn’t mean anything?”
Montana Association for the Blind: A Good Crash Course
The four-week Summer Orientation Program of the Montana Association for the Blind is offered at no charge to the newly blind so that they may learn the skills to live independently. The following is an excerpt of a writing from one of the 2009 Summer Orientation Program students:
“Thank you for this wonderful four-week crash course on how to be blind with a smile. The skills I have learned this past month have boosted my confidence immensely. I have a much better outlook about blindness and life in general because of the Summer Orientation Program. I truly believe that blindness can be reduced to the level of a mere physical nuisance with the right training and proper attitude. The blind of Montana are extremely blessed to have such dedicated people involved in the Summer Orientation Program. Thanks again for these past four weeks of inspirational instruction and confidence building.”
Montana Audubon
Montana Audubon promotes appreciation, knowledge, and conservation of native birds and other wildlife. Since 1976 Montana Audubon has been working to protect and enhance Montana’s natural amenities and economic vitality. We are the umbrella organization for Montana's nine grassroots Audubon chapters, serving 4,000 members statewide. Each year in June Montana Audubon convenes its Annual Bird Festival, attracting hundreds of bird lovers from all over the state. Montana Audubon’s nature education programs inform, engage and inspire the next generation of Montanans. Our Billings-based youth project (the “Audubon Conservation Education Center”) offers year-round outdoor programs. Montana Audubon lobbies the state legislature to promote healthy environmental policies, and works with county planning boards, elected officials and local Audubon chapter volunteers to protect critical wildlife habitat across Montana.
Our Missoula-based Chapter (comprised entirely of volunteers) has been working closely with local planners and county commissioners to protect critical wildlife habitat along the nearby Clark Fork River. For example, a proposed gravel pit in this important wildlife area was rejected by the county commission when chapter volunteers were able to document the impacts of the proposed gravel pit on key bird species. The county planning department now uses the chapter’s expertise regularly, requesting comments from them on all land development proposals. Furthermore, due to the chapter’s efforts these critical wildlife lands (identified by the chapter) are now the cornerstone of Missoula’s Open Space Plan, with bond funds being used to provide additional habitat protection. It is noteworthy that the chapter’s landowner outreach has already secured a great many permanent conservation easements; thus far 2,000 acres of outstanding wildlife habitat have been permanently protected!
Montana Child Care Resource & Referral Network: Watching Out for Our Children
The MTCCR&R Network uses its contributions from Montana Shares to support our statewide advocacy and lobbying efforts on early childhood care and education issues. For example, back in 2005 during the legislative session our agency supported a bill that eventually became what’s known as Dane’s Law. Dane Jordan Heggem from Laurel, Montana died from an overdose of Benadryl on January 31, 2003, a week after his first birthday. He was given the drug by a daycare worker because she wanted him to sleep. This tragedy resulted in the bill, which states that child care providers may not administer non-prescription or prescription drugs to children without the written permission of their parent. The law has provided several opportunities for child care providers to learn about the drastic effects that giving medicine to young children may have on their health. Currently, all our Network agencies provide training to child care providers on proper medication administration training so this will never happen in a Montana child care facility.
Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force
The civic leaders of Glasgow MT invited Montana Spay/Neuter Task Force to have a Phase One event in their community August 27th through 30th, 2009. The people of Glasgow had come together to build an indoor hockey rink and sports center, built with donations of their abilities as construction workers, plumbers, electricians and more. Task Force was invited to have a three day event at their wonderful building. Four vets and veterinary technicians worked three days with over 150 volunteers who ran registration, oversaw the waiting areas, gave vaccinations, helped log drug doses, did animal prep, tattoos on animal tummies, recovery, autoclave and checkout. School kids had drawn posters; wonderful, healthy food was prepared by ladies from the church.
Kids were everywhere, watching, learning, and participating. Press releases had been sent stating that Task Force was coming and its history of helping achieve the spay/neuter of 50,000 cats and dogs in community pet care events since 1996, and follow-up stories ran in the papers after the event. Sunday, the final day, was "feral cat day". Two women were able to trap 39 cats, which may just be an all-time record! Even within one year, having spayed and neutered 120 dogs and 376 cats, there will be almost 1,000 less animals being born in the Glasgow area.
NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation
NARAL Pro-Choice Montana Foundation believes that it is an integral part of its work to not only reach out to young people and get them involved in the organization’s mission, but also offer them opportunities to become leaders in their community. Students for Choice (SFC) are NARAL Pro-Choice Montana’s official student affiliate group. It empowers students to make informed reproductive and sexual health decisions and to participate in the process that shapes our reproductive choices, rights, and freedoms.
We provide a number of training opportunities to those involved with the group, offer first-hand experience at the Montana State Legislature, guide students to take the lead role in choice-related issues on their campus, and help them grow both professionally and personally as individuals.
One example of SFC’s level of involvement can be seen with their response to a rising cost of birth control on college campuses. At the University of Montana, SFC held a “Day of Action”, kicking off the day with a press conference in front of their student health center, spent the entire day gathering signatures on a petition urging our congressional delegation to fix the crisis collecting over 1,100 signatures, and delivered them to the offices of Senators Tester and Baucus. U of M Students for Choice also successfully lobbied their student government to pass a pro-choice resolution on the matter.
Just recently, two young professionals and previous SFC members joined the NPCM board and are already taking an active role as board officers. Other SFC members have become involved in the social justice movement, using the skills they obtained through SFC to move forward in their careers. These students truly represent the next generation of pro-choice leaders and they are taking an active role in defending our reproductive rights both while they are at school and as they move on to their professional lives.
NeighborWorks Montana (MT HomeOwnership Network): Keeping Home, Home
We received a call from a man in danger of losing his home because of unpaid taxes. His daughter, who was 10 years old at the time, had been very ill. Because of large medical bills, the family refinanced their home through a subprime lender. The lender charged a 9% interest rate and did not set up an escrow account for taxes and insurance. The family did not understand at the time what this meant. The daughter has since been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and is in remission. NeighborWorks Montana worked with the family and provided a loan for five years at 6.5% which, along with their $5,000 contribution, will bring the taxes current so the family will not lose their home. During the process, we discussed how the family could get their credit repaired so they could refinance the loan with a subprime lender in the future, and we will continue to work with them.
Rural Employment Opportunities: A Career, not a Job
Rural Employment Opportunities (REO) is a statewide organization that helps rural workers and families access employment and educational opportunities that will improve their income and family economic security. A man came into an REO office when he was between jobs. He was hard working but unskilled, barely supporting himself, his elderly mother, and newborn daughter. He worked short term, agricultural jobs, a few months or weeks here or there, never knowing what would be next. He knew he needed a career and not just a job. He found REO and became a participant in our employment and training program.
Together with his case manager, he explored training for Heating, Ventilation, AC and Refrigeration (HVA). His REO case manager suggested a sheet metal apprenticeship with a local company. Only two positions were open, but with coaching and guidance from his case manager, he enrolled in adult basic education for math, English, and computers, wrote his resume, developed interview skills, and researched the company and its apprenticeship program. As he reached each goal, he became more self-confident.
He went to the interview and was offered one of the two apprenticeships. REO provided him with required start-up tools. His starting wage of $11.81 per hour increases every six months. He now has extensive benefits, and when he completes his apprenticeship in four years, his wage will be over $20 per hour. Through his own hard work and resources available from REO, this participant has achieved more than he ever dreamed. “It’s nice to have a career that I’m proud of,” he said.
Student Assistance Foundation Montana: Fulfilling Dreams of Higher Education
The instructor looks over a sea of young, eager faces and asks, “How many of you have been in more than five foster care homes in your life?” All of the youths’ hands go up.
Then the instructor asks, “How many of you have been in more than 10 foster care homes in your life?” The hands stay up.
Finally, the instructor asks, “How many of you were told that you wouldn’t amount to anything in your life?” All of the hands remain in the air, but the gazes of many of the teenagers drop. They shift their focus to the floor, perhaps remembering the hurtful words they hoped wouldn’t shape their future.
This was the scene four years ago at the nonprofit Student Assistance Foundation’s first “A Step Ahead” College Prep Camp for Montana foster care youths. It clearly illustrates the need for this free, three-day camp.
Held each July at a Montana college campus, the camp’s goal is to provide foster care youths with the know-how to pursue their dreams of postsecondary education. Camp coordinators offer instruction in computer skills, money management, financial aid (including scholarship, grant, and voucher programs), and more. In addition, each participant receives a new laptop computer to take home at the end of the camp to use as they pursue their higher education.
Perhaps more importantly, the foster care youths leave the camp with a sense of empowerment and confidence to make their dreams of higher education a reality. By the end of the camp, they have developed many friendships and take the support of a peer group that shares their unique background on to their future experiences. Many times, these youths go on to college and ultimately serve as ambassadors among other foster care youths. No one should ever feel like they won’t amount to anything.
Vigilante Theatre Company
The mission of The Vigilante Theatre Company is to spread the performing arts throughout the great state of Montana especially to rural regions of our state that lack the infrastructure to support a live theatre group. People in these areas would normally have to travel great distances in order to experience one night of live theatre. But the Vigilantes take it upon themselves to bring the theatre to them. We perform at over 30 different small rural communities like this every year. In particular we have made it up to Plains Montana for the last 10 years. Plains is a small town with just over 1,000 residents. The annual Vigilante visit is one of the cultural highlights of their year ( at least that’s what the people at the show claim) Regardless, it is the only opportunity to for Plain’s residents to experience the excitement of live theatre without leaving their town. The Vigilante Theatre Company is happy to bring that excitement to this town and many others in our tireless efforts to improve the lives of Montanans by spreading the arts through our state.
