MIssoula Nonprofits and Charities

Our experience with Missoula Aging Services has gone full circle. 10 years ago I retired early to care for elderly parents and to help care for our grandkids. Initially, my mother-in-law moved to Missoula with Alzheimer’s. Two years later she passed and my mother of 92 years with short term memory loss moved to Missoula and lived to be 98. My husband was involved as well, while holding down a full time job. Little did we know the strain it could put on our relationship. But our relationship is stronger today because of the teamwork it takes to care for elderly parents. <br><br>In each case MAS was there to help us with health care insurance, taxes and other resources available to make our lives easier. It was comforting to know they were there for support. I would always walk away form MAS filled with gratitude for the community service they provide. <br><br>It has been almost two years of freedom from elderly care. My husband and I feel fortunate to know we were there for our parents in their last years, even though it was mentally draining. <br><br>So now we come full circle as we turned 65 this year and find ourselves asking MAS for guidance with Medicare! As usual, they guided us in the right direction and again, feel gratitude. Our story could have gone in a catastrophic direction without the support of Missoula Aging Services. We are fortunate to live in the Missoula community filled with so many resources to make living healthy and enjoyable. Missoula Aging Services is at the top of our list. THANKS!<br><br>Ed and Laurie Stalling<br><br><br>

What an immaculate team. They were so caring, kind and patient with us. The little 5 month old we wanted has been having some stomach issues and they were so attentive, persistent and careful with him. It took time, as they knew we had another cat at home and didn’t want to chance the kitten spreading something but, they got him on the mend and sent us home as happy new kitten parents. I’m so happy and thankful we went there and found our new forever friend.

I participated in the Costa Rica course and it was the greatest experience of my entire life. The course instructors were kind, helpful, encouraging, and able to answer any/all questions about the course. The course itself was once in a lifetime, I got to see so many beautiful things and meet so many wonderful people. I have a greater understanding of/love for the world around me. I would HIGHLY recommend an EPI course to anyone and everyone who wants to experience something incredible.

Upon moving to Montana, I was horrified to learn that traps and snares are legal on Public Land. <br><br>I love to hike and snowshoe with my dogs and I one of my dogs loves to swim. Traps and snares can often be found on or near trails, which means that even when leashed, a dog is still in danger because traps and snares are baited. Deadly body gripping Conibear traps can be found in rivers and streams at public fishing access areas throughout Montana. There is no recourse for the owner if a dog dies in a trap - in fact an owner can be fined for "disturbing" the trap in order to release their dog. The majority of Montanans do not trap. <br><br>Footloose provided me with valuable education at one of their Trap/Release Workshops. Too many target and non-target animals are maimed or killed each year for a so-called, barbaric "sport". The information Footloose presented at the workshop was educational and unbiased. I became a volunteer as a result.

Public lands are very dear to me. I have worked on National Forests and National Park Service adminstrated lands. I have recreated on everything from city parks to state forests to national seashores. I try not to take them for granted. <br><br>It was a real delight to find a sportsmen's (and sportswomen's) group that was so invested in united a diverse set of stakeholders to make sure our national legacy was preserved from divestment from the public trust. <br><br>Seeing a disconnect in some of my peers from the importance of both public lands and the sportsfolk that have been their stewards for a long and the health of the wildlife and habitat they study, I decided something had to be down. With a small group of like-minded students, I started a collegiate chapter of BHA at my university. <br><br>The state and national components have backed me from the start. Providing support for our local student chapter, and helping us find a voice, we have contributed to local and national conversations on conservation. They also truly value the opinions and experiences we bring to the table. I have seen suggestions and materials brought to their attention by members and seen it incorporated into the larger conversation in the organization. Further yet, they support and pay attention to science, helping me achieve professional development by providing me support to get to a national academic conference as well as the national BHA Rendezvous. Both provided me with great leadership training oppurtunities. <br><br>Let me be real for a moment, this organization is not a unicorn fart. It actually exists and such as room to grow and learn from mistakes. But what makes this organization so great, is that if they do find something the need to improve on, they go forward thoughtfully to make sure they actually do improve. And they don't just wait for something to happen, they actively look for areas of improvement to prevent problems. <br><br>All in all, this organization has been a constructive part of my life, and the community derived from the fellow volunteers with whom I share the hard work is worth all of the hardwork and more. BHA just gets it. At least that's my experience.

After rider expenses Climate Ride directs most of its revenues to climate programs.

The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center is truly one of the best community resources in the US. It is a home to many, where dialogue takes place and individuals expand their mindsets. Betsy, the director, is a champion for so many causes and will welcome any and all with open arms and an open heart. This organization should be modeled across the country as an example of what community activism can be. The JRPC gives people hope, solidarity, and inspiration.

Hospice care education is so important to many members of our community and Hospice Care Foundation does an excellent job of making sure citizens are aware of the numerous options available to them!

After getting their newsletter for a couple of years, I went to a fundraiser for Women's Voices for the Earth last year and was very impressed by what I heard and the women who I met. <br><br>Women's Voices for the Earth works to reduce the toxins in products made for women, such has feminine pads and tampons, hair straighteners like the Brazilian Blowout), fragrances, and cleaning products like Swiffer. They also try to reduce toxins in nail salons in order to protect the women who work in them.<br><br>All of these could be made without toxins, which would reduce the illnesses caused by them, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders. The Toxic Substance Reform Act that was passed decades ago left a lot to be desired, and the one that replaced it this year was heavily influenced by the chemical industry, which made it impossible for states to pass laws to reduce toxins in products.<br><br>Womenn's Voices for Earth also includes women of all ethnic groups and colors, rather than just focusing on white women. They are a small, underfunded organization that do an excellent job of focusing attention on reducing toxins. This is very important to me and I think that this is an important organization.

The Vital Ground Foundation is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means The Vital Ground Foundation meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Vital Ground Foundation has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.

Five Valleys Land Trust is an accredited land trust. Accreditation means Five Valleys Land Trust meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Five Valleys Land Trust has demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate their commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. Learn More: http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.

I listen to Water of Life Radio nearly every day here in Missoula Montana. They are found on 104.9 on the FM dial. Call letters: KWLYLP. This station has wonderful shows like "New Life Live" a counceling show. Another great show is "Bible Answers Live" where they answer Bible questions. They also have a wonderful childrens program. GREAT GREAT music. I dont always agree with all the points of view, but that never happens with any Christian Station anyway. Wonderful station here. I support them fully.

For years, Watson Children's Shelter been providing emergency shelter and services for children of all ages. Children in the most dire circumstances are giving a warm bed, clean clothes, delicious and healthy food along with social, medical and psychological services. The children are loved and supported in ways that you and I would think normal, but some of these kids have never before received. This well run organization is a rock star among non-profits.

Our daughter in college volunteers many hours at the Humane Society. When we were ready for another dog, she found us "Frank" who we adopted. All the staff at the Humane Society are very friendly and caring. They spent time talking to us about Frank's characteristics, and they have a free hotline if we ever have training questions. We were very impressed with the time they took to make sure both Frank and us were a good fit! I have donated in the past and will continue to donate because this group is really making a difference in the lives of lost and abandoned animals.

Imagine Missoula is a unique organization - to become involved is simple, and the work is constant, depending on your own abilities, schedule, preferences. IM has done a tremendous job of connecting the simple, over-looked needs of a community with those who are able and willing to lend a hand. Relationships are built, community well-being is improved, and the city is a better place because of the efforts of IM and it's volunteers! I love this organization!

Montana Innocence Project uses DNA and other new evidence to exonerate the innocent. This is very interesting and detailed work. The Project is based at the UM School of Law and uses students and volunteer attorneys to help screen, investigate and litigate claims of actual innocence. <br> <br>They also provide educational support to lawyers and law enforcement about best practices to prevent wrongful convictions. They serve a vastly under-served population, indigent prisoners. <br> <br>I know my support helps and I know the value of the work Montana Innocence Project does to help improve the justice system. <br> <br>

I have so very fortunate to be a past St. Patricks Foundation Board member. I have experienced the true meaning of professionalism. I had the opportunity to work with intellegient, humble, caring community leaders who's primary goal had nothing to do with their own personal career achievements....it was all about raising awareness of the mission statement for St Patricks Foundation. <br>

Tamarack Grief Resource Center is a worthy organization with exceptional integrity and demonstrated commitment to its beneficiaries. Grieving children, teens and adults are forever changed through its fine programs and dedicated staff/volunteers.

I have volunteered with this group at the International Sportsmans Expo (ICE) and on several occasions in the field pulling old fences (dangerous to wildlife) and cutting firebreaks for prescribed burns. Every other volunteer I have met and the one paid employee I spoke with were down-to-Earth, genuine people, who are concerned about habitat loss. They are almost exclusively hunters that enjoy sharing stories of elk camp and the great outdoors. Plus, the magazine (Bugle) is the best hunting mag available!

We take our children to Blue Mountain Clinic because they are friendly. They provide high quality health care. Their fees are appropriate. But most importantly, they try to create a positive, friendly atmosphere that feels like a true family practice. The pediatricians we tried in Missoula were too clinical. At BMC, the staff focuses on the whole child and the whole family. And they remind us of what we are doing well as parents. That is pretty awesome.

I volunteered at the Big Sky BBQ for the Montana Food Bank Network. This is a great organization. I was very impressed with the level of dedication from the staff and the success of the event. I look forward to volunteering again in the future!

2 months ago a gorgeous 5 yo female Bald Eagle was struck by a car/truck on the highway adjacent to our canyon home outside Missoula. She sustained a spinal cord injury and was rescued by my family members from drowning in the Blackfoot River in cold weather, she being unable to fly or walk. Brooke Tanner and others at Wild Skies cared, fed and provided therapy for our eagle and consulted with neurosurgeons to determine her chances of return to the wild. Many weeks of emotion and effort were invested, unfortunately with a loss at the end. But we are all happy that they gave her the advantages of science, compassion and devotion to provide her comfort after her injury. Have to love the folks at Wild Skies!

MUD brings to my community what no other can. The expertise and professionalism which is available through MUD is incomparable to any other.

Missoula's only non-audition, adult chorus! Up to 100 singers join voices to perform, and hands to volunteer in the Missoula- area community. MCC turns 10 years old in September 2010. In celebration, we have commissioned a choral composition from Dr. David Dickau, to be performed at our gala community concert and party in the Spring of 2011.

I am a parent of a child who is attending Spirit at Play Preschool in Missoula Montana. We looked at about a dozen schools before we enrolled out daughter at SAP. We are very happy with the Teachers,children, families and facility. Everyone has been great. Parent involvement is encouraged and we are kept informed of day to day happenings at the school. They teach the kids respect for themselves and others and rely on the Love and Logic philosophy. They have a lot of extra curricular activities such as soccer and gymnastics which is great for the kids to get to try out and see if they want to continue with them outside of school. The school offers an organic lunch program or the kids can bring lunch. The staff are mainly long term people who are dedicated to the school. The biggest challenge for me will be the fundraiser where parents are required to sell 10 Christmas wreaths! So far we are very happy with our daughters care and learning environment at Spirit at Play. Mary Marry