THE GREAT FISH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE STARTS TODAY

BBBS NW Montana is thrilled once again to be a participating organization in the Great Fish Community Challenge.

You have donated to our organization through the Great Fish - thank you - and we challenge you to do so again by being a donor.

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For most of the youth that we serve, life contains more uncertainty and more change than any of us would deem healthy.

During a pandemic, challenges and divides have deepened, and in recent history there has never been a greater need for our kids to feel and know kindness, care, and consistency. Our mission is to defend the potential that exists inside of every child. 

MENTOR RECRUITMENT

Last November we teamed up with Montana Coffee Traders for a 2-day mentor recruitment campaign. Our staff set up a station at all four locations to answer questions and help start the enrollment process. We are are so grateful for MCT's continued support and for all the caring community members we had the pleasure of meeting. Supporting local businesses is very important to BBBS NW Montana, and it is especially motivating to do so when it tastes delicious.

Did you miss our recruiting event? No problem! Reach out to us and one of our Match Support & Enrollment Specialists would be happy to schedule a meeting over coffee...and perhaps a pastry!

Our Executive Director Todd Lengacher had a blast honing in on his barista skills. He pulled a beautiful shot! Could it have been his Seattle roots or just excellent teaching? We think it was both!

Thom and Todd were prepared to answer all of your mentoring and caffeinated questions at the Kalispell Café. Thom's an MCT trivia champ!

MENTOR RECRUITMENT

Last September we participated in the Whitefish Education Foundation's Back to School Bash at the Whitefish Middle School. Maria, our Missoula-based Match Support & Enrollment Specialist drove up to help share our program to interested parents and children. Staff also had the opportunity to watch their Executive Director joyfully plummet into the dunk tank!

BIG & LITTLE STORY

Enjoying fresh powder on the slopes is a favorite for many Montanans. Devon was eager to get in on the fun and asked his Big Brother Clay to teach him how to snowboard. Clay took Devon on the Magic Carpet at Whitefish Mountain Resort but he struggled to find balance on the board.

Clay suggested they switch to skiing and was determined to defend his Little's potential by helping Devon reach his goals. Devon was a natural the moment he put on a pair of skis. Practicing nearly every weekend helped him develop skill and gain the confidence needed to thrive on the mountain. It wasn't long before Devon braved going down Black Diamond and did so with success!

BIG & LITTLE STORY

Big Sister Carrie Power and Lexi are a new-ish match. These two initially bonded over a mutual appreciation for french fries and ice cream but their friendship now thrives on enjoying each other's company and finding the other hilarious. After just 2-months they are finishing each other's sentences.

One summer day they decided to spend the whole day together. Their day began enjoying two scoops on the rooftop of Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and then ventured over to Pin & Cue for some bowling and arcade games and lunch. Later they arrived at Stumptown Art Studio for Big Art Little Art with huge smiles and energy.

Lexi is a gifted artist and is able to express her creativity in various forms, even creating bracelets that same morning to wear throughout the day. She decided to paint a rainbow-colored ceramic fish and meticulously selected the right colors and then carefully applied each stroke of paint. The result was incredible! She questioned whether to paint a second fish but Carrie was quick to encourage her to paint however many she wanted. Carrie helps Lexi realize her potential by frequently building her up and supporting her interests. Whether they are at the dog park or at Imagine IF Libraries or just enjoying lunch, Carrie makes sure Lexi knows she is talented, special, and a fun Little Sister.