Our Partners
As the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child" and our partners have allowed us to create a community where we do just that.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our esteemed coalition partners for their unwavering dedication, commitment, and collaboration in our shared mission. Together, we have forged a powerful alliance, driven by a common vision and a spirit of solidarity.
5-2-1-0 Let's Move! Missoula
5-2-1-0 Let's Move! Missoula (LM!M) is a community initiative mobilizing projects and partnerships that build healthy kids and residents of all ages - no matter where they live, work, play or learn. Projects focus on creating environments with access to physical activity and nutrition, and support for social cohesion. 5-2-1-0 is a daily recipe for health.
Missoula Public Library
Through community outreach, innovative programming, and access to information, the Missoula Public Library strives to provide fun, safe, and inclusive spaces and events for children and their families.
Safe Kids Missoula
Safe Kids Missoula Coalition is dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries—the number one cause of death to children in the United States—through action-based education, awareness, and planning to reduce traffic injuries, drowning, child gun access, falls, burns, poisonings, and more.
Big Brother, Big Sisters
Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever
The Parenting Place
The Parenting Place is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is the prevention of child abuse and neglect through strengthening families since 1981.Our goal is to help families develop healthy parent-child relationships, improve the futures of our children and ensure healthy families in our community.
Friends of the Children
We select children who face multiple systemic obstacles. We amplify their voices as they write their own stories of hope and resilience. Our commitment extends for the long term—12+ years, no matter what. Each child is paired with a paid, professional mentor called a Friend. But it doesn’t stop there. We also provide support to the parents, taking a holistic approach to uplifting the entire family. We call our professional mentors Friends because it isn't just a job. They are forming meaningful relationships with our youth that last for years.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Improve the health, safety, and well-being of Montana families by supporting mothers and babies, age zero to three.
Missoula Early Head Start
Missoula Early Head Start is a no cost federally funded program in Missoula County serving prenatal women and children from birth to three years old. Programs are specific for home-based care, center-based care, and prenatal care.
Montana Association for the Education of Young Children
The Montana Association for the Education of Young Children (mtaeyc) is an organization of early childhood professionals working to solve local, state, and national issues that affect children and families. Our mission is to promote a community of professionals advocating for quality care and education of young children through collaboration.
Families First
We are a local organization dedicated to strengthening families through education, connection, play & partnership. Together we can create a community where families feel supported, empowered, and inspired to learn and play together.
Watson's Children's Shelter
The Watson Children’s Shelter in Missoula, Montana, is dedicated to providing safety, nurturing, and stability to children and families through quality services and trauma-informed care. Their mission is to create a safe haven for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, or family crisis.
Healthy Foundations
A free, voluntary service that cherishes parents as they adjust to having a new baby. Our goal is that you and your baby THRIVE, and your family grows STRONG.
Raise Montana
Our mission is to support members organizations, advance the early childhood profession, and improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of the child care.
Healthy Missoula Youth
Healthy Missoula Youth is a coalition working to prevent the potential harms related to early substance use. We envision a thriving Missoula County where individuals and families feel supported by their community and are empowered to make choices that positively impact their health around substances.
Zero to Five Missoula
We work so that every child in Missoula County is nourished by the experiences and supports they need to thrive in school and beyond. Too many children are already behind on the first day of school. The experiences young children have from birth to five are critical, and in Missoula County, we know that not all children are getting what they need. We envision a Missoula County where all children have great early childhood years, so they arrive at school able to engage, eager to learn, and ready to thrive.
Partnership for Children
Our Mission is to teach children how to have healthy relationships while in a community setting.
Our Vision is to assist children in healing and succeeding in permanent and family placements.
Child Development Center
Partnering with families to support the developmental needs of children where they live, play and grow. All children deserve the opportunity to develop their full potential. The Child Development Center is a nonprofit that provides family-focused support services to children with developmental delays and disabilities in western Montana.
Child Care Resources
Our Mission is to help kids grow into successful adults by enriching the learning environment of their crucial early years.
Child Care Resources:
- Helps people find child care
- Helps people pay for child care
- Trains the early child care workforce
The YMCA - Missoula
The Missoula Family YMCA is dedicated to building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for each person it serves. We are dedicated to filling community gaps, providing healthy options for all, and adapting to serve Missoula’s most pressing needs. Our areas of impact include Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social changes are possible when we invest in our kids, health, and neighbors.
Missoula Aging Services
Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them.
University of Montana - College of Education & Human Sciences
The Phyllis J. Washington College of Education at the University of Montana is dedicated to shaping professional individuals who become educators and contributors to our society. It shapes professional practices that contribute to the development of human potential. We are individuals in a community of lifelong learners, guided by respect for knowledge, human dignity, and ethical behavior.
Mountain Line
Connect with what moves you!
From preschool commutes to play date drop-offs, Mountain Line buses are your safe and sustainable ride to explore Missoula with zero fare and zero hassle. With trips all around town seven days a week, you and your kiddos can discover the sense of adventure and community that comes along with every bus ride.
Parent Leadership Training Institute
The Missoula County Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a free, 10-week, anti-racist civics and leadership course that empowers parents and caregivers to become leading advocates for children. PLTI includes childcare support, meals, and transportation assistance.
Child Start, Inc. /Head Start
At Child Start, we believe that every child deserves a nurturing, supportive and inclusive environment to succeed in school...AND in life. Our program offers your 3 to 5 year old child free high-quality early education in a fun, engaging, and open-ended learning environment.
CASA of Missoula
CASA of Missoula is a nonprofit organization that plays a crucial role in advocating for the well-being of children within the judicial system. Their mission is to provide independent, trained advocates who work tirelessly for the best interests of these children.
Drive Safe Missoula
Drive Safe Missoula is committed to promoting safety on the roadways of Missoula County. As the home of the Missoula County DUI Task Force and the Missoula County Buckle Up Montana Coalition, Drive Safe Missoula aims to create a community where every individual understands the importance of responsible driving behaviors. Our ultimate goal aligns with the Vision Zero initiative from the State of Montana: achieving zero serious injuries and zero deaths on our roads
Missoula Firefighters Benevolent Association
The Missoula Firefighters Benevolent Association is committed to supporting organizations and individuals throughout our Missoula community, as well as within our fire service community, in times of hardships, sickness or need. We strive to provide a helping hand in times of distress, benefits in times of financial hardship and fellowship among firefighters and citizens in all times, good and bad.
All Nations Health Center
All Nations is committed to providing sustainable healthy lives for our Native people and the surrounding community through culturally based, holistic care. Our mission is centered around providing comprehensive health services with a focus on trauma-informed practices and policies, aiming for holistic wellness for the Missoula Native community.
Project Tomorrow
Together, we are fighting for a better tomorrow, for Missoula, for Western Montana.
Project Tomorrow Montana works to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts in our community through collaborative efforts that promote, support and increase awareness, prevention, intervention, and recovery.
Missoula Parks & Rec
Missoula Parks and Recreation is essential to the quality and way of life for individuals, families, community, and the environment. Our guiding mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by: Promoting health and wellness. Stimulating, supporting and encouraging community and economic development. Protecting the environment.