CURRENT EFFORTS

Choteau Youth Alliance, Choteau, Montana

The Choteau Youth Alliance (CYA) is a nonprofit in Montana devoted to fostering productive, caring, and responsible citizens among the youth and adults of Choteau. Like many small rural towns, Choteau faces a childcare shortage, affecting professionals like medical staff, teachers, and small business owners, who often can’t work due to a lack of childcare options. This scarcity has broad repercussions, impacting community health and well-being. Limited childcare correlates with adverse health outcomes akin to inadequate access to healthcare, nutritious food, and affordable housing. The absence of reliable childcare leads to parents, especially women, leaving the workforce, families slipping into poverty, and children experiencing food insecurity. Choteau’s economic health also suffers as businesses struggle to retain essential workers. Accessible childcare is a vital economic driver, offering residents employment opportunities, financial stability, and a pathway to economic advancement.

We are asking donors to consider helping enrich CYA programming by providing funding to enhance opportunities for thoughtful experiences for the children and deepen CYA resources now and into the future. We are targeting three areas of funding: 1) Summer 2024 field trips for the children from the Montana Dinosaur Center to The Nature Conservancy to the Old Trail Museum and local businesses and ranches, to name a few. 2) Developing a community garden that allows the children to understand the growth process of the fruits and vegetables on their plates and learn to care for and grow a garden. And 3) the equipment and furniture needed to take their environment to the next level. These purchases would enhance and make the facility developmentally appropriate for young children and align with best practices.

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Hunters, Washington, Columbia School District

This rural and remote school district, which serves approximately 140 students in grades PK-12, is located in NE WA state, near the banks of the Columbia River. They operate on a very tight budget. Raising levy rates in the community is not feasible, which means they rely heavily on external support to keep their school running. Currently, a great deal of their operating budget is used to keep an extremely old diesel furnace operating, and they have recently installed a school-wide water filtration system to remove arsenic. The school’s dedicated teachers have identified some critical needs that require urgent attention. They need support in the following areas:  
  • Art supplies for the elementary school: Teachers seek vital, basic supplies such as glue, construction paper, markers, tape, paint, hot glue sticks, laminating sheets, and more. These supplies are crucial for the student’s creative expression and are critical for their educational growth.
  • Science equipment and supplies: The science department is in dire need of essential equipment and supplies to facilitate engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for our students. These tools are necessary for their students to have the chance to learn and explore the natural world fully.


    Please help keep this school running and support the students’ educational development. Your contribution can significantly impact the lives of the students, teachers, and community.

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Twin Bridges, Montana Library

In line with our commitment to community empowerment, we aspire to introduce a transformative addition to Twin Bridges—a visionary space known as the Quiet Room. This carefully crafted enclave within the historic library will serve as a sanctuary, offering individuals a confidential haven for crucial exchanges with respected professionals. It will serve as a vital bridge to invaluable resources in areas such as counseling, healthcare, legal expertise, and more.

In the fabric of small rural communities, discretion often becomes an elusive luxury, hindering the pursuit of life-altering conversations. However, within the sanctuary, we envision, the cloak of anonymity becomes attainable. With a mere mention of being at the library, inquiries are effortlessly deflected, preventing intrusive curiosity from unsettling the lives of those seeking solace, privacy, and the utmost dignity.

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Mental and Behavioral Health Resources for America's Youth

The need for mental health counseling services for students and families has grown significantly in the last few years. Many families can’t afford care but would use a service if provided through the school system. The ability for rural schools to attract mental healthcare professionals to the area and compensate them appropriately is extremely difficult. Ongoing funding to alleviate some of the cost burdens will aid in attracting and retaining additional school counseling staff or even better, a licensed clinical professional counselor.  The Fay Ranches Community Foundation is committed to raising awareness AND funds to provide small towns and their residents with the proper resources and opportunities. Donate today! 

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Student and Teacher Supplies Vital for Learning

Teachers for decades have had to use their own resources to bridge the gap between what is needed for their students versus provided by the school. We aim to bridge this gap. Whether the need is art supplies, science equipment, or providing clothing for children in need we wish to create an environment that is more conducive to learning in the classroom. We have received requests for school supplies from rural school districts in Montana and are looking to support other school districts across the country. Support students and teachers by clicking the button below.

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