Join us for the Strengthening Support Services Summit, a dynamic event dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering stronger collaboration among service providers, companies, and organizations in our community. This summit aims to improve how we work together to better serve those in need.

Attendees will participate in one of four breakout sessions focused on key areas of support: Early Childhood, Housing, Mental Health, and Substance Misuse. The event will also feature expert speakers discussing vital topics such as building comprehensive resource directories and finding ways to collaborate on funding rather than competing for resources.

Whether you're a service provider, a business leader, or a community advocate, this summit offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to drive real change in how we support our community together. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the solution!

Click here to register for this free event before February 12th!

For more information on the event: ecchelena.org/ssss

Take time for yourself during our Self-Love for Loss Parents. This time offers space for people who have experienced loss on their parenting journey to focus on themselves and participate in a little self-care. We will create jars full of affirmations for you to take home so you can read those uplifting gentle reminders whenever you need a boost.

Does it sound overwhelming to come up with a jar full of nice things for yourself? Don’t worry, we will have some already created you can use, too.

Feel free to bring a friend! This loss event will be for adults. You could also come and make a jar for your friend who lost a baby, pregnancy, child.

We will be at the building that used to be the Pattern House, by the new food share building. It is an office building now but it is an awesome space.

What does “people who have experienced loss on their parenting journey” mean? Well, it is our way of trying to be inclusive. You are welcome if you are carrying grief around being a parent. If you are unsure if you “fit”, please feel free to reach out for some reassurance because if you want to come, then you fit.

Print or share our flyer.

Reach out with questions: Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)

In February at How the Helena?!: we will be discussing childcare in our community, which is a great need that touches many in Helena. Stay tuned for details on speakers and moderators!

Join How the Helena?! the second Tuesday of every month at Tenmile Creek Brewery for respectful, inclusive conversations on issues that have local solutions. We are looking to develop creative, concrete solutions to present to our local officials and staff.

How the Helena?!—
Creating new avenues for meaningful local engagement.

Click here for more information.

Location: Montana State Capitol Building (Rotunda) 

Purpose: Raise awareness of the importance of early childhood, encourage policymakers to prioritize young children, families, and early childhood professionals, and connect parent participants to share their stories and perspectives with their elected officials.

Click here for more information and to register.

See the Agenda here.

Location: Double Tree by Hilton, 22 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601

Purpose: Bring together anyone interested in early childhood policy issues and solutions, hear about current legislative updates, build connections, and explore advocacy opportunities. 

Click here for more information and to register.

See the Agenda here.

Join us as we come together to create a special ornament in honor of the child you lost. We'll be using clear plastic ornaments that open, allowing you to place small items inside that hold special meaning. If you don't have anything specific to bring, don't worry—we’ll have plenty of materials and mementos for you to choose from.

This gathering is open to parents, support people, grandparents, siblings, cousins, friends, and children are all welcome. Whether you are the parent or a loved one, you are warmly invited to participate in memorializing your little one(s).

No need to register—just drop in anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 pm to create your ornament.

Click here to see the flyer. Feel free to share!

This is intended to be an inclusive event but if you are wondering if this is a “fit” for you (it probably is…) please feel free to reach out. Events like this can be a little anxiety provoking and also very meaningful. I am happy to answer any questions to help you feel less nervous.

Contact info: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text is fine)

Join the Early Childhood Collaborative in lighting a candle at 7 pm to recognize and remember all the babies who died too soon.

Our version of the Wave of Light is all inclusive. You are welcome to come light a candle whether it was you who lost a baby or someone you know. Maybe you never got the chance to have a baby, you are welcome. Maybe you lost your “baby” when they were 18 years old - you are welcome, too. Maybe you just want to come and show your support and that is welcome, too.

We will have battery operated candles to place in a heart shape with live music by local musician Joslyn Dollar and hot cocoa to sip on while we come together in community to honor the babies we hold in our hearts and the loved ones who miss them.

If you have questions, reach out: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)

This event will kick off a series of community events for those who have experienced loss on their parenting journey. Keep an eye out for more events to come. We want you to remember you are not alone.

More info on the Wave of Light.

Join the Early Childhood Collaborative in lighting a candle at 7 pm to recognize and remember all the babies who died too soon.

Our version of the Wave of Light is all inclusive. You are welcome to come light a candle whether it was you who lost a baby or someone you know. Maybe you never got the chance to have a baby, you are welcome. Maybe you lost your “baby” when they were 18 years old - you are welcome, too. Maybe you just want to come and show your support and that is welcome, too.

If you have questions, reach out: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)

More info on the Wave of Light.

Come join us for a special screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition documentary on October 10th at Intermountain’s Community Services Center at 3240 Dredge Drive.

This new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents, and educators are facing; e.g., smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, and social media pressures and stressors for youngsters. Hear about the latest research on these topics, the effects of too much screen time, and solutions to these challenges. 

We will have a free light meal and refreshments starting at 5:30. The movie will start at 6 pm.

Immediately after the movie we will hear from a panel of community professionals with solutions and ideas to continue the conversation at home.

Childcare is available for toddlers graciously provided by St. Peter's Health. Be sure to register your child's name and age so we can plan a great night for your whole family.

Thank you to Intermountain for hosting this opportunity.

Click here to register.

Click here for more information on the film and to watch the trailer.

Come join us for a special screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition documentary on October 9th at Prickly Pear Elementary gym and Cafeteria, 325 Academic St., East Helena, MT 59625.

This new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents, and educators are facing; e.g., smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, and social media pressures and stressors for youngsters. Hear about the latest research on these topics, the effects of too much screen time, and solutions to these challenges. 

We will have a free light meal and refreshments starting at 5:30. Movie will start at 6 pm.

Immediately after the movie we will hear from a panel of community professionals with solutions and ideas to continue the conversation at home.

Childcare is available for toddlers graciously provided by St. Peter's Health. Be sure to register your child's name and age so we can plan a great night for your whole family.

Thank you to Intermountain for hosting this opportunity.

Click here to register.

Click here for more information on the film and to watch the trailer.

Join the Helena Team here.

For more information click here.