Winter Child Loss Event
Join us as we come together to create a special ornament in honor of our little ones. 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 everyone: 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!
Reach out with any questions: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
Early Childhood Summit
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.
"Have a Heart for Kids" Advocacy Day
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.
Self-Love for Loss Parents
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.
Join us and take home a jar filled with love and encouragement for your future self whenever you need a reminder of your strength and resilience.
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.
This loss event will be for adults only.
Location will be announced soon.
Reach out with questions: Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)
Strengthening Support Services Summit
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!
Please help us narrow down what topics are covered in the breakout sessions. Click here to fill out a short form. This is not a registration form, just an interest form.
Week of the Young Child
Join us for the Week of the Young Child 2025!
Details are still to come…
Reach out if you have questions or want to be involved in any way. Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
Self-Care Sunday for Loss Parents
You are still a parent even if you can’t hold your little one. There are many people who have experienced loss on their parenting journey and we want to include all parents/caregivers in our Week of the Young Child.
While the title says “loss parents” this event is open to families and any loved ones who want to participate.
We will paint rocks in honor of our little ones and then you can take them home to have a sweet reminder of your little one(s).
More details to come as it gets closer.
Reach out to Maureen with questions: mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
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.
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.
Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition
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 for more information on the film and to watch the trailer.
Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition
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 for more information on the film and to watch the trailer.
Perinatal Mental Health Walk
Join the Helena Team here.
For more information click here.