Youth Connections Board Member – Jim Opitz

I am pleased to be a part of the Youth Connections Board. The past eighteen months have afforded me the opportunity to meet so many people from the Helena community who truly are committed to improve the lives of our youth. All share a belief that our children and grandchildren deserve to grow and mature in an environment that is safe and healthy. A community where kids who are making positive choices are supported and encouraged. A community that I am proud to call home.

Youth Connections has given the Helena community an opportunity to coordinate the  efforts of many agencies under one umbrella. This has enabled all of us to be more productive. It is truly amazing how many resources we have at our disposal if everyone is cooperating.

As my own children benefitted from the time and talents of many volunteer coaches, advisors and mentors, I hope to give back something in return. I believe we can only be a better society when we honor and value our youth. They all aren’t perfect but they deserve our best . The focus of most of my professional career has been my work with the youth of Helena. Young people inspire me with their optimism and joy. They almost always see the bright side of life. I find advocating for them is my great pleasure.