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Creating Great Connections

Deborah McNelis M.Ed In most communities today, far too many children are struggling. Whether it’s with mental health challenges, school performance, emotional regulation, social skills, physical health, or feelings of worth, the reality is clear: many children are not doing well. The good news? We have the science and knowledge to change this.  Entire communities …

Welcome Coleen!

Youth Connections would like to welcome our new director, Coleen Smith. Coleen was born and raised in Western Montana. She attended Gonzaga University and Montana State University – Bozeman, majoring in marketing.  After leaving Montana for 15 years she returned to Helena in 1999. She most recently worked for the Montana Chamber of Commerce and …

Adult Volunteer of the Month – Dana Toole

Dana Toole is an advocate for some of Montana’s most vulnerable population, children. Through her work with the Montana Department of Justice, Dana works to oversee many programs that give voice to children who have been victims of crimes. Her caring and compassionate manner coupled with her strong leadership qualities has lead Children’s Advocacy Centers …

Staff – Gladys Walter – Americorp Montana Compass Compact Vista

My name is Gladys Walter and I am an AmeriCorps* VISTA with Title 1 Helena Public Schools. I am originally from the small Caribbean Island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. I lived there for 16 years before moving to Miramar, FL to complete my high school education. After high school, I attended the University of Florida …

College Goal Montana: Who needs to fill out the FAFSA? EVERYONE!

It’s almost time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and Student Assistance Foundation (SAF) wants to remind Montana students and families that everyone who wants to attend college in the fall should get ready. “All too often families opt out of completing the FAFSA,” said Rhonda Safford, who has  coordinated the …