How We Work
Since 1982, Flathead CARE has been working with youth through STAND, Students Taking Action Not Drugs. In July of 2015, a youth advisory committee met to discuss the next phases of STAND. The committee proposed broadening the scope of the group to include more people; creating a stronger vehicle to meet the needs and passions of youth in our community. Affinity was selected as the new name to encompass the sense of belonging and connection they feel for each other.
Meetings are structured for a wide variety of interests and to provide tools for meaningful engagement with peers. Each month there is a new theme that correlates with other organizations in our community. From here youth committee members create large group games, activities, Youth Empowerment Circles, and community service projects. Any high school student is welcome to join at the level that is most successful for them. We currently offer Affinity to students at Kalispell Middle School as well.
Transforming Youth Through Meaningful Engagement
What To Expect
Every month has a brand new theme that committees will use to plan meetings; helping keep things fresh and meaningful.
Large Groups
Youth Empowerment
Community Service
Does Dodgeball, Assasin, and Zombie Tag sound like the way you want to spend a Tuesday Evening? With a focus on team bonding, common goals, and problem solving, large group meetings spring board us into each month. Games not your thing? Don't worry. Art projects, team challenges, and many different activities help shake things up!
The foundation for healthy relationships comes from connection. Do you want to be able to support your friends, gently touch another's pain, and make a difference in someone's life? Our Youth Empowerment meetings provide you with tools and real life experience to engage with your friends in a powerful way that will transform lives.
Our community is full of so many incredible organizations and is chalked full of colorful characters. Community Service is an opportunity for us to give back, and experience parts of our community we normally wouldn't. It's a great way for young people to get caught in the act of making a difference, and for adults to see how valuable youth really are.
Youth Voice
The Foundation of Affinity.
Aaron Wisher - Alumni
"The experience I have with Flathead CARE is something I don't get anywhere else. At Kids Camp, I was able to teach kids about life problems and how to solve them in a way that they can understand; putting the steps into a form that they would like. Just being able to show that they aren't the only ones going through the same problems is probably the coolest thing you can do. You get to pass down something that isn't physical but mental. I loved entertaining the kids and being my regular self which is what Kids Camp allowed me to do."
Lauren McCarter
"I truly love the togetherness with the people at Flathead CARE. I've learned a lot about myself and how to treat others. CARE has made my life happier and I'm more careful about what I say to others. I wouldn't be the same person that I am now without CARE or Kids Camp! Camp was the best experience of my life and I would ask nothing more of it, because it's life changing. CARE has shown me that I have a place to belong in this world. I will always love Flathead CARE, because of the experiences and opportunities it has brought me."
Grace Cady
"Being apart of Flathead CARE's youth program has truly opened me up to the world in ways words can't explain. I started as the stereotypical awkward 6th grader; stumbling through middle school as though someone had suddenly shut off all the lights. As I began opening up to the people that surrounded me at CARE I grew into the person I had always wanted to be. To this day it is the stem of the courage, confidence and kindness I call my own. It has remained a safe haven for me and for the dozens of other incredible people that call it home. "
Kolby Broderick
"My experience with Flathead CARE is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I've made amazing relationships and friends that I will have for the rest of my life. More importantly I have created a better relationship with myself; I am happy being me, and wouldn't change it for the world. Ever since I have been involved in Flathead CARE I feel like I have finally found who I am. It's such a great feeling knowing that I have a second family who I can count on. Flathead CARE is such a great environment with leaders I love."
Get Involved
We welcome any student to participate in Affinty. Many of the youth in our program are involved in several activities and we strive to accommodate their schedule. If you can't make it to a meeting don't worry. You are welcome to attend any meeting that works in your schedule.
The high school group meets Tuesdays 6:00-7:30pm in the Locker Learning Center at 514 E. Washington. It is open to any high school student in the Flathead Valley.
Want to receive Text Updates?
Text: @affinitymt
To: 81010