Our Team
Gavin Pirrie
Camp Director
Leah Woodruff
Camp Director
"Getting the most out of life isn't about how much you keep for yourself, but how much you pour into others."
— David Stoddard
Flathead CARE is a non-profit organization committed to reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth in Flathead County, through youth development, education and empowerment. We are able to successfully transform the beliefs many youth have around drugs and alcohol. Alcohol consumption by youth in our program is 5 times less than the national average. We maintain a strong commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. We invite youth to have a conversation around impact, choices, and accountability.
Our Mission
Jason Parce, Board President - Kalispell Police Department
Beth Fortenbery-Kornick - Board Vice-President - Kalispell Public Schools
Lily Kirsanow - Board Secretary - Property Management
Dave Mills, Treasurer - Montana Highway Patrol
Leslie Diede - Flathead City County Health Department
Dawn Cassidy - Nurse, Kalispell Public Schools
Our Incredible Board
Our History
In 1982, following several alcohol-related incidences and an accident resulting in the deaths of four Flathead High School (FHS) students - parents, school administrators, and other concerned community members held what would resemble a town meeting. Flathead CARE was formed to combat the epidemic of drug and alcohol use by students in the community. Since then, Flathead CARE has remained the most consistent voice on prevention in the community, providing prevention services to over 10,000 families in the community.
How We Work
Each year Flathead CARE deepens programming to meet the needs of youth. Our goal isn't just to provide a meaningful experience, but to teach youth how to move an idea into action; giving them the oportunity to become leaders.
Development
Listening to the Story
When designing curriculum and program structure, our staff invests time into hearing the one-of-a kind stories in our young peoples lives. Through one on one conversations with youth, our staff are able to find common themes that participants are facing. This in turn focuses the energy and curriculum of a program. We seek feedback on the success and failures of the programs, and shifts youth would like to see for the upcoming year.
Maintaining Best Practices
Flathead CARE is committed to providing a high level of service. By dedicating time to researching current trends among youth and other programs, we are able to implement cutting edge tools and philosophies for working with youth. Programs are developed to offer new tools and experiences to past participants, and to new youth.
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Action
Determining Project Cost
Flathead CARE strives to provide as many services to participants free of charge. Every aspect of our organization ties directly into our youth programs. Youth hold an active role in fundraising, as well as our community based programs. Almost 80% of our annual budget is used to enhance the youth experience. Flathead CARE receives its funding through the United Way, donations and fundraising events.
Heres where the money went in 2014
Community Partnerships
Flathead CARE receives support from the United Way each year. We closely partner with the STOP Underage Drinking in the Flathead, and the STOP Rx Drug Abuse in the Flathead Coalitions, to provide drug & alcohol prevention services to families in the community.
When seeking a new partnership we maintain focus on our mission as well as how our youth can get involved.
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Creating an Invitation
Every participant is unique, therefore our program offers an oportunity for youth to do a lot of what they do well. Youth are incorporated at every level of the program, from helping with filing in the office and creating fundraising events, to playing games and leading activities. We strive to keep youth engaged from conception to evaluation of all programs and events.
The Future
A World They Own
The Flathead CARE office is a safe place for anyone who walks through the door. Youth have held an active voice in the design of the office; providing ample space for homework, hang outs, and conversations with staff. The office is an interactive place where youth can express themselves, and where they can showcase the work they've done at CARE.
Uncovering Success
We are consistently able to cultivate a group where alcohol consumption is 5 times lower than the national average, and 75% of participants experience an average increase of 135% in their self esteem. Youth in our programs experienced an 80% increase in healthy relationships with peers, and an incredible 50% felt empowered to ask for help. All have been demonstrated as key protective factors in reducing the use of drugs and alcohol.Through evaluations filled out by participants and their parents, we are able to keep a pulse on the success and areas in need of improvement in our organization.
The Challenges We Face
This year at Kids Camp we were able to capture a snapshot of the challenges our youth face.
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90% of counselors have been offered drugs or alcohol.
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13% of campers have used drugs or alcohol
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1 in 4 participants have seriously considered harming themselves.
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1 in 5 have made a plan to end their life.
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Over half are consistantly bullied at school.
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Feel Inspired?
As an organization we are striving to reach more youth and their families within our community. Flathead CARE is committed to sustatinably expanding it's resource base through donors, volunteers, and consultants. If you would like to become a part of our story please contact us through the "Contact Us" portal on the main menu. For more information on current opportunities scroll down!
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“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
— Mr. Rogers
I Am A Youth...
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High School Affinity meets Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30pm in the Locker Learning Center.
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Have a project idea? Let us know!
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For other opportunities contact our office!
Join our Story
Our Current Oportunities
I Am A Parent/Adult...
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We welcome your involvment in Affinity Meetings.*
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Come chaperone a middle school dance!
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Join our Feed the Teens program to help provide dinner for Affinity participants.
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For other oportunities contact our office!
*Training required