Missoula Boys & Girls Club Grateful for New Van
We're excited to share some positive community news from Missoula's Boys & Girls Club. They have received a much needed, brand new passenger van to transport participants of their programs, thanks to two generous local businesses.
For the past five years, The Club has been struggling to keep their transport vans going, having to jumpstart vehicles, and just kind of Band-Aid things together until they could get into a new van. They have been counting on five 15-passenger vans to transport youth and run programs every day of the year, transporting kids from school to The Club every day of the school year, and on daily field trips all summer long.
“We provide safe, enriching programs to youth all across Missoula County when they are not in school,” shared BGCM CEO, Katie Holman. “But without safe, reliable vehicle transportation, we would not be able to serve our community’s kids and families.” Thanks to First Interstate Bank and Lithia Ford, The Club now has a safe ride for the kids! “We are excited to be a part of supporting the youth in our community,” said Tom Severson, First Interstate Bank Missoula Market President. “First Interstate Bank is dedicated to doing all we can to ensure our community’s kids lead strong, successful lives and the Boys and Girls Club of Missoula plays an integral role in doing just that."
For over twenty years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Missoula County has provided local youth, ages 5-14, a fun and safe environment to learn, play, and meet new friends. The Club is a multi-location, year-round youth development program offering afterschool education, enrichment, and prevention programs to more than 440 young people annually in Missoula County. The staff helps youth discover and create safe environments, supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, opportunities for community engagement, and positive learning experiences. For many kids who feel like they don’t fit in at school, or just need a place where they feel like they are surrounded by supportive peers, The Club is a place that brings a lot of relief and joy.