Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Just as Mark Twain captured the emotional expression of generosity in his famous words, the Bozeman community has found its own way to express compassion and equality; the Eagle Mount Program. was founded in the eighties in order to establish a healthy, hospitable, and beneficial haven for people living with disabilities in the Bozeman area. Originating as a small family-run community center, Eagle Mount has grown exponentially and the once small haven is now a symbol of the community and humanity within the Gallatin Valley.

The Eagle Mount mission statement reads, “Bozeman galvanizes people in the service of human and social transformation, believing in, and seeing, the limitless abilities of others. The organization facilitates and implements therapeutic recreational programs and opportunities to benefit people with disabilities and children with cancer, and provides support for their families.”

The Eagle Mount mission statement captures the motivation behind its actions but hardly gives credit to the amazing achievements the Program has attained. Over the past thirty years Eagle Mount has provided opportunities for everyone to participate in any outdoor or recreational activity of their choice. Eagle Mount offers everything from horseback riding and fishing to skiing and aquatics. In a community surrounded by activity from every angle and mountain-top, the specialized programs offered by Eagle Mount volunteers make every portion of Montana lifestyle available for exploration.

Eagle Mount’s arms are always open for community members wanting to volunteer at special events, classes, and individual programs. If you appreciate the beauty in every side of life, love to enjoy the outdoors and spread your generosity while having a good time, visit eaglemount.org and sign up to volunteer.

Lane O’Donnell is a Hawk Tawk contributing writer.