Moving house is a significant life event. It can be exciting but stressful, especially when time is tight. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, downsizing, or moving closer to loved ones, there are plenty of things to consider. With a few key tips, however, you can ensure that your house move goes smoothly.

Follow these tips to move even when time is tight.

Start Planning Early

Start the planning early. This is especially important when time is tight. Set a timeline and work backward from your moving date. This way, you can determine all the tasks you need to be completed.

Planning includes researching moving companies and determining the date of your move. By giving yourself enough time, you can stay organized. You can avoid last-minute stress and ensure everything is completed on time.

Notify necessary parties of your move. This ensures you get all important bills and correspondence during the move. Notify your employer, utility companies, and post office. Update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and other relevant organizations. Allow enough time for the changes to take effect before your move.

Declutter Your Home

Decluttering your home is part of the moving process. It's an opportunity to eliminate items you no longer need or want. It can reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack for the move.

Get rid of old clothing, furniture, and household items. Decluttering saves you time and money on packing. It also gives you the chance to start fresh in your new home. You only keep the things you truly need and want.

Getting an Expert Moving Company to Help

Hiring a reputable moving company can make your move smoother and less stressful. An excellent moving company can handle everything for you. They help you pack, load, and unload. They allow you to focus on other aspects of your move.

Research moving companies in your area read reviews, and get recommendations from friends and family. Some research ensures you choose a company with a good reputation and experience. You can always get expert help for your nationwide move.

Pack Efficiently

Packing efficiently is crucial when time is tight. Start by packing items that you won't need until after the move. They may include out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, and books.

Use high-quality packing material, like bubble wrap and packing paper, to protect fragile items. Label each box clearly with the contents and the room it belongs in. Efficient packing can make unpacking easier. Using color-coded labels is a good idea too. They make it easier to identify which boxes belong in which room.

Take inventory of all the items you're moving to ensure nothing is lost or left behind. Make a list of everything you're moving and keep it throughout the move. You can also use the list to check off items as they're loaded and unloaded from the moving truck.

Pack an Essentials Box

An essentials box has all the items you'll need immediately after you get to your new home. These may include toiletries, clothes, bedding, and kitchen supplies.

Pack this box separately from your other belongings. Keep it with you during the move. It ensures you have everything when you arrive. Include important documents like your lease agreement in this box.

Take Care of Utilities

Taking care of utilities is essential when preparing for your move. Arrange for the disconnection of utilities at your old home and the connection of utilities at your new home.

Schedule these services in advance to avoid delays or disruptions during your move. Read your utility contracts carefully to ensure you're not charged for services you're not using.

Moving house can be stressful. However, the above tips can make it easier. With some dedication, you can make the transition to a new home smoother. The success of your endeavor depends on your ability to identify common mistakes.

BOZEMAN — Montana middle school and high school students passionate about advanced math are invited to attend the Mathematics Circle Summer Camp hosted by the Science Math Resource Center at Montana State University. Participants will immerse themselves in math problem-solving challenges, tour innovative university labs and engage in fun science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, activities.

The camps will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on the MSU campus. The three-day camps are offered as day camps, with housing options available for out-of-town participants. A camp for middle school students is scheduled for June 12-14; a camp for high school students is scheduled for June 19-21; and a camp for both middle school and high school students is scheduled for Aug. 14-16.

Tuition is $135, which includes lunch and snacks each day. Sponsorships from the MSU College of Education, Health, and Human Development, the MSU Center for Faculty Excellence and the Mathematical Association of America help keep tuition costs low, according to Fenqjen Luo with the Science Math Resource Center.

Camp participants will receive information about enrollment and test readiness for the American Mathematics Competitions, the national math exams conducted by the Mathematical Association of America. Results from these exams are often requested from universities like MIT, Stanford and Caltech, Luo said. These online exams are hosted for Montana students by the MSU Science Math Resource Center.

To learn more and register, visit Montana Math Circle at www.montana.edu/smrc/documents/mc.html or contact the Science Math Resource Center at smrc@montana.edu or 406-994-7476. Questions may also be directed to Luo at 406-994-5950 or fluo@montana.edu.

BOZEMAN — With a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation, Montana State University and its partners on a new project will seek to understand the behavior and social impact of prescribed fires by developing new technologies for real-time monitoring and advancing collaborative relationships between researchers and educators across the state.

The five-year effort, funded by NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, will use MSU’s expertise in optics and computer science to create sensors that can map the burnable fuels in forests and monitor fire behavior and smoke, according to MSU’s Rob Walker, who is leading the project.

“A primary goal of this project is to develop a firm and predictive understanding of prescribed fire behavior so that fire managers will know where to burn, when to burn and how to reduce impacts of smoke on Montana communities,” said Walker, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in MSU’s College of Letters and Science.

Called SMART FireS, an acronym for Sensors, Machine learning, and Artificial intelligence in Real Time Fire Science, the project includes 32 researchers and other partners at MSU, the. University of Montana, Montana Technological University, Flathead Valley Community College, Salish Kootenai Community College and Little Big Horn College.

"An important element to remember is that SMART FireS is a statewide effort," Walker said. The project will involve close collaboration across the six institutions among researchers working in optical sensors, computer science, fire behavior and social science. It will include educational opportunities for communities, and the SMART FireS team will work with county, state and federal partners to ensure discoveries are translated into better informed practices and policies.

Prescribed burning — which involves intentionally igniting and controlling low-intensity fire to reduce both accumulated fuels in the forest understory and the risk of more severe wildfire — is increasingly viewed as an important management strategy, even as it’s hampered by technical and social challenges, Walker noted.

“Fire managers struggle to know, one, how the intensity and emissions of prescribed fires depend on properties such as the fuels, topography and other environmental conditions,” Walker said, “and, two, how the smoke will affect communities both physically and in terms of their perception of prescribed burning.”

That presents an opportunity for MSU to contribute its growing expertise in optical sensors, according to Joseph Shaw, director of MSU’s Optical Technology Center, or OpTeC. Using hyperspectral imaging to measure both visible and invisible wavelengths of light, researchers will be able to map fire fuels and monitor fire behavior. Other advanced optical methods such as lidar — which involves measuring reflections of harmless laser light — will let researchers monitor the composition of smoke in real-time to provide valuable information to fire managers.

“We have some really advanced technology that’s world-class, with potential for sensors that are more affordable and more portable than anything else out there,” said Shaw, who is leading the optical sensor portion of the research and will work with Kevin Repasky, another professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering.

Developing the smoke monitors will involve collaboration with fire and smoke scientists at UM and Montana Tech as well as Walker, whose work focuses on developing spectroscopic techniques that can analyze the composition of smoke — for instance, the prevalence of molecules and particulates that can be most harmful to human health.

The project calls for fuel- and fire-mapping sensors to be mounted to drones, with smoke monitors be positioned around a burn area. Those sensors will generate a tremendous amount of data, and the need to process that information in real-time will require developing small, embedded computers to operate the sensors, Shaw noted. Ross Snider, associate professor in the electrical and computer engineering department, will spearhead that effort.

Processing the sensor data will also draw from the latest advances in machine learning, which uses sophisticated algorithms and statistical models to dynamically adapt to patterns in data. John Sheppard, professor in MSU’s Gianforte School of Computing, will lead that part of the project, and Brad Whitaker, assistant professor in the electrical and computer engineering department, will contribute his expertise on computer processing. To support the project, both MSU and UM will be hiring two new computer science faculty. The project in turn will provide support for the research these new faculty will conduct.

“What’s exciting about this project is that it’s an opportunity to make these algorithms really transparent and accessible so that we can work with fire managers to continue to adapt the algorithms to make them as accurate and as useful as possible,” said Sheppard, who has nearly 40 years of experience in the field.

Another goal is to engage with communities to learn about how the public perceives and reacts to prescribed burns, Walker noted. Kristen Intemann, professor in MSU’s Department of History and Philosophy and founding director of MSU’s Center for Science, Technology, and Ethics in Society, is part of that effort, which is being led by Elizabeth Metcalf, the Joel Meier Distinguished Professor of Wildland Management at UM.

NSF’s EPSCoR program emphasizes impacts beyond the technical research of the five-year project, according to Suzi Taylor, director of MSU’s Science Math Resource Center. She will work with colleagues at spectrUM Discovery Area to lead community engagement efforts, including working with teachers to develop lesson plans for K-12 students, developing exhibits and other educational resources, and promoting opportunities for careers in science and engineering. Susan Kelly, director of MSU’s Empower Program, will also contribute to those efforts.

“This is an opportunity to share the story about prescribed burning, why it happens and what goes into the decision making,” Taylor said. “Ultimately this project is about growing capacity across the state through partnerships that can live long beyond the five years of the project itself.”

Those kinds of relationships have been formed by a similar statewide project focused on water quality that was funded with a $20 million EPSCoR grant in 2018, said Walker, who is a co-leader of that effort.

“The experience of working with colleagues across the state has been incredibly rewarding.  Thanks to the current EPSCoR grant, we are much better informed about how economic activities impact water quality in Montana’s rivers and streams,” he said.

“NSF EPSCoR has invested in Montana’s research and education capacity going back to 1980, hiring new faculty, funding priority research, and creating new workforce development opportunities,” said MSU’s Todd Kipfer, the project’s associate director.

Walker said the SMART FireS will leverage cooperative relationships to learn a wildfire management strategy that benefits all Montanans.

“This kind of inter-institutional collaboration makes the whole university system in the state that much stronger,” he said.

BOZEMAN – The City of Bozeman’s Water Conservation Division has developed a community contest to encourage City water account holders to take out thirsty turfgrass from their adjacent street boulevards and install drought-tolerant and native plant gardens.
 
“Boulevards are narrow strips of vegetation between the sidewalk and the street. They're owned by the City, but maintenance and care of that landscaping is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner,” Chelsey Trevino, Water Conservation Technician, explained. “These areas are typically installed with sod turfgrass and irrigated using overhead spray, which results in water waste onto adjacent streets and sidewalks. If we can get community members to transform their boulevards into beautiful drought-tolerant gardens, then we are one step closer to inspiring more residents to focus on outdoor water savings.”

Registration for the landscaping contest is currently open and will close on June 30. Landscaping projects must be completed in 2023. Project completion and image submission of the landscaped boulevard must be received by Nov. 1. A first- and second-place winner will be chosen by the community via online voting from mid-November to the end of December. Winners will be chosen in January 2024. The first-place winner will receive a $250 visa card along with an outdoor water-smart gift basket, and the second-place winner will receive a $100 plant nursery gift card.

 
Judging criteria will be based on four categories: overall aesthetics, appropriate plant selection, design elements, and efficient methods of irrigation. Boulevard trees must remain healthy and in place within the new landscaping.
 
The Water Conservation Division offers rebates and resources to help residents plan and pay for boulevard landscape alterations, including turf removal, drip irrigation, and drought-tolerant plant rebates. Free mulch provided by the Forestry Division and water-smart landscaping guides are also available to all City water customers.

 
For a complete list of rules and regulations and to register for the Beautify Your Boulevard Contest, visit www.bozeman.net/beautifyboulevard or contact 406.582.2266.
 

HELENA – The drawings for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison licenses are complete.

There are a few ways to get your drawing results. Visit fwp.mt.gov, click on MyFWP Login in the upper righthand corner, then click on “Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists” tab on the left-hand menu, or login to your MyFWP account. You may also sign up for an account at fwp.mt.gov/MyFWP. Applicants may also call any FWP Regional office or the licensing office at 406-444-2950.

Deadline reminders:  The deadline to apply for elk B, deer B, and antelope is Thursday, June 1. All applications must be completed online or at an FWP office. Most FWP offices with license sales are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Gallatin County, MT - The Gallatin Valley community came together on May 4th and 5th to once again break Give Big records with 6,620 donors raising $2.9 million for 250 local nonprofits. One Valley Community Foundation’s Give Big Gallatin Valley, sponsored by Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, is a 24-hour celebration of giving that offers donors the opportunity to support all their favorite organizations from one convenient website.

Nine years ago, One Valley hosted its first Give Big with the goal of raising $100,000. After nearly doubling its goal that year, Give Big became a tradition that has continued to grow and evolve to meet our community's changing needs. Give Big is now Montana's largest 24-hour giving day, raising over $14.3 million in unrestricted funding in just nine years.

“Each year, Give Big serves as a reminder of the strength of our community. With the consistent growth our region is experiencing, nonprofits’ need for unrestricted funding continues to intensify. During Give Big, our community came together to show their support and ensure they have the financial resources necessary to continue delivering on their missions,” said Jill Ellwood, One Valley Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Programming and Relations Manager.

The event offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to connect with their community. During Give Big, nonprofits and businesses around the county hosted over 90 events ranging from sing-a-longs to mindfulness workshops. One nonprofit shared, “We are grateful for the chance to participate in Give Big as it offers us the ability to connect with our local community on a more personal level, we often refer to it as a "friendraiser." As a national nonprofit, our resources are often focused on reaching far and wide, and Give Big is an opportunity for us to spend time in our local community in a positive way. We love the comradery and positive energy it creates amongst nonprofit professionals and the community alike.”

Nonprofits of all sizes use Give Big as their primary fundraiser for the year. Many participating organizations do not have the capacity to host a fundraiser of this size.“Transformational. It's the only word that describes the impact that Give Big will bring to Pride House throughout the coming year and beyond. As a small, all-volunteer nonprofit without much fundraising experience and a small footprint in Gallatin Valley, we didn't know what to expect for our first time participating in Give Big. We were blown away. Raising three times more than our goal, the support given to Pride House is so much more than financial. It's a message that LGBTQIA+ kids have the support in our community to exist. To thrive,” said a volunteer of Pride House, a local organization that provides a space for young people to gather safely, learn about LGBTQ+ identity, and receive guidance.

For more information about Give Big 2022, visit www.GiveBigGV.org or contact Jill Ellwood at (406) 587-6262 or jill@onvalley.org.

About One Valley Community Foundation

One Valley Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Southwest Montana that connects people who care to the issues that matter most to them to address the priorities and concerns of residents and businesses in Gallatin County. One Valley does this by matching donors with causes they believe in, focusing financial resources to facilitate change, offering tools and opportunities to support other nonprofits, and acting as a community facilitator. One Valley hosts multiple community-wide initiatives, including Give Big Gallatin Valley, a 24-hour giving day that has raised over $11.4 million for local nonprofits, and the Gallatin County Regional Housing Coalition, a convening of diverse partners working to address local housing challenges. For more information, visit www.onevalley.org.   

It is worth mentioning right away that getting any degree takes work. While some stages of the studying process will be inspiring and easy, others will be hard to get through due to challenging assignments and short deadlines.
 
One of the crucial things to remember while getting any degree is to be ready to ask for help. It is impossible to do everything on your own, especially when it comes to numerous writing assignments. Join study groups and use the assistance of online experts when needed. Sometimes smart decisions like "I will write my essay online with Payforwriting" can save you a lot of time and energy. Hire an assistant who will help you develop an interesting topic and arrange the information logically.
 
Without a doubt, writing assignments are not the only obstacle that stands in your way of getting a diploma. Getting a Bachelor of Science in Literature has many more challenges. Consider the following ones to get a better understanding of what to expect.

Key Challenges of Getting a Bachelor of Science in Literature
 
Extensive reading
Be prepared to read many novels, plays, poems, and critical texts. It means spending a lot of time taking notes and analyzing literary pieces' plots, themes, and characters. Combining the extensive reading load with multiple courses and assignments simultaneously can be stressful. Therefore, you will need to make a schedule that creates a smooth daily routine.

Analytical skills
Literature degrees focus on critical analysis and interpretation of texts. You need strong analytical skills to examine complex literary works and explore subtexts. None of these steps are easy, especially for those new to literary analysis. But don't worry; regular practice will help you develop a detailed algorithm for effective work. It's essential to get through these first steps and wait until the process gets more organized.

Time management
Balancing coursework, reading assignments, writing essays, and attending lectures can lead to burnout. Many students suffer from sleep deprivation and extensive stress. Time management is crucial to stay on top of the workload and effectively meet deadlines.
 
Writing proficiency
Unsurprisingly, you will have to write numerous essays, research papers, reports, reviews, and literary analyses. Some students find the number of assignments and their complexity overwhelming. Therefore, you need advanced writing skills to construct coherent arguments, craft well-supported theses, and effectively incorporate literary evidence. Don't ignore helpful online tools like Grammarly to spot grammar or spelling mistakes. Be prepared to do a lot of proofreading and editing.
 
Being objective
During your literary analysis, you will interpret texts and explore multiple perspectives. It can be challenging to avoid subjective elements to interpretation. Moreover, many assignments require you to present your viewpoint. Some find it difficult to articulate their point of view on the matter and be objective. Being objective, in this case, might mean supporting your arguments with evidence. So, practice taking notes while reading literary pieces and highlighting the sentences that can help you prove your ideas.

 
Staying open-minded
Literature explores various genres, time periods, and cultural contexts. Being open to diverse literary works and ideas, even those that challenge personal beliefs can be demanding. It is beneficial for you to broaden your understanding of literature. Naturally, you might dislike some of the discussed pieces and disagree with the authors' ideas. However, be ready to analyze them and express your point of view logically and objectively.

 
Finding relevance
While studying some classic literary works, they may seem irrelevant to contemporary society. Be prepared to analyze the historical context of every book or novel and search for ideas that still remain to be relevant nowadays. It is hard work, but it helps you improve your analytical skills.
 
Collaborative assignments
Keep in mind that some literature courses may involve group projects or discussions. Therefore, you will need to collaborate with other students to complete an assignment. Conflicting schedules, communication issues, and varying levels of commitment among group members make this task stressful. Nevertheless, there are no problems that you can't solve. Develop several communication strategies to arrange effective group work.

Tips on Getting a Literature Degree Without Stress
Now that you are aware of the main challenges, take a look at tips that can help you get through them.

● Develop a reading habit to get acquainted with different genres, authors, and literary styles. It will help you look at points from different perspectives and learn new writing techniques.

 
Your studying journey will be unique. No one knows what you want to receive from this major better than you. Work hard and remember to have enough rest on this academic adventure.

Emigrant, MT  – AMB West Chairman and Owner Arthur Blank purchased Paradise Valley Ranch (PVR) in 2019, at which time he pledged to preserve the ranching traditions, wildlife habitat and scenic beauty of the property. On April 19, Blank made his commitment to the community official when he established a conservation easement on the spectacular 8,800-acre ranch in partnership with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT). The conservation easement permanently limits residential and commercial development on the property and allows for agriculture and outdoor recreation to continue. This is the largest conservation easement in Paradise Valley to date and the third property owned by Mr. Blank to be conserved.

“Paradise Valley Ranch is not only a stunning property in the heart of Paradise Valley, it provides critical wildlife habitat and is rich in agricultural opportunities,” said AMB West Chairman Arthur Blank. “It was very important to us when we purchased PVR that the land was conserved and managed in a thoughtful, responsible way and could serve as a resource for the community. We are proud to have partnered with GVLT to finalize a conservation easement ensuring that the natural beauty, ecosystem, and native landscape that makes the ranch so special with be preserved in perpetuity.”

Paradise Valley Ranch is located 10 miles south of Livingston, Montana, on the western edge of Paradise Valley about 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. The property is mostly native rangeland and encompasses Antelope Butte, a prominent and scenic landscape feature that can be seen from across the valley. The ranch’s irrigated hayfields and vast meadows provide beautiful scenery, grazing for cattle, as well as important winter range for elk, mule deer and numerous other species. The property lies close to seven other conserved properties, anchoring an open landscape rich with wildlife and historic farms and ranches. The ranch will remain in active agricultural production and is currently leased out to local farming and ranching families.

In 2020, soon after PVR was purchased, AMB West established a community elk hunting program providing access to the ranch annually. The program was developed to serve local Park County and greater Montana residents and aims to promote further conservation efforts on the property. AMB West and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation partnered with local and regional directors of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), the Game Warden and local biologists to structure the program.

Hunts are lead-free and are awarded through a lottery system free of charge. In addition to the hunting program, PVR hosts a weather station to collect fine scale climate monitoring data, which helps local ranchers plan for drought and other extreme weather conditions.

“With the increasing rate of growth and development in the valley, we are grateful to Mr. Blank for ensuring this iconic ranch stays open forever” said GVLT Conservation Director Brendan Weiner. “With over 40 existing parcels, this spectacular property could have been easily subdivided and developed but the conservation easement ensures it will stay whole.”

GVLT has been working in Park County for over 20 years and currently holds 16 conservation easements in the county in addition to over 100 conservation easements across southwest Montana. To meet growing interest from Park County landowners, GVLT recently hired a full-time project manager solely focused on conservation work in Park County. While Mr. Blank generously donated the financial value of this conservation easement, GVLT has also developed public and private funding sources that allow the organization to purchase conservation easements from interested landowners which will enable a greater number of landowners to utilize this tool. Landowners interested in GVLT’s conservation programs should contact GVLT’s Park County Program Manager, Cole Herdman, for more information at: cole@gvlt.org or 406-285-1826. 

What is a conservation easement?

GVLT partners with private landowners to conserve working farms and ranches, fish and wildlife habitat, open lands and scenic views. To protect these special places, GVLT uses conservation easements, which are voluntary agreements with landowners that limit the type and amount of development on a property while keeping it in private ownership. Each easement is tailored to the specific property and runs with the title of the land in perpetuity. GVLT is responsible for upholding the easement’s terms. Because a conservation easement limits development rights and therefore decreases the value of the land, landowners may be eligible to write off the difference as a charitable donation. In some cases, landowners receive financial compensation for a portion of the value of the conservation easement. The public benefits from the protection of conservation values such as prime agricultural soils, wildlife habitat, river corridors and the overall character of our region.

ABOUT AMB WEST

AMB West is a holding company comprised of Arthur Blank’s for-profit and non-profit guest ranches in Paradise Valley, Montana. The ranches include Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Paradise Valley Ranch, and The Ranch at Dome Mountain.  AMB West melds the missions of guest ranching, philanthropy, non-profit convening, working ranch lands and conservation to achieve best-in-class hospitality and stewardship practices.  

ABOUT GVLT

GVLT connects people, communities, and open lands through conservation of working farms and ranches, healthy rivers, and wildlife habitat, and the creation of trails in the Montana headwaters of the Missouri and Upper Yellowstone Rivers. For more information, visit www.gvlt.org.

What: Ridgeview Elementary School in Belgrade is running an exciting and fun-filled Cereal Knock Down Challenge. They have collected at least 800 boxes of cereal to donate to the food bank after the students host a domino-style knock down at the school. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank will be at the school collecting the donated cereal immediately after the knock down occurs to help support families across Gallatin Valley who are experiencing food insecurity.


When: Friday, May 12th at 1:45 pm
Where: Ridgeview Elementary School, 117 Greenbelt Drive, Belgrade
Contacts: Maggie Monaghan, Ridge View Elementary School Counselor, 406-924-2042  Jon Horn, Operations Manager, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, HRDC, 406-586-7600

HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank provides local support for local families and functions as a critical link between food and the people who need it. The food bank’s mission is to improve food security throughout Southwest Montana. Nutrition is vital for everyone in our community, and we serve anyone who needs help stretching their food budget.

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. Donors, volunteers, and community members can find out what we have in common at https://thehrdc.org/

A Gallatin High School Senior is Raising Awareness about the Fast-Growing Crisis Facing Young Adults in Southwest Montana

Last year, HRDC provided services to 125 teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who were facing housing insecurity through its Blueprint Continuum program, double the amount served the year prior. Designed with an empowerment mindset, participants are provided with an array of tools to create achievable goals while gaining knowledge and resources to successfully navigate into adulthood through work experience, focused direction, and inspiration.

“We are very proud of our Blueprint program and our successful history over the past decade in supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness or who do not have a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence. Unfortunately, we’ve continued to see an increase in the number of students who find themselves in vulnerable housing situations across Gallatin Valley, and it is only with the financial support of our community that we can help keep teens and young adults safe and in school while helping them prepare well for adulthood,” said Jeremy Alcoke, HRDC’s Blueprint Continuum supervisor.

Alcoke continued, “When Emersen York approached us with her idea to raise both awareness and money in support of our program, we jumped on board immediately. Not only is she serving as a role model for other students who wish to make a difference, her fundraising efforts help amplify everything we are doing to help young people with nowhere else to turn. We couldn’t be more grateful for Emersen and her commitment to our organization.”

York, a senior at Gallatin High School, was motivated to find a way to make a difference in her community as she began to formulate a plan for her senior project. As a small business owner in a joint venture with her sister that creates and sells crocheted animals on Etsy, York chose to partner with a local small business, Montana Shirt Company, to help her gain knowledge about growing a business from the ground up. Together, they developed a community outreach plan which included creating a t-shirt that could be used to raise awareness of a community issue with proceeds from t-shirt sales going to a nonprofit of her choice. When she learned about Blueprint and the critical support it provided to other teens, she reached out to Alcoke to pitch her fundraising support. The final details fell into place with the help of Jared Goering, President at Montana Shirt Company, who helped York with a t-shirt design that includes an outline of the state of Montana with the word “cares” incorporated into the simple, but inspiring message.

“I honestly didn’t know about the homeless youth issue in my community. It hit home with me because I’m a teen too, which made me care about other teens struggling with their basic needs. I believe all kids deserve the chance to be cared about and feel loved. I felt like if I don’t know about this issue, then there are a lot of other people that don’t know about it either. The bottom line is that I wanted the community outreach portion of my senior project to be something that had a big impact on helping kids my age that are homeless and struggling while also bringing more awareness to this problem in my community," explained York when asked why the work of Blueprint spoke to her so directly.

As for supporting Emersen in her small business start-up and fundraising project, Goering has this to say, “We at Montana Shirt Company love supporting our local Montana community any way we can. When Emersen approached us with a project to help a local nonprofit in the Bozeman area, we loved the idea and opportunity.”

For a limited time, Montana Cares t-shirts are available for purchase for $28 with the net proceeds ($18) going directly to Blueprint. The shirts are available in person at Montana Shirt Company located at 127 E. Main Street in Bozeman, or online at https://www.montanashirtco.com/products/montana-care

York, Alcoke, and Goering are quite pleased with the initial results of the Montana Cares t-shirt sales which netted $726 for HRDC’s Blueprint Continuum program on the first day they were offered to the public.

York is an honors student and hopes to attend the University of Hawaii to earn a degree in business. “I’m an entrepreneur at heart! My senior project further demonstrated to me that with creativity and determination, I can build a successful business and make a difference in my community at the sametime.”

For more information about HRDC’s Blueprint program, visit https://thehrdc.org/emerging-adults/young-adult-housing/

The Montana Shirt Company is dedicated to creating insanely comfortable, highly durable, and well-designed products that represent the last best place. Learn more at https://www.montanashirtco.com/

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. Donors, volunteers, and community members can find out what we have in common at https://thehrdc.org/