FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bozeman Health Invests in a Community-Wide Effort to Support Kids and Families
Bozeman, MT — March 9 — A community is only as healthy as the systems that support its people. Across Greater Gallatin, the shared efforts of Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW), Bozeman Health, and community partners are strengthening the lives of children, supporting working families, and helping local employers build a more stable workforce.
Through collective investment in kidsLINK Out-of-School Programs, children across the region have a safe, enriching place to go after school where they can learn, create, and build meaningful friendships, while parents are able to remain in the workforce knowing their children are cared for.
In the past year, kidsLINK:
- Served 2,045 children in out-of-school time programs
- Reached 15 school and community sites
- Provided $318,842 in scholarships to reduce barriers for families
These outcomes ripple far beyond the classroom. When care is accessible, parents miss fewer shifts, turnover declines, and workplaces become more stable. This same investment also plays a critical role in youth mental health and belonging. Montana continues to face one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, making connection, safety, and trusted relationships more important than ever. kidsLINK helps build those protective bonds during the critical afterschool hours.
- 100% of kidsLINK participants report having a friend they can talk to at kidsLINK
- 99% say they have a trusted adult they can go to for help
These connections are proven to reduce isolation, strengthen resilience, and support long-term mental well-being.
“Community wellbeing extends far beyond hospital walls,” said Bozeman Health Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kathryn Bertany. “Supporting youth and working families is an investment in prevention, stability, and long-term community health.”
“When we invest in children, we are strengthening the systems that hold our community together. kidsLINK is a powerful example of how collaboration can create stability for families, opportunity for kids, and a stronger workforce for our region.”– Kim Hall, CEO & President, Greater Gallatin United Way
Out-of-school programs are not optional, they are essential infrastructure. They protect children, support families, and keep our local economy moving. When organizations come together around shared responsibility, the impact reaches every corner of the community.
This is what it looks like when a community invests in its future.
For more information about kidsLINK and Greater Gallatin United Way’s community impact, visit greatergallatinunitedway.org.
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About Greater Gallatin United Way
Since 1978, Greater Gallatin United Way has worked to strengthen communities across Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, and Park counties. Through partnerships, programs, and community investment, GGUW supports basic needs, early learning, youth success, and mental health & well-being—mobilizing the caring power of our community so all families can thrive.
