Articles News Missoula Rotary volunteers clean Missoula marathon route May 18, 2026 by Tia MISSOULA, MT — Jackson Crawford and Kiona Stenerson from two of Missoula’s Rotary clubs turned litter along Mullan Road into something meaningful, organizing a cleanup of the first 11 miles of the upcoming Missoula Marathon route. The effort connects Run Wild Missoula, Rotary’s Epic Day of Service, and a shared mission to support youth at […] Read more »
Articles News New Missoula youth shelter to provide more bed space April 30, 2026 by Tia Kids living in abusive homes or who are going through the court system sometimes don’t have anywhere to stay. When that happens, specialized youth shelters care for them, but beds can be full. There are currently seven youth shelter facilities statewide. They serve kids who have nowhere to go, said Amy Schaer, CEO of Youth […] Read more »
Articles News A shelter, a legacy and a life devoted to kids April 30, 2026 by Tia Last week, I had the honor of attending and speaking at a campaign kickoff event for Youth Homes to raise the final funds needed to complete a new therapeutic crisis shelter for kids. Geoff Birnbaum, my dad, served for 42 years as executive director of Youth Homes. Even after his retirement, he remained deeply involved—attending […] Read more »
Articles News Youth organization fundraising for new crisis shelter April 24, 2026 by Tia Teens in crisis in Missoula have limited places to go beyond the emergency room and juvenile detention, said Amy Schaer, CEO of Youth Homes. “An alternative is needed to best serve those kids in a way that can help get the crisis resolved but also support set up for those next steps,” Schaer told Montana […] Read more »
Articles News Missoula Youth Homes shelter nears goal for kids in crisis April 22, 2026 by Tia MISSOULA, Mont. — A new therapeutic shelter for kids in crisis in Missoula moved closer to opening as Youth Homes launched a capital campaign and honored a longtime leader tied to the project. The new building is called the Birnbaum Youth Home. It is named for former executive director Geoff Birnbaum. Organizers reported the project […] Read more »
Articles News Youth Homes kicks off fundraising campaign for new Missoula youth crisis shelter April 22, 2026 by Tia About 50 people gathered in the sunshine outside the Youth Homes office Monday afternoon for a kick-off event launching the public phase of a capital campaign for a new therapeutic youth crisis shelter. Youth Homes provides support services and group homes to youth and families in Missoula, Helena, Kalispell and Polson. In 2023, its first-ever […] Read more »
Articles News New Missoula Youth Crisis Shelter Named After Beloved Community Member April 22, 2026 by Tia MISSOULA — A new home is being built in Missoula to help youth in crisis, and it is named after a well-known community member who devoted his life to helping young people. On Monday, the organization Youth Homes launched a fundraising campaign for the new therapeutic crisis shelter, located on a one-acre lot in the […] Read more »
Articles Reflecting on 2025 December 25, 2025 by Kara Happy holidays! To close out 2025, I’ve spent time reflecting on my first full year as Montana Free Press’ local Missoula reporter. The last year has brought no shortage of interesting stories, and while plenty of those appeared in this newsletter, some of my most memorable assignments were stories Missoula This Week readers may have […] Read more »
Articles Youth Homes seeks community support for holiday activities for children in group homes December 23, 2025 by Kara MISSOULA — The holiday break can be challenging for families trying to find activities for kids when school is out — and that’s especially true for children living in group homes. Youth Homes is seeking community support to provide these children with memorable activities during winter break. Activities could include skating at Glacier Ice rink, […] Read more »
Articles Missoula nonprofit needs donations to give group home and foster kids holiday outings December 16, 2025 by Kara A local nonprofit in Missoula, Youth Homes, is asking the community for help to try to give kids a break from the winter doldrums. Youth Homes has 30 young people living in group homes locally, and they’re also working with another 100 youth who are in the family care program, along with kids that are […] Read more »
