Birth and Baby Expo
Location: Education Center at St. Peter’s Health, 2475 East Broadway Street, Helena. Use the Main Entrance.
Audience: New or expecting parents or anyone who wants to learn about the services available in the community during pregnancy and the first year or two of life.
Cost: Free
About: There will be tours of the Women’s and Children’s Unit, Car Seat Safety Technician, and many providers in the community focused on pregnancy, birth and the first year(s) of life.
No need to sign up or register ahead of time. Come anytime between 10 am- 2 pm.
World Migratory Bird Day Festival
World Migratory Bird Day festival is back! Join in the celebration of birds with this free, family-friendly event. There is something for everyone to enjoy: guided bird walks, live raptors, bird boxes, nature journaling, bird crafts and activities.
Click here for more info.
Moms Like Me (in Bozeman)
While this event is located in Bozeman, there is representation from Helena - and the loss community - this year!
Moms Like Me has become an annual, well-loved, community event to raise awareness about the realities of becoming a mother. The event aims to honor the beauty and complexity of motherhood and address the isolation and shame that comes with it.
For more information visit the event page on the Roots Family Collaborative website: Moms Like Me — ROOTS
Rodney Street Block Party
A fun, family-friendly block party on Rodney Street in Helena. Free and open to the public. Free food, games, and live music. A resource fair will provide interested community members with information about mental and behavioral health services available to kids and adults alike. Join us for a meaningful afternoon and bring your friends.
Click here for more information.
Click here to see the flyer.
Sober Delight: Let's Talk About Alcohol
Free and Open to the Public
Let's talk about alcohol! Join us for an evening of important conversation, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, more snacks, pizza, and community-building. Our special guest, Supaman, will join us for the evening. Childcare is provided for interested parents and caregivers.
Click here for more information.
Supaman Concert
Free and open to the public.
Outdoor Concert and Resource Fair Featuring Supaman - Award-winning hip hop artist, fancy dancer, and motivational speaker.
Award-winning hip hop artist, fancy dancer, and motivational speaker, Montana's own SUPAMAN will be in concert on Helena's Walking Mall on Thursday, May 22. Playing multiple sets from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM in front of Ten Mile Brewery, this is a community event and concert you do not want to miss!
Non-alcoholic drink specials will be featured at nearby breweries and bars.
Click here for more information.
Want more information on Supaman? Click here to see some of his videos.
Wave of Light
Join the Early Childhood Collaborative in lighting a candle at 7 pm to recognize and remember all the babies who died too soon.
Our version of the Wave of Light is all inclusive. You are welcome to come light a candle whether it was you who lost a baby or someone you know. Maybe you never got the chance to have a baby, you are welcome. Maybe you lost your “baby” when they were 18 years old - you are welcome, too. Maybe you just want to come and show your support and that is welcome, too.
We will have battery operated candles to place in a heart shape with live music by local musician Joslyn Dollar and hot cocoa to sip on while we come together in community to honor the babies we hold in our hearts and the loved ones who miss them.
If you have questions, reach out: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)
Montana Capitol Tour
Special offering during our Reading in the Rotunda event:
Join the Montana Historical Society on a fun and educational tour of the Capitol building.
Location: Montana State Capitol Building; 1301 E. 6th Ave; Helena
Audience: Everyone!
Cost: Free
No need to sign up or register, just show up a few minutes before 10 am on the first floor of the Capitol next to the Information Desk (Next to the sign that reads: Capitol Tours Meet Here)
Did you know you can tour the Capitol any time at 9 am or 3 pm?
Reading in the Rotunda
About: Please join us for Reading in the Rotunda during Week of the Young Child. We will have fun guest story readers for preschool children and a resource fair where you can learn and explore services available to Helena families.
Location: Montana State Capitol Building; 1301 E. 6th Ave; Helena
Audience: Children aged 0-5 and their caregivers
Cost: Free
No need to sign up or register, just show up anytime between 9-11 am
Music Monday
About: Make some noise for Week of the Young Child’s Music Monday! Join Joslyn Dollar with Music Together Helena Valley for a fun and engaging music and movement class.
Location: Large Community Room at the Lewis & Clark Library; 120 S. Last Change Gulch, Helena MT
Audience: Children ages 0-5 with their caregiver
Capacity: 20 children with their caregivers
Cost: Free
RSVP: Please let Maureen or Joslyn know you’ll be attending so we know how many to expect.
More information: Contact Joslyn Dollar at mthelenavalley@gmail.com or Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text is fine)
Click here to visit Music Together’s website.
Week of the Young Child Kickoff Event
Location: Lewis and Clark Library
Audience: Children 0-5 years old and their caregivers
Cost: Free
About: Free fun activities, giveaways and resources.
No need to sign up ahead of time, just show up and join the fun.
Week of the Young Child 2025
Join us for the Week of the Young Child 2025 for this community wide celebration! Helena - thank you for your enthusiastic response!
Click here for the detailed flyer or check our events page for all the activities, discounts and events.
Check out our Week of the Young Child page for some more information.
Reach out if you have questions: Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
Strengthening Families Month
April is Strengthening Families Month!
Join us in promoting the safety and well-being of Montana's children and raising awareness about child abuse prevention. This month, communities across the state are coming together to strengthen families and build a brighter future for our kids.
Keep an eye out for blue pinwheels around Helena—how many can you find? Be sure to find the Early Childhood Collaborative's Pinwheel Pals, too! They are also a part of our Week of the Young Child festivities!
Click here to check out the digital scavenger hunt!
Visit DPHH’s website to learn more about events, resources, and ways to support Strengthening Families Month. Let’s grow stronger together!
Strengthening Support Services Summit
Join us for the Strengthening Support Services Summit, a dynamic event dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering stronger collaboration among service providers, companies, and organizations in our community. This summit aims to improve how we work together to better serve those in need.
Attendees will participate in one of four breakout sessions focused on key areas of support: Early Childhood, Housing, Mental Health, and Substance Misuse. The event will also feature expert speakers discussing vital topics such as building comprehensive resource directories and finding ways to collaborate on funding rather than competing for resources.
Whether you're a service provider, a business leader, or a community advocate, this summit offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to drive real change in how we support our community together. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the solution!
Click here to register for this free event before February 12th!
For more information on the event: ecchelena.org/ssss
Self-Love for Loss Parents
Take time for yourself during our Self-Love for Loss Parents. This time offers space for people who have experienced loss on their parenting journey to focus on themselves and participate in a little self-care. We will create jars full of affirmations for you to take home so you can read those uplifting gentle reminders whenever you need a boost.
Does it sound overwhelming to come up with a jar full of nice things for yourself? Don’t worry, we will have some already created you can use, too.
Feel free to bring a friend! This loss event will be for adults. You could also come and make a jar for your friend who lost a baby, pregnancy, child.
We will be at the building that used to be the Pattern House, by the new food share building. It is an office building now but it is an awesome space.
What does “people who have experienced loss on their parenting journey” mean? Well, it is our way of trying to be inclusive. You are welcome if you are carrying grief around being a parent. If you are unsure if you “fit”, please feel free to reach out for some reassurance because if you want to come, then you fit.
Reach out with questions: Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)
How the Helena: Child Care Discussion
In February at How the Helena?!: we will be discussing childcare in our community, which is a great need that touches many in Helena. Stay tuned for details on speakers and moderators!
Join How the Helena?! the second Tuesday of every month at Tenmile Creek Brewery for respectful, inclusive conversations on issues that have local solutions. We are looking to develop creative, concrete solutions to present to our local officials and staff.
How the Helena?!—
Creating new avenues for meaningful local engagement.
Click here for more information.
"Have a Heart for Kids" Advocacy Day
Location: Montana State Capitol Building (Rotunda)
Purpose: Raise awareness of the importance of early childhood, encourage policymakers to prioritize young children, families, and early childhood professionals, and connect parent participants to share their stories and perspectives with their elected officials.
Click here for more information and to register.
See the Agenda here.
Early Childhood Summit
Location: Double Tree by Hilton, 22 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Purpose: Bring together anyone interested in early childhood policy issues and solutions, hear about current legislative updates, build connections, and explore advocacy opportunities.
Click here for more information and to register.
See the Agenda here.
Winter Remembrance Gathering: Honoring Our Little Ones
Join us as we come together to create a special ornament in honor of the child you lost. We'll be using clear plastic ornaments that open, allowing you to place small items inside that hold special meaning. If you don't have anything specific to bring, don't worry—we’ll have plenty of materials and mementos for you to choose from.
This gathering is open to parents, support people, grandparents, siblings, cousins, friends, and children are all welcome. Whether you are the parent or a loved one, you are warmly invited to participate in memorializing your little one(s).
No need to register—just drop in anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 pm to create your ornament.
Click here to see the flyer. Feel free to share!
This is intended to be an inclusive event but if you are wondering if this is a “fit” for you (it probably is…) please feel free to reach out. Events like this can be a little anxiety provoking and also very meaningful. I am happy to answer any questions to help you feel less nervous.
Contact info: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text is fine)
Wave of Light
Join the Early Childhood Collaborative in lighting a candle at 7 pm to recognize and remember all the babies who died too soon.
Our version of the Wave of Light is all inclusive. You are welcome to come light a candle whether it was you who lost a baby or someone you know. Maybe you never got the chance to have a baby, you are welcome. Maybe you lost your “baby” when they were 18 years old - you are welcome, too. Maybe you just want to come and show your support and that is welcome, too.
We will have battery operated candles to place in a heart shape with live music by local musician Joslyn Dollar and hot cocoa to sip on while we come together in community to honor the babies we hold in our hearts and the loved ones who miss them.
If you have questions, reach out: Maureen Bjerke at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)
This event will kick off a series of community events for those who have experienced loss on their parenting journey. Keep an eye out for more events to come. We want you to remember you are not alone.
Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition
Come join us for a special screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition documentary on October 10th at Intermountain’s Community Services Center at 3240 Dredge Drive.
This new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents, and educators are facing; e.g., smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, and social media pressures and stressors for youngsters. Hear about the latest research on these topics, the effects of too much screen time, and solutions to these challenges.
We will have a free light meal and refreshments starting at 5:30. The movie will start at 6 pm.
Immediately after the movie we will hear from a panel of community professionals with solutions and ideas to continue the conversation at home.
Childcare is available for toddlers graciously provided by St. Peter's Health. Be sure to register your child's name and age so we can plan a great night for your whole family.
Thank you to Intermountain for hosting this opportunity.
Click here for more information on the film and to watch the trailer.
Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition
Come join us for a special screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition documentary on October 9th at Prickly Pear Elementary gym and Cafeteria, 325 Academic St., East Helena, MT 59625.
This new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents, and educators are facing; e.g., smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, and social media pressures and stressors for youngsters. Hear about the latest research on these topics, the effects of too much screen time, and solutions to these challenges.
We will have a free light meal and refreshments starting at 5:30. Movie will start at 6 pm.
Immediately after the movie we will hear from a panel of community professionals with solutions and ideas to continue the conversation at home.
Childcare is available for toddlers graciously provided by St. Peter's Health. Be sure to register your child's name and age so we can plan a great night for your whole family.
Thank you to Intermountain for hosting this opportunity.
Click here for more information on the film and to watch the trailer.
Perinatal Mental Health Walk
Join the Helena Team here.
For more information click here.