Families Like Ours
The Early Childhood Collaborative and the Helena Village Collective, along with many community partners want to create space for parents to share their real stories. Parenting is messy, complicated, and sometimes overwhelming—but no one should have to go through it alone. By telling our stories, we remind one another that struggle is normal, connection is possible, and our community cares deeply about giving children the best start in life. We believe the best way to raise healthy, thriving children is to also nurture healthy, connected parents.
Click here to get your tickets!
Click here to sign up for free child care!
Click here for more information.
Helena Village Cups + Conversation
Join the Helena Village Collective and other moms for tea, chats, and mom connection time while the kids enjoy supervised activity in a nearby room.
This event happens regularly - every month on the last Tuesday of the month.
Sound Bath for Caregivers
You are invited to a one-hour sound bath created for anyone who is parenting or caregiving.
This offering is a quiet, supportive space to simply be. Through soothing sound and vibration, you are invited to let your body and mind rest, release, and breathe.
Questions? reach out to Maureen: mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449 (call or text)
For more information on Gentle Healing Center and to register, please sign up here
For more information on Emily Sweeney or Helena Music Therapy, click here.
Family Learning Lab
Free Food • Real Conversations • Practical Advocacy Skills
Join us for a Community Conversation on early childhood!
Come share what it’s really like raising and supporting young kids in our community - the good, the hard, and everything in between. What’s helping your family right now? What’s missing? What would make the biggest difference?
Your voice will help guide Zero to Five Montana as they shape the early childhood policies they’ll take to the Capitol - so the priorities they champion reflect what families and professionals actually need. For instance, what do you think about a child tax credit?
Build Your Confidence with Advocacy Learning Lab
Ever wondered how decisions get made - and how you can actually influence them? This approachable advocacy training is designed to make the process feel less intimidating and more doable.
You’ll learn the basics of how decisions are made in the Montana Legislature and why your voice as a parent, caregiver, or professional truly matters.
We’ll help you turn your real-life experiences into a powerful story and share simple, practical ways you can speak up and advocate.
No prior experience needed - just bring your perspective and a willingness to learn.
Questions? Reach out to Sarah Froehlke at sarahf@zerotofive.org
Rebuilding Roots: infertility, pregnancy loss & child loss peer support group
This is a place for women and their partners who have experienced or are experiencing infertility or pregnancy or child loss.
Please visit Rebuilding Roots page for more information.
Family Action for Montana
Busy parent? The decisions made at the Capitol affect your child care, health care, and family life more than you might think.
This free, one-hour virtual series makes it easy to understand what’s happening—and how to speak up in ways that fit your life.
Register here: tinyurl.com/3hhj45cp
Your experience matters. Your story matters. And together, parents can help shape a Montana where kids and families thrive.
Click here to see the flyer.
Every Thursday evening in April 7- 8 pm via zoom.
No prior advocacy experience is required - just your perspective as a parent or caregiver.
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.
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.
Hourly Educational Panels with Q&A sessions:
11 am Birth Workers "Navigating Birth: Choices & Support"
12 pm Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists: "Pelvic Health Through Pregnancy & Beyond"
1 pm Perinatal Mental Health & Postpartum Support: "Honoring the Postpartum Journey"
Hourly L&D Unit Tours 11:30, 12:30, 1:30
Enter to win a Gift Basket with items donated from vendors and other Helena area businesses.
Elevate Montana Family Friday
Join Elevate Montana for Family Friday during Week of the Young Child! This special event is designed for parents and children (ages 5-11, but all are welcome) to enjoy a meaningful, hands-on experience together while learning about the power of positive experiences in childhood development.
Creative Activity (30 min): Parents and kids will create an "I Know How To…" flower craft, celebrating growth and achievements with glue sticks, markers, and more!
Interactive Learning (45 min): A session for parents on the Building Blocks of Hope, featuring practical strategies to create positive experiences at home, a book list for parents, and coloring sheets for kids in a cozy corner.
RSVP encouraged but walk-ins are welcome! Email Maureen or Rebecca to let us know you’re coming and how many to expect.
Car Seat Safety Class
This 1 hour class is led by a certified child passenger safety technician. There is time at the end of class for installations as needed. The instruction helps parents learn the basics of:
Choosing the right seat for your child and your budget.
Proper seat installation, including which position to use, the correct angle, and how to secure the seat.
Appropriately fitting your child to the seat, as this is more complex than simply following the height, weight, and age guidelines on the packaging.
Bring your safety seat to class! While installation is apart of the end of class, time will be available at the end to schedule an installation session with the instructor for a later date if needed or if you do not have a car seat with you.
Click here for more information and to register.
Note: Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) can provide car seats upon request through Lewis and Clark Public Health. Please make your request at least 2-3 weeks before the class to ensure availability on the link below. Car Seat Support Request Intake Form
Empowered Parents Network #4
Rocky Head Start and the Early Childhood Collaborative are implementing an “Empowered Parents Network”. Using the book Parent Nation and their framework of Parent Villages, this group will be a group for parents, by parents. There are four 90 minute sessions and the sessions will be a mix of virtual and in-person on Friday afternoons at 2-3:30 pm. The dates are:
December 13th virtual only
January 10th in-person at the Library
January 31st virtual only
February 14th in-person at the Library
This cohort has already started but reach out if you have questions or are interested in this going forward.
Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
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.
Empowered Parents Network #3
Rocky Head Start and the Early Childhood Collaborative are implementing an “Empowered Parents Network”. Using the book Parent Nation and their framework of Parent Villages, this group will be a group for parents, by parents. There are four 90 minute sessions and the sessions will be a mix of virtual and in-person on Friday afternoons at 2-3:30 pm. The dates are:
December 13th virtual only
January 10th in-person at the Library
January 31st virtual only
February 14th in-person at the Library
This cohort has already started but reach out if you have questions or are interested in this going forward.
Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
Empowered Parents Network #2
Rocky Head Start and the Early Childhood Collaborative are implementing an “Empowered Parents Network”. Using the book Parent Nation and their framework of Parent Villages, this group will be a group for parents, by parents. There are four 90 minute sessions and the sessions will be a mix of virtual and in-person on Friday afternoons at 2-3:30 pm. The dates are:
December 13th virtual only
January 10th in-person at the Library
January 31st virtual only
February 14th in-person at the Library
This cohort has already started but reach out if you have questions or are interested in this going forward.
Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
Empowered Parents Network #1
Rocky Head Start and the Early Childhood Collaborative are implementing an “Empowered Parents Network”. Using the book Parent Nation and their framework of Parent Villages, this group will be a group for parents, by parents. There are four 90 minute sessions and the sessions will be a mix of virtual and in-person on Friday afternoons at 2-3:30 pm. The dates are:
December 13th virtual only
January 10th in-person at the Library
January 31st virtual only
February 14th in-person at the Library
More details and information to come but let us know if you’re interested!
Maureen at mbjerke@sphealth.org or 406-461-4449
Advocacy 101 Training
Presented by Zero to Five Montana, this training is tailored to equip families, early childhood providers, and community members with the knowledge and tools needed for effective advocacy. Gain a basic understanding of policy, the Montana Legislature, and the legislative process. Explore various advocacy strategies and learn how to engage in the process.
Click here for more information and to register.
Advocacy 101 Training
Presented by Zero to Five Montana, this training is tailored to equip families, early childhood providers, and community members with the knowledge and tools needed for effective advocacy. Gain a basic understanding of policy, the Montana Legislature, and the legislative process. Explore various advocacy strategies and learn how to engage in the process.
Click here for more information and to register.
Embodied Birth: From Coping to Thriving Before, During and After Birth
Join us for this 6-week group meeting in the Helena area, if you want to dive deeper into birth and postpartum preparation and walk into the birth of your baby feeling empowered and confident.
Dates: 6 Week Session, Every Wednesday Evening Starting October 23, 2024 at 6:30-8:30
Location: 15 W. Placer Ave., Helena, MT
Pre-Registration Required.
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵: Trust your body and optimize your natural hormonal matrix for a smoother, empowered birth
𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱: Use meditation, breath-work, and visualization for grounded birth preparation
𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: practical techniques for comfort including gentle touch, massage, and positioning, for partner support through labor
𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Increase comfort and ease in pregnancy and birth
𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: Connect with other parents on similar journeys and create a support network that extends beyond birth
In our society, we are surrounded by information, but preparing for birth requires more than just facts. Embodied Birth addresses the deeper need to connect knowledge with your inner wisdom, empowering you to discover your own strength in birth and develop tools for coping as you navigate labor and the journey into motherhood.
For more info or to reserve your spot: https://www.shadowlightphoto.com/embodiedbirth/
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.
Infant CPR and Choking Relief
Learn essential life-saving techniques in our hands-on Infant CPR and Choking Relief Class. This session covers how to perform CPR and choking relief on infants. Ideal for parents, caregivers, and anyone working with infants, you'll leave equipped to respond confidently in an emergency. Join us to gain invaluable skills that could save a child's life.
**This course does NOT result in a certificate.
Click here for more information.
Council of Dads
A group for fathers, by fathers.
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers’ Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information or questions, contact David at davidp@florencecrittenton.org or Eric at eric.p@thefriendshipcenter.org
Council of Dads
A group for fathers, by fathers.
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers’ Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information or questions, contact David at davidp@florencecrittenton.org or Eric at eric.p@thefriendshipcenter.org
Infant CPR and Choking Relief
Learn essential life-saving techniques in our hands-on Infant CPR and Choking Relief Class. This session covers how to perform CPR and choking relief on infants. Ideal for parents, caregivers, and anyone working with infants, you'll leave equipped to respond confidently in an emergency. Join us to gain invaluable skills that could save a child's life.
**This course does NOT result in a certificate.
Click here for more information.
Council of Dads
A group for fathers, by fathers.
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers’ Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information or questions, contact David at davidp@florencecrittenton.org or Eric at eric.p@thefriendshipcenter.org
Council of Dads
A group for fathers, by fathers.
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers’ Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information or questions, contact David at davidp@florencecrittenton.org or Eric at eric.p@thefriendshipcenter.org
Council of Dads
A group for fathers, by fathers.
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers’ Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information or questions, contact David at davidp@florencecrittenton.org or Eric at eric.p@thefriendshipcenter.org
Infant CPR and Choking Relief
Learn essential life-saving techniques in our hands-on Infant CPR and Choking Relief Class. This session covers how to perform CPR and choking relief on infants. Ideal for parents, caregivers, and anyone working with infants, you'll leave equipped to respond confidently in an emergency. Join us to gain invaluable skills that could save a child's life.
**This course does NOT result in a certificate.
Click here for more information.
Council of Dads
A group for fathers, by fathers.
Are you a father who wants to connect with other dads in the community? Join us for our upcoming Community Fathers’ Group, where you can:
Share experiences and insights on fatherhood
Learn practical parenting tips and strategies
Gain support and encouragement from fellow dads
Build lasting friendships and connections
For more information or questions, contact David at davidp@florencecrittenton.org or Eric at eric.p@thefriendshipcenter.org
Love and Logic
Class runs June 13 - July 18, 2024
The Love and Logic approach to parenting is built around the science of caring and respectful relationships. An authentic, loving connection between parents and their children forms the foundation of good behavior and healthy decision-making.
Sounds easy enough but never before in history have parents been faced with so many challenges! The Love & Logic approach provides a variety of simple and effective strategies for parenting children from birth to adulthood. Whether you’re embarking for the first time with your new baby or navigating the turbulent teens with your child, our strategies and techniques will help you create calm and loving solutions.
Click here for more information and to register.